U.S. patent application number 11/252952 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for package having recloseable pour spout.
Invention is credited to James W. Yeager.
Application Number | 20070086683 11/252952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37948217 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070086683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yeager; James W. |
April 19, 2007 |
Package having recloseable pour spout
Abstract
A package having a recloseable pour spout is disclosed, with the
package including front and rear package panels which may be joined
at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side
gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable,
including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for
dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can
be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting
inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to
the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed
after the package is initially opened. The package can include a
longitudinal seal which extends from adjacent the pour spout to
overlap the fastener strip. When the package includes side gussets,
the package may include an arrangement of corner seals, with the
corner seals at the one of the gussets at which the package pour
spout is formed not extending the full length of the package,
thereby desirably facilitating shaping of the package to form the
pour spout. A method of forming the present package is also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Yeager; James W.; (Mobile,
AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET
SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
37948217 |
Appl. No.: |
11/252952 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/95 ; 383/120;
383/204; 383/61.2; 383/63; 383/906 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B31B 50/26 20170801;
Y10S 493/927 20130101; B65D 33/20 20130101; B65D 75/5866 20130101;
B65B 61/184 20130101; B65D 33/2533 20130101; B65D 31/10 20130101;
B65D 33/2508 20130101; B31B 50/81 20170801; B65B 61/18 20130101;
B65B 61/188 20130101; B65D 33/1658 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/095 ;
383/906; 383/120; 383/061.2; 383/063; 383/204 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; B65D 30/20 20060101
B65D030/20 |
Claims
1. A package having a recloseable pour spout, comprising: a front
package panel; a rear package panel; and a recloseable fastener
strip extending along confronting inside surfaces of said front and
rear panels; said fastener strip being configured for detachable
connection to itself, to thereby form a recloseable pour spout at
an upper edge of said package after opening of said upper edge to
form said pour spout, said package including a longitudinal seal
adjacent to said pour spout joining said front package panel to
said rear package panel.
2. A package in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said package
includes a pair of side gussets joining respective opposite edges
of said front panel and said rear panel to each other, said
fastener strip extending along an inside surface of one of said
gussets.
3. A package in accordance with claim 2, wherein: said front and
rear panels are sealed to each other and to said side gussets at
said upper edge of said package, to form a sealed header, a portion
of said sealed header being removable from said pour spout.
4. A package in accordance with claim 1. wherein: said fastener
strip comprises a profile fastener strip.
5. A package in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said fastener
strip comprises an adhesive fastener strip.
6. A package in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said fastener
strip comprises a hook-and-loop fastener strip.
7. A package in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said fastener
strip has a length greater than the periphery of said pour spout,
and said longitudinal seal extends from adjacent said pour spout
overlaps said recloseable fastener strip.
8. A package in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said longitudinal
seal extends from adjacent said pour spout and overlaps said
fastener strip above a fastener element thereof.
9. A package having a recloseable pour spout, comprising: a front
package panel; a rear package panel connected to said front package
panel; a pair of side gussets joining respective opposite edges of
said front and rear panels; and a recloseable fastener strip
extending from a portion of an inside surface of said front panel
to a portion of an inside surface of said rear panel, along one of
said side gussets said fastener strip being configured for
detachable connection to itself, said front panel and said rear
panel being sealed to each other at an upper edge of said package
to form a sealed header, a portion of said sealed header being
adjacent said fastener strip, said fastener strip being configured
for detachable connection to itself for selectively reclosing said
pour spout, said package including a pair of corner seals at each
of said gussets respectively, joining each of said gussets to said
front and rear panels, said corner seals of said one of said
gussets each extending downwardly from a point below a fastener
element of said fastener strip to facilitate formation of said pour
spout.
10. A package in accordance with claim 9, wherein: each said point
is spaced below said fastener element of said fastener strip by a
distance generally corresponding to a folded width of each said
gusset.
11. A package in accordance with claim 9, including: a pair of
auxiliary corner seals formed respectively joining said one of said
gussets to said front and rear panels in said sealed header to
facilitate removal thereof.
12. A package in accordance with claim 9, including: a longitudinal
seal joining said front and rear panels to each other adjacent to
said pour spout.
13. A package in accordance with claim 9, wherein: said package
includes at least one weakened region to facilitate removal of said
portion of said header.
14. A package in accordance with claim 9, wherein: said pair of
side gussets extend into said sealed header, said removable portion
of said sealed header including a portion of said one of said side
gussets.
15. A package in accordance with claim 9, wherein: said fastener
strip is selected from the group consisting of a profile fastener
strip, an adhesive fastener strip, and a hook-and-loop fastener
strip.
16. A package in accordance with claim 9, wherein: said package is
formed from a tube having a width in a flattened state, said
fastener strip having a length, when folded in half, which is less
than one-half of said width. said attachment element being spaced
from said sealed header by about 0.1875 inches to about 0.75
inches.
17. A package in accordance with claim 9, wherein: said recloseable
fastener strip includes plural groups of profile elements, each of
said groups of profile elements being configured for detachable
connection to itself.
18. A method of forming a package with a recloseable pour spout,
comprising the steps of: providing a web of material having a
longitudinal axis; applying a plurality of fastener strips to said
web of material at intervals corresponding to a length of each said
package being formed, said fastener strips each extending
transversely of said longitudinal axis and each being detachably
connectable to itself; folding said web of material, and sealing
the material to itself to form a tube; transversely sealing said
tube to form a series of packages in end-to-end relationship, with
each said package including a front package panel and a rear
package panel, with a respective one of said fastener strips
extending from a portion of the front panel to a portion of the
rear panel of the respective package to form a recloseable pour
spout; and forming a longitudinal seal joining said front package
panel to said rear package panel adjacent to pour spout.
19. A method of forming a package in accordance with claim 18,
including: forming a pair of inwardly extending side gussets in
said tube prior to said transversely sealing strip, each said
fastener strip extending from the front panel to the rear panel of
the respective package along an inside surface of a respective one
of said side gussets.
20. A method of forming a package in accordance with claim 18,
wherein: said web of material is sealed to itself generally along
the rear panel of each said package.
21. A method of forming a package in accordance with claim 18,
wherein: said web of material is sealed to itself generally along
an edge of said front panel or rear panel of each said package.
22. A method of forming a package in accordance with claim 20,
wherein: said plurality of fastener strips are applied to said web
of material offset from the longitudinal axis thereof.
23. A method of forming a package in accordance with claim 21,
wherein: said plurality of fastener strips are applied to said web
of material in alignment with the longitudinal axis thereof.
24. A method of forming a package in accordance with claim 19,
including: forming a pair of corner seals at each of said gussets
respectively joining each of said gussets to said front and rear
panels, said corner seals of said one of said gussets each
extending downwardly from a point below a fastener element of said
fastener strip to facilitate formation of said pour spout.
25. A method of forming a package in accordance with claim 24,
including: forming a pair of auxiliary corner seals respectively
joining said one of said gussets to said front and rear panels
above said fastener strip.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to recloseable
packages, and more particularly to a package having a recloseable
pour spout, which can be configured to include side gussets, and
which is particularly suited for use for packaging dry, pourable
contents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Recloseable packages have come into increasingly widespread
use in view of the convenience they provide to consumers and other
users to permit a portion of a package's contents to be used, and
the package effectively reclosed. To this end, packages have been
provided with recloseable elements including profile fastener
strips, cooperating adhesive strips, hook-and-loop fastener
elements, and the like, to permit a package to be conveniently
reclosed after its initial opening. U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,733, No.
4,655,862, No. 4,844,759, and No. 4,909,017, all hereby
incorporated by reference, disclose various recloseable package
constructions, and methods for effecting their formation.
[0003] Packages formed in accordance with the above-referenced
patents typically include a package portion which is removable for
initial opening of the package, and for providing access to a
profile fastener strip or other type of recloseable element. In
typical constructions known heretofore, the recloseable element of
the package extends substantially completely across one dimension
of the package, i.e., completely across the width of the package.
Access to the package contents is thus facilitated.
[0004] For some applications, however, it can be desirable to
maintain the sealed integrity of a portion of the package, while an
associated portion of the package is configured for recloseable
opening. Such an arrangement permits a package to be formed to
include a pour spout, thus facilitating convenient pouring of the
packages contents, such as dog food, fertilizer, dry cereal, or
other dry, pourable materials. The present invention is directed to
a package including a recloseable pour spout, which package can
desirably be configured to include side gussets, thus desirably
increasing the internal capacity of the package with efficient use
of packaging materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a package including a
pour spout that can be conveniently reclosed after the package is
initially opened. Notably, the present package can be configured to
include side gussets, providing the package with a configuration
which provides the package with desired internal volume, and
efficient use of packaging materials. The present package can
include a longitudinal seal joining front and rear package panels
to each other, adjacent to the pour spout, which desirably acts to
close off the interior of the package after the pour spout has been
initially opened. Additionally, when provided with a pair of side
gussets, the present package can include an arrangement of corner
seals (sometimes referred to as quad seals) which desirably act to
rigidify and stabilize the package and its contents in a
free-standing orientation. In particular, corner seals provided at
the one of the side gussets at which the pour spout is formed
preferably do not extend the full length of the package. A method
of making the package is also disclosed, the disclosed method
facilitating use of the package with high-speed form, fill, and
seal (FFS) packaging machinery, for efficient and economical
use.
[0006] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the present
package includes a front package panel and a rear package panel,
with the illustrated embodiment further including a pair of side
gussets joining respective opposite edges of the front panel and
the rear panel to each other. While the present package is
illustrated as including side gussets, it will be understood that
the present package may be configured without such side gussets, in
a so-called "pillow pack" configuration.
[0007] The package of the present invention further includes a
recloseable fastener strip extending from confronting inside
surfaces of the front and rear package panels, that is, from a
portion of an inside surface of the front panel to a portion of an
inside surface of the rear panel. If the package is configured to
include side gussets, the fastener strip extends along an inside
surface of one of the gussets. The fastener strip may be provided
in the form of a profile fastener strip, an adhesive fastener
strip, or a hook-and-loop fastener strip, such that the fastener
strip is configured for detachable connection to itself.
[0008] The front and rear panels, and the side gussets, if
provided, are sealed to each other at an upper edge of the package
to form a sealed header, a portion of which is removable to form a
pour spout of the package. The removable portion of the header is
positioned above and adjacent to the fastener strip of the package,
with the fastener strip thus being positioned for reclosing the
pour spout after initial package opening. This is easily effected
by folding the fastener strip and connecting it to itself, thereby
closing the pour spout of the package. While a portion of the
sealed header of the package is removable, the remainder of the
sealed header remains intact, thus maintaining the integrity of the
package.
[0009] To facilitate opening of the removable portion of the sealed
header, the package preferably includes at least one weakened
region, such as provided in the form of scoring, perforations, or
the like. If the package is provided with side gussets, the
weakened region preferably extends through that one of the side
gussets provided at that portion of the package providing the pour
spout.
[0010] Efficient formation of the present package is achieved by
providing a web of material having a longitudinal axis, and
applying a plurality of fastener strips to the web of material at
intervals corresponding to a length of each of the packages being
formed. Each fastener strip extends transversely of the
longitudinal axis of the web of material. As will be appreciated, a
web of material having fasteners pre-applied thereto can be rolled
and stored, and thereafter used in conjunction with a form, fill,
and seal machine for completing package formation attendant to
product filling. Alternatively, the present packages can be formed
in a so-called "in-line" process, wherein the fastener strips are
applied to the web of material as the material and strips are fed
into a form, fill, and seal machine, and other packaging systems,
including pouch-making equipment.
[0011] Package formation is effected by folding the web of
material, and sealing the material to itself to form a tube. The
tube is transversely sealed to form a series of packages in
end-to-end relationship, with each package including a front
package panel and a rear package panel. A respective one of the
fastener strips extends from a portion of the front panel to a
portion of the rear panel of the respective package, thereby
forming the desired recloseable pour spout. A pair of inwardly
extending side gussets can be formed in the tube prior to the
transversely sealing step, with each fastener strip extending from
the front panel to the rear panel of the respective package along
an inside surface of a respective one of the side gussets.
[0012] The present package can be formed in alternative ways,
depending upon the specific application. In one form, the web of
material is sealed to itself generally along the rear panel of each
package. Formation in this fashion includes application of a
plurality of fastener strips to the web of material offset from the
longitudinal axis thereof, whereby the desired pour spout is
provided at an upper corner of each package being formed.
Alternatively, the web of material can be sealed to itself
generally along an edge of the front panel or rear panel of each
package, such as at one of the side gussets, which can be desirable
for providing an unseamed rear panel having suitable graphics or
the like thereon. Formation in this manner can be effected by
application of a plurality of fastening strips to the web of
material in alignment with the longitudinal axis thereof, that is,
with each of the fastener strips intersecting the longitudinal
axis. Formation in this fashion can be desirable if packages are to
be formed by pre-application of the fastener strips to the web of
material, followed by forming a roll of the material for subsequent
unrolling and use with a form, fill, and seal machine. The manner
in which each fastener strip is positioned in alignment with the
longitudinal axis of the web of material provides a "centered"
disposition for the fastener strips, thus facilitating roll
formation of the web of material with the pre-applied fastener
strips.
[0013] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the present
package can include a longitudinal seal which joins the front
package panel and rear package panel to each other adjacent to the
pour spout. The longitudinal seal can be configured to extend from
adjacent the pour spout and overlap the associated recloseable
fastener strip, which desirably can be provided with a length
greater than the periphery of the pour spout to promote efficient
manufacture. Alternatively, the longitudinal seal can be configured
to extend from adjacent the pour spout to overlap the fastener
strip above the fastener element thereof. The provision of this
longitudinal seal desirably acts to close the interior of the
package after removal of the header portion of the package for
formation of the package pour spout.
[0014] The present package may also be configured to include an
arrangement of corner seals, sometimes referred to as quad seals,
which desirably act to rigidify and stabilize the package and its
contents in a free-standing orientation. In particular, the package
may include a pair of corner seals at each of the side gussets
respectively joining each of the side gussets to the front and rear
package panels. Notably, the corner seals of the one of the gussets
at which the pour spout is formed each extend downwardly from a
point below a fastener element of the fastener strip, thereby
facilitating formation of the pour spout as the package assumes a
generally U-shaped configuration when the pour spout is opened and
formed. This arrangement desirably avoids formation of corner seals
at the fastening element of the fastener strip itself, which could
undesirably inhibit the desired function of the fastener strip. In
a further embodiment, a pair of auxiliary corner seals can be
formed respectively joining the one of the gussets to the front and
rear package panels above the fastener strip, with the auxiliary
corner seals preferably provided in the sealed header of the
package to facilitate removal thereof. Thus, as will be
appreciated, the corner seals formed along the gusset of the
package at which the pour spout is formed can be discontinuous,
i.e., each extend above and below the fastener strip, but not
across the fastener strip.
[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become readily apparent from the following detailed description,
the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package including a
recloseable pour spout embodying the principles of the present
invention, with the illustrated embodiment including side
gussets;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the package shown in FIG. 1
illustrating the package after the pour spout thereof has been
opened;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the
present package after the pour spout thereof has been closed;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present package
taken generally along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present package
taken generally along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present package
taken generally along lines 6-6 of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the present
package taken generally along lines 7-7 of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the present
package taken generally along lines 8-8 of FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating
formation of the present package; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating a
modified method of forming the package of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating a
further embodiment of the present package including a recloseable
pour spout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter
be described, a presently preferred embodiments of the invention,
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment
illustrated.
[0028] The present invention discloses a package, which can be
configured to include side gussets, wherein an upper corner of the
package can be opened to form a pour spout. As will be further
described, the package includes a fastener strip on the inside of
the package which facilitates convenient reclosing of the pour
spout after initial opening. A fastener strip is employed which is
sufficiently flexible as to permit the package to assume a normal
configuration before opening, with the fastener strip having a
generally W-shape if the package includes side gussets. After
initial package opening, a generally U-shaped pour spout is formed,
with the now-exposed fastener strip on the inside of the package
permitting the pour spout to be conveniently reclosed for
subsequent pouring of the package contents. The present package is
particularly suited for use for dry, pourable contents, such as dog
food, dry cereal, fertilizer, and the like.
[0029] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the present package 10
can be suitably formed from a wide variety of materials, including
plastic film, paper, laminate composites, and the like, as is
well-known in the art. The package 10 includes a generally
rectangular front package panel 12 and a generally rectangular rear
package panel 14, which in the illustrated embodiment are joined to
each other at respective opposite edges by a pair of inwardly
extending side gussets 16 and 18. As will be appreciated, the
package embodying the principles of the present invention can be
provided without side gussets, with the respective edge portions of
front panel 12 and rear panel 14 connected directly to each other,
in the form of a so-called "pillow pack".
[0030] As will be further described, package 10 is formed from a
web of material which is shaped into a tube, with the material
joined to itself along a seam which extends along the length of the
web of material. Package 10 thus includes a back seam 20, but it is
within the purview of the present invention that the seam at which
the web of material is joined to itself can be provided generally
at the edge of one of the front or rear panels, with the seam thus
being positioned generally within one of the side gussets 16,
18.
[0031] Package 10 is closed and sealed at upper and lower portions
thereof by transverse seals. Bottom seal 22 joins front and rear
panels 12 and 14 to each other, and to side gussets 16, 18.
Depending upon the specific configuration which is desired, the
side gussets can be sealed "closed" at the top and bottom seals, or
can be left "open", as illustrated, that is, each of the side
gussets forms a generally V-shape at the top and bottom of the
package.
[0032] An upper transverse seal of the package 10 joins front panel
12 and rear panel 14 to each other, and to side gussets 16 and 18,
and thus forms a sealed header 24 of the package 10.
[0033] In accordance with the present invention, an upper marginal
corner portion 25 of package 10, including a portion of sealed
header 24, is removable for forming a pour spout for the package
10. To this end, the package 10 is optionally provided with a
weakened region 26 at an upper corner of the package which
facilitates removal of the portion 25 generally within the weakened
region 26. Weakened region 26 may comprise suitable perforations,
scoring such as by knife or laser, or other weakening of the region
to facilitate convenient removal of the upper corner portion 25 of
the package by a consumer. In the illustrated embodiment, weakened
region 26 is shown as a series of perforations, with the weakened
region extending into and through side gusset 16 which is disposed
at that side of the package 10 at which the pour spout is provided.
A weakened region 26 is not necessary for practice of the present
invention, since a portion of the package header 24 can
alternatively be removed by a user by use of a suitable knife,
scissors, or the like.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates the present package 10 after fracture of
weakened region 26, and removal of portion 25 of the package,
including a portion of sealed header 24, to form a pour spout,
generally designated 28. As will be observed, side gusset 16 is
generally inverted or outwardly turned for formation of the pour
spout 28, thus facilitating convenient dispensing of the contents
of the package 10. As shown, the remaining portion of sealed header
14 remains intact, thus providing desired integrity for the package
as it is manipulated to pour contents therefrom.
[0035] In accordance with the present invention, convenient
reclosing of pour spout 28 is effected by the provision of fastener
strip 30 which is secured to the inside surface of the package 10.
As illustrated, fastener strip 30 extends between confronting
surfaces of front panel 12 and rear panel 14, that is, extends
along a portion of the front panel and a portion of the back panel,
generally beneath the pour spout 28 defined by weakened region 26
of the package, preferably generally along one side of the
longitudinal centerline of the package. If the package 10 includes
side gussets as illustrated, the fastener strip 30 extends along
the inside surface of side gussets 16. By this arrangement, the
fastener strip 30, which is selected to exhibit the necessary
flexibility, has a generally W-shape prior to opening of the
package (see FIG. 4), and assumes a generally loop-shape or U-shape
after the pour spout has been opened (FIG. 5).
[0036] Fastener strip 30 is configured for detachable connection to
itself, and in this way facilitates convenient closing of the pour
spout after the desired quantity of the contents of package 10 have
been dispensed. The fastener strip is simply folded and pressed
against itself, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, thus closing the
pour spout 28. As will be observed, side gusset 16 is maintained in
its outwardly extending disposition, thus facilitating detachable
securement of the fastener strip 30 to itself substantially along
its entire folded length. The package 10 is now effectively closed
for subsequent reuse.
[0037] The specific configuration of fastener 30 can be varied
while keeping with the principles disclosed therein. In one
presently contemplated embodiment, the fastener strip 30 is
provided in the form of a so-called profile fastener strip, which
typically includes at least 2 upstanding elements 32 which define a
groove therebetween, such that the groove can receive one of the
upstanding elements when the fastener strip is folded onto itself.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,862, and No. 4,844,759, both hereby
incorporated by reference, illustrate interlocking profile fastener
strips which have the ability to lock onto themselves when the
profile strip is folded. Such recloseable interlocking profile
strips contain at least one "unisex" rib and groove locking
feature.
[0038] It is presently preferred that fastener strip 30 includes at
least two groups of profile elements 32 (FIG. 7), each group being
of a "unisex" configuration, with each group of elements being
engageable with itself to provide the desired self-locking action.
Aside from providing enhanced sealing, the preferred provision of
plural groups of self-engaging profile elements provides desirably
enhanced tactile use of the present invention, enhancing convenient
manipulation of the pour spout.
[0039] Fastener strip 30 may alternatively be configured as an
adhesive closure, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,787,
hereby incorporated by reference. These types of adhesive closures
include cold sealable, pressure-sensitive co-adhesive. This type of
pressure sensitive closure exhibits a low surface tack and are
co-adhesive only when placed under pressure in contact with other
cold sealable, co-adhesive coated surfaces. The pressure-sensitive
side of these types of cohesive closures can be folded so that the
cohesive side is in contact with itself for use in a package
embodying the present invention.
[0040] It is further contemplated that fastener strip 30 may be
configured as a so-called hook-and-loop closure, as are known in
the art. When configured in this form, the fastener strip may
include two distinct portions, one having the so-called hook
elements, and the other including the so-called loop elements,
generally configured such that the strip can be folded at its
midpoint and secured to itself throughout its folded length.
Alternatively, a hook-and-loop fastener can be employed which
includes elements throughout its length which can function as both
"hooks" and as "loops", whereby the fastener strip 30 can be
adhered to itself. For example, fasteners of this nature are known
which include a plurality of closely-spaced, generally
mushroom-shaped upstanding elements which are configured for
detachable interengagement with like elements.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, fastener strip 30 is shown as
a flanged profile fastener strip, including profile elements 32 and
upper and lower flange portions 34 and 36 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).
Profile elements 32 may be formed separately from, or integrally
with, flange portions 34, 36, with it presently preferred that the
fastener strip 30 for the package 10 be configured as an
integrated, single piece component for application to and
disposition on the inside surface of the package.
[0042] As will be appreciated, profile elements 32 provide the
attachment elements for detachable connection of the fastener strip
30 to itself, while upper and lower flange portions 34, 36
facilitate handling of each fastener strip, and securement to the
associated web of material from which the package 10 is formed. In
this regard, it is preferred that the profile elements 32, or the
one or more attachment elements of a fastener strip 30 provided in
another form, be positioned as closely as practicable to the sealed
header 24 of the package, thus minimizing the unsealed region which
exits between the header and the attachment element of the fastener
strip. This spacing, designated S in FIG. 3, is preferably about
0.1875 inches to about 0.75 inches, thus providing sufficient space
for forming equipment to form the necessary seal between upper
flange portion 34 and the associated film material during package
formation. To achieve this preferred spacing, the lower flange
portion 36 may have a larger dimension than upper flange portion
34.
[0043] In accordance with the present invention, the present
recloseable package can be provided with a longitudinal seal 40
which is provided adjacent to pour spout 28 and joins front panel
portion 12 and rear panel portion 14 to each other. Longitudinal
seal 40 desirably acts to close the interior of the package after
removal of corner portion 25 of sealed header 24, thus desirably
maintaining the integrity of the package's contents. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, longitudinal seal 40 extends
from adjacent the pour spout 28 inwardly of the recloseable
fastener strip 30, and preferably overlaps the fastener strip to
seal the ends of the strip together. Fastener strip 30 can
preferably be provided with a length that is greater than the
periphery of the open pour spout 28, thus desirably avoiding the
need for excessive precision in positioning of the fastener
strip.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, a
longitudinal seal 40' is provided, wherein the longitudinal seal
extends from adjacent the pour spout of the package to overlap the
fastener strip 30 above the fastener element thereof.
[0045] As will be appreciated, the longitudinal seal, 40, 40',
desirably closes off the opening that is formed in the package once
the removable header portion of the package is removed to form the
package pour spout. Formation of the longitudinal seal 40, 40' is
effected after the material from which the package is formed is
shaped into a tube, as further described hereinafter.
[0046] With further reference to FIG. 11, when the present package
is provided with side gussets, the package may be provided with an
arrangement of corner seals, sometimes referred to as quad seals,
which desirably act to rigidify and stabilize the package and its
contents in a free-standing orientation. Corner seals of this
nature can be provided generally in accordance with the teachings
of U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,652, hereby incorporated by reference, with
the exception that the corner seals formed on the side of the
package at which the pour spout is formed do not extend the full
length of the package.
[0047] In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates a pair of corner seals 42
at side gusset 18, and another pair of corner seals 44 at side
gusset 16, at which the pour spout is formed. The pair of corner
seals at each of the gussets respectively join each of the gussets
to the front and rear package panels 12 and 14. As will be noted,
corner seals 44 at side gusset 18 preferably extend substantially
the full length of the package 10.
[0048] In contrast, corner seals 44 at side gusset 16, the one of
the gussets at which the pour spout is formed, do not extend the
full length of package 10. Rather, corner seals 44 each extend
downwardly from a point below the fastener element (e.g., profile
element) of the fastener strip 30, with this point preferably being
spaced below the fastener element. This spacing is preferably
selected so that the corner seals do not significantly inhibit
shaping of the side gusset 16 and the front and rear package panels
to the desired generally U-shaped configuration of the pour spout
28 during use. If the corner seals 44 extend too closely to the
fastener element of the fastener strip 30, they can undesirably
inhibit the package assuming the desired U-shaped configuration in
the region of the pour spout. As will be appreciated, it is
particularly preferred that the corner seals 44 do not extend over
or intersect the fastener element of the fastener strip 30, which
could otherwise undesirably inhibit the desired self-sealing nature
of the fastener strip 30.
[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates a further optional feature of the
present invention, wherein auxiliary corner seals 46 are provided
which respectively join side gussets 16 to the front and rear
package panels above the fastener strip 30. The auxiliary corner
seals 46 are preferably provided in the sealed header 24 of the
package, preferably above any weakened region 26. This arrangement
facilitates manual removal of upper corner portion 25 since each
auxiliary corner seal 46 is somewhat rigid, by virtue of its sealed
nature, thus facilitating manipulation of the corner portion 25 at
weakened portion 26, which can extend beneath each of the auxiliary
corner seals 46.
[0050] Thus, the preferred arrangement of corner seals 42, 44
desirably prevents the corner seals from limiting the size of the
pour spout, which could otherwise be the case if the corner seals
44 are provided too close to the fastener elements of the fastener
strip 30 to prevent the pour spout from opening fully. In the
preferred form, each corner seam 44 is spaced below the fastener
elements 32 of the fastener strip by a distance which generally
corresponds to the distance between each corner seal 44 and the
fold of the respective gusset 16, i.e., the folded width of the
gusset. This facilitates the pour spout fully opening.
[0051] FIGS. 9 and 10 diagrammatically illustrate formation of the
present package, which as noted above, can be effected by
pre-application of fastener strips 30 to a web of material from
which the package is formed, for subsequent use with a form, fill,
and seal machine, or performed in-line with a form, fill, and seal
machine.
[0052] A web of material W from which package 10 is formed, can be
provided in roll form, and unwound so that the web of material
defines a longitudinal axis. A plurality of the fastener strips 30
are provided, and are applied to the web of material W at intervals
I which correspond to the length of each package being formed. As
noted, each fastener strip 30 preferably is applied as a single
piece of material during formation in this manner, even if each
fastener strip itself comprises discrete portions, such as profile
elements and associated flange portions.
[0053] After each fastener strip 30 is applied to the web of
material so that it extends transversely of the longitudinal axis
thereof, the web of material is folded, and sealed to itself to
form a tube. In this fashion, back seam 20 is formed. The tube of
material is transversely sealed to form a series of packages in
end-to-end relationship, with each package including front and rear
panels, as described above. As illustrated, a respective one of the
fastener strips 30 extends from a portion of the front panel to a
portion of the rear panel of the respective package, to thereby
form the recloseable pour spout of the package. If the package is
to be provided with side gussets, as illustrated, the web of
material is guided with respect to suitable plows which form the
side gussets prior to transverse sealing of the tube.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the web of material W is sealed to
itself generally along the rear panel 14 of each package being
formed, with a plurality of fastener strips 30 applied to the web
of material in offset relationship from the longitudinal axis
thereof. In contrast, FIG. 10 illustrates formation of the package
seam generally at one of the junction lines between the front and
rear panels and the side gussets, that is, generally at one of the
edges of the front and rear panels within the associated side
gusset. If the present package is to be formed in this fashion, the
plurality of fastener strips 30 are applied to the web of material
in alignment with the longitudinal axis thereof, that is, generally
intersecting the longitudinal axis. Formation in this fashion
creates a package wherein the longitudinal seam thereof is not
disposed on either the front or rear panel, thus facilitating
display of graphics or the like on the panels. Additionally, when
the fastener strips 30 are pre-applied to the web of material as
illustrated in FIG. 10, such as for storage in roll form prior to
use with a form, fill, and seal machine, disposition of the
fastener strip generally at the centerline of the web of material
provides a more stable roll of material.
[0055] As will be appreciated, creation of a package having a
recloseable pour spout in accordance with the present invention
contemplates that only a portion of the package, at which the pour
spout is formed, be configured for reclosing. As such, fastener
strips 30 need only extend along a portion of each of the front and
rear panels of the package, and along the inside surface of one of
the side gussets of the package, if side gusseted. Accordingly,
each fastener strip has a length, when folded in half, which is
less than one-half the width of the tube, in a flattened state,
from which each package is formed.
[0056] Thus, a package which may be side gusseted is disclosed
which includes a recloseable pour spout. Disposition of the
fastener strip of the package adjacent to a removable portion
thereof facilitates convenient opening and reclosing of the pour
spout, as desired. When reclosed, the side gusset of the package
need not be returned to its initial inward disposition, and thus
the fastener strip of the package need not be returned to its
initial W-shape. Prior to opening, it is presently preferred that
the fastener strip not be attached to itself, thus facilitating
convenient formation of the package pour spout after opening.
However, for some applications it may be desirable for the W-shaped
fastener strip to be secured to itself.
[0057] While it is preferred that the package 10 be provided with a
weakened region 26 to facilitate opening, the provision of such a
region is not required, since the package can be suitably opened
such as by cutting with a scissors or knife. Again, it is
contemplated that only a portion of the sealed header of the
package be removed during opening, thus maintaining the remainder
of the header intact for the integrity of the opened package.
[0058] From the foregoing, numerous modifications and variations
can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of
the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be understood
that no limitations with respect to the specific embodiment
disclosed herein are intended or should be inferred. The disclosure
is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such
modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *