U.S. patent application number 11/698626 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-02 for pouch for storing granules.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Shizuka Fujita, Toshihiko Mori, Yasuharu Takada.
Application Number | 20070175920 11/698626 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38137392 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070175920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takada; Yasuharu ; et
al. |
August 2, 2007 |
Pouch for storing granules
Abstract
To provide a pouch for storing granules which can smoothly pour
out the granular content even when filled with various granules. A
pouch for storing granules where the perimeter of a front and back
pair of synthetic resin film are sealed, wherein: a pouring spout
with an easily opened port is formed to protrude out from the top
perimeter region of the pouch, and opening support member is placed
at the pour spout, and the front and back pair of synthetic resin
film are prevented from mutually contacting by the opening support
member in the region where the opening support member is
established and surrounding regions thereof, so that the opening of
the pour spout is always maintained in an open condition.
Inventors: |
Takada; Yasuharu; (Yokohama,
JP) ; Mori; Toshihiko; (Yokohama, JP) ;
Fujita; Shizuka; (Nishinomiya, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION - WEST BLDG.
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 412, 6250 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
38137392 |
Appl. No.: |
11/698626 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60852538 |
Oct 18, 2006 |
|
|
|
60762761 |
Jan 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5866 20130101;
B65D 75/5822 20130101; B65D 77/30 20130101; B65D 83/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/107 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/00 20060101
B65D035/00 |
Claims
1. A pouch for storing granules where the perimeter of a front and
back pair of synthetic resin films are sealed, wherein: a pouring
spout with an easily opened port is formed to protrude out from the
top perimeter region of the pouch, and an opening support member is
placed at the pour spout, and the front and back pair of synthetic
resin films are prevented from mutually contacting by the opening
support member in the region where the opening support member is
established and surrounding regions thereof, so that the opening of
the pour spout is always maintained in an open condition.
2. The pouch for storing granules according to claim 1, wherein the
opening support member has a shape selected from a group consisting
of (I) hollow cylindrical shapes including hollow round cylinders
(a), double chambered cylinders (b) with a partition at the center
of the cylinder (a), hollow elliptical cylinders (c), two or more
chambered elliptical cylinders (d) with partition in the center of
the elliptical cylinder (c), hollow square cylinders (e), hollow
rectangular cylinders (f), two or more chambered rectangular
cylinders (g) which have partitions at the center of the
rectangular cylinder (f) or the like; (II) polygonal pillars with
cross-sectional shapes like various letters such as H shaped, I
shaped, U shaped or V shaped or the like; or (III) combinations of
(I) and (II); and the always open pour spout intake port, formed by
the opening support member and the front and back pair of synthetic
resin films which are on both sides of the opening support member,
is divided into a plurality of flow paths.
3. The pouch for storing granules according to claim 1, wherein the
opening support member is located in a position which does not
contact with the cut away region of the easily opened port, and the
always open pour spout intake port is divided into a plurality of
flow paths, but the cut away region (in other words the pour spout
discharge port) of the easily opened port is one of those flow
paths.
4. The pouch for storing granules according to claim 1, wherein the
opening support member is attached to the synthetic resin films
which form the pouch by spot seals in at least one or more
spots.
5. The pouch for storing granules according to claim 1, wherein the
front and back pair of synthetic resin films have a sagging region
(swelled region) in the region where the opening support member is
located and surrounding regions thereof, formed by plastic working
using heating and vacuum.
6. The pouch for storing granules according to claim 1, wherein a
fastener is provided for resealing the easily opened port.
7. The pouch for storing granules according to any one of the above
claims, wherein the pair of synthetic films are sealed by a method
selected from the group consisting of heat sealing, ultrasonic
sealing, adhesive sealing, and a combination thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/852,538, filed Oct. 18, 2006, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/762,761, filed Jan.
27, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a pouch for filling with
and storing contents made from various powders such as powdered
detergent, flour, table salt, sugar, and powdered spices or the
like as well as contents made from various solids such as rice,
wheat, red beans, and glass beads or the like, or in other words
contents known as granules, and in further detail, relates to a
pouch with pour spout for storing granules where the granular
contents can smoothly be poured out from the pour spout which is
always open.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional pouches having synthetic resin films which are
heat sealed around the perimeter for filling with and storing
granules such as coffee powder or powdered spices or the like, do
not have a pour spout and an easily opened port is formed across
the whole top of the pouch. When this type of easily opened port is
formed across the whole top of the pouch, the user opens only a
small part of the end of the easily opened port as a substitute for
a pour spout. However, how wide of an opening to make when opening
the container can only be determined by experience based on the
results of repeated failures.
[0004] For instance, if the width of the opening of the easily
opened port is large and too open, the pouring speed of the
contents cannot be controlled, too much content will pour out at
once, and the content will be spilled from the receiving container,
resulting in failure. By repeatedly learning to make a slightly
smaller opening next time, the appropriate opening width can be
eventually determined by experience.
[0005] Under conditions where a pouch with pour spout for storing
granules is not available and pouches with an easily opening port
across the whole top are used for storing powders, there is no
choice but to develop proficiency at making substitute pour spouts
by gradually learning from failures.
[0006] Incidentally, if the opening is too narrow, the contents
will not be able to pour out easily, and thus making an appropriate
opening width by oneself is a difficult problem.
[0007] On the other hand, liquid refilling pouches for refilling
liquid detergent, bathing agents, and shampoo for hair or the like
into containers with pumps, create a significantly lower volume of
garbage when discarded than when discarding a container with pump,
and therefore are used as a countermeasure for reducing the volume
of waste disposed, and furthermore, the amount of synthetic resin
used is less than for a container with pump, so these refilling
pouches are also effective as a countermeasure for the environment,
and are therefore currently in widespread use. With this type of
liquid refilling pouch, standing pouches which are self-standing
are usually used, and a pour spout protrudes from the perimeter
region at the top of the pouch in order to prevent spilling during
transfer of contents. (For instance, refer to patent reference
1.)
[0008] However, for the case of a normal refilling pouch where the
contents are liquid, the liquid content can be relatively smoothly
poured out even though the pour spout does not have an opening part
which is forced open wide, or in other words even if the front and
back pair of synthetic resin films are mutually in light contact
with only a minute gap, because of the high fluidity of the
liquid.
[0009] Furthermore, a liquid refilling pouch has been disclosed
which is able to provide extremely smooth pouring of liquid
contents by inserting a small diameter cylinder into the pour spout
so that the content can be poured out from the flow path in the
cylinder, in order to increase the pouring speed and to shorten the
time required for refilling and transferring the contents. (For
instance, refer to patent reference 2.)
[0010] Furthermore, a liquid refilling pouch has been disclosed
which has a opening retaining member wherein a sheet-like opening
retaining member made from a bendable sheet is inserted into the
pour spout when liquid contents are to be poured in order to form a
pour hole into an easy pouring three-dimensional structure in the
pour spout with one touch. (For instance, refer to patent reference
3.)
[0011] However, pouches with pour spout for storing granules are
not currently used as described above for granular contents. If a
conventional liquid refilling pouch with pour spout is filled with
granules, there will be problems with the contents plugging the
pour spout.
[0012] For instance, as shown in patent reference 1, even if the
opening region has a curved swelling region established at the
protruding pour spout, the pour spout region made from thin
synthetic resin film will not have sufficient rigidity, the pour
spout region will collapse under the weight of the granular
contents, and there will be problems with the contents
spilling.
[0013] Furthermore, as shown in patent reference 2, even if
flattening of the flow path is prevented by inserting a cylinder,
the thickness will increase corresponding to the outer diameter of
the inserted cylinder, so empty unused pouches which have a
cylinder inserted prior to filling with the contents, will require
additional space and additional costs for storage and transport,
and set up for the filling operation will be more difficult.
[0014] Therefore, the outer diameter and inner diameter of the
cylinder to be inserted cannot be made unreasonably large, and the
outer diameter of the cylinder must be kept below a certain
dimension when considering both costs and productivity or the
like.
[0015] Generally, the permissible thickness of an unused empty
pouch, or in other words the permissible outer diameter dimension
of the cylinder is approximately 15 mm or less, and preferably 10
mm or less.
[0016] If a pouch with an inserted cylinder which has an outer
dimension of 15 mm or less is used as shown in patent reference 2,
unlike liquid with high fluidity, if the contents are granular,
depending on the type of contents, the pour spout will close off
and the contents will not be able to the smoothly poured.
[0017] Furthermore, as shown in patent reference 3, with a pouch
where a sheet-like opening retaining member made from a bendable
sheet is inserted into the pour spout and a pour opening is formed
with a three-dimensional structure by one touch in the pour spout
region when pouring the contents, the thickness of the empty pouch
can be effectively restricted and a relatively large pour opening
can be formed. However, even though the opening retaining member
inserted into the pour opening is not a hindrance in the case of
liquids, for the case where the contents are granules, the opening
retaining member which is inserted into the pour hole will itself
become a hindrance and there will be problems such that pouring
will not be smooth.
[Patent Reference 1] Unexamined patent application 2000-006991
[Patent Reference 2] Unexamined Patent Application H5-132069
[Patent Reference 3] Unexamined Patent Application H11-321894
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problem to Be Resolved by the Invention
[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a pouch for
storing granules which can smoothly pour out granular contents even
when filled with various types of granules such as various powders
like powder detergent, flour, table salt, sugar, and powdered
spices or the like or various solids such as rice, wheat, red
beans, and glass beads or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In order to resolve the above problem, the present invention
provides a pouch for storing granules where the perimeter of a
front and back pair of synthetic resin films are sealed, preferably
heat sealed, wherein:
a pouring spout with an easily opened port is formed to protrude
out from the top perimeter region of the pouch, and an opening
support member is placed at the pour spout, and the front and back
pair of synthetic resin films are prevented from mutually
contacting by the opening support member in the region where the
opening support member is established and surrounding regions
thereof, so that the intake port of the pour spout is always
maintained in an open condition.
[0020] Furthermore, the present invention provides a pouch for
storing granules, wherein the opening support member has a shape
selected from a group consisting of (I) hollow cylindrical shapes
including hollow round cylinders (a), double chambered cylinders
(b) with a partition at the center of the cylinder (a), hollow
elliptical cylinders (c), two or more chambered elliptical
cylinders (d) with partition in the center of the elliptical
cylinder (c), hollow square cylinders (e), hollow rectangular
cylinders (f), two or more chambered rectangular cylinders (g)
which have partitions and the center of the rectangular cylinder
(f) or the like; (II) polygonal pillars with cross-sectional shapes
like various letters such as H shape, I shape, U shape or V shape
or the like; or (III) combinations of (I) and (II); and the always
open pour spout opening, formed by the front and back pair of
synthetic resin films which are on both sides of the opening
support member, is divided into a plurality of flow paths by the
opening support member.
[0021] Furthermore, with the present invention, the opening support
member is located in a position which does not contact with the cut
away region of the easily opened port, and the always open pour
spout opening is divided into a plurality of flow paths, and the
cut away region (in other words the pour spout opening) of the
easily opened port is preferably one of those flow paths.
[0022] Furthermore, the opening support member of the present
invention preferably is attached to the synthetic resin film which
forms the pouch by at least one or more spot seals.
[0023] With the present invention, the front and back pair of
synthetic resin films preferably have a sagging region (swelled
region) in the region where the opening support member is located
and surrounding regions thereof, formed by plastic working using
heating and vacuum. Furthermore, with the present invention, a
fastener may be provided if necessary for resealing the easily
opened port.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0024] With the present invention, anyone can easily form the pour
spout without individual differences by cutting or tearing along
the cutting opening of the easily opened port. Because the opening
support member is positioned in the pour spout region, the pair of
synthetic resin films will be kept from mutually contacting by the
opening support member in the region where the opening support
member is located and the surrounding regions thereof, and the
opening of the pour spout will always be maintained in an open
condition, so the opening will not need to be supported while
pressing by hand. Therefore, when content is poured from a pouch
for storing granules which has a relatively large volume, both
hands will be necessary to hold the container, but both hands can
be freely used in this case so the content can be poured
smoothly.
[0025] Furthermore, the always opened opening formed by the front
and back pair of synthetic resin films which are on both sides of
the opening support member, is divided into a plurality of flow
paths by the opening support member so the flow path of the divided
openings will successively move down from the top in conjunction
with changes in the remaining quantity of content.
[0026] Therefore, when the pouch for storing granules is inclined,
the pile of granules, which are piled at a steeper angle than the
resting angle which is a physical property determined by the type
of granular content, can be prevented from suddenly collapsing and
concentrating at the opening, and thus plugging the opening.
[0027] Furthermore, the opening support member is located in a
position which does not contact with the cut away region of the
easily opened port, and therefore the flow paths which divide the
opening region are unrestricted at the ends, and if the pouch is
inclined such that the top is at an angle slightly lower than
horizontal, the contents can be smoothly poured until completely
gone even when there is little content remaining.
[0028] Furthermore, the synthetic resin films which form the pouch
are bonded by spot seals in at least one or more spots, and
therefore shifting of the opening support member attaching position
can be prevented, and the effect of the opening support member can
be maintained.
[0029] Furthermore, a sagging region (swelling region) is formed by
plastic working using vacuum and heat on the front and back pair of
synthetic resin films in the area where the opening support member
is established and surrounding areas thereof, and therefore the
accumulation of granular contents in the gap between the front and
back pair of synthetic resin films and the opening support member
can be prevented.
[0030] Furthermore, a fastener for resealing the easily opened port
is established, and therefore the easily opened port can be
resealed in case small quantities of contents are poured out many
times or the content easily absorbs moisture.
[0031] While heat sealing is a preferred method for sealing the
pair of synthetic resin films, they may also be sealed together
using, for example, ultrasonic sealing, adhesive sealing, heat
sealing, etc., and a combination thereof. Such methods are
generally known in the art to seal film pouches.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The present invention will be described below based on
preferred embodiments while referring to the drawings.
[0033] FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 are diagrams which show the first
embodiment of the pouch for storing granules of the present
invention, where FIG. 1 is a top view showing the components of the
pouch for storing granules, FIG. 2 is a cross-section view showing
an embodiment of the opening support member of the present
invention, FIG. 3 shows an example of the divided flow path at the
intake port of the opening region of the present invention (partial
enlarged cross-section diagram along line A-A in FIG. 1), and FIG.
4 is a top view showing the condition where the pouch for storing
granules of the present invention is inclined horizontally. FIG. 5
and FIG. 6 are diagrams showing the condition where a conventional
liquid refilling pouch with an inserted cylinder is used for
storing granules, where FIG. 5 is a top view drawing showing the
condition where the pouch is inclined horizontally, and FIG. 6 is a
top view diagram showing the condition where the pouch is
vertical.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, this pouch for storing granules 1 is
comprising a bottom part 2, a perimeter edge part 3, a pour spout
4, an opening support member 7, and a top heat seal region 11.
Furthermore, the pour spout 4, which has a shape which protrudes
from the region at the top of the pouch for storing granules 1, is
comprising a pour spout intake port 5, a pour spout discharge port
6, an easily opened port 8, and a side region 9, and an opening
support member 7 is located inside of the pour spout. A sagging
region (swelling region 12) is formed in the front and back pair of
synthetic resin films in the area where the opening support member
7 is located and surrounding areas thereof by plastic working using
vacuum and heat.
[0035] Furthermore, the easily opened port 8 has a notch for
opening (not shown in the drawings) in order to be able to make an
opening by simply tearing by hand along a cut away line. The notch
for opening may be established on only one side.
[0036] Incidentally, the perimeter edge part 3 is the region where
the perimeter edge of the pouch for storing granules 1 is heat
sealed, and is shown by the oblique lines. The upper part of the
heat seal region 11 is heat sealed shut after filling with the
contents.
[0037] The pouch for storing granules 1 of the present invention is
made from a compound film where a base material made from commonly
used synthetic resin film such as biaxially elongated polyprene
film, biaxially elongated polyamide film, biaxially elongated
polyester film, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer film, or the like,
is laminated with a sealant layer made from an olefin type thermal
adhesive resin such as low density polyethylene, straight chain low
density polyethylene, ethylene-acetate copolymer, or polypropylene
or the like. In this case, multiple layers of the various films in
the base material may be used to increase protection for the
contents, and aluminum foil may also be used.
[0038] The material of the opening support member 7 is not
restricted in particular, and may be selected from metal, ceramic,
plastic, paper, cloth, and wood or the like, but the use of plastic
is preferable for being lightweight and because large quantities
can be inexpensive reproduced using an extrusion molding
process.
[0039] Furthermore, the shape of the opening support member 7 is
selected from any one of the following three groups as shown in
FIG. 2 (a) through (l).) [0040] (I) Various hollow cylindrical
shapes including hollow round cylinders (a), double chambered
cylinders (b) with a partition at the center of the cylinder (a),
hollow elliptical cylinders (c), two or more chambered elliptical
cylinders (d) with partition in the center of the elliptical
cylinder (c), hollow square cylinders (e), hollow rectangular
cylinders (f), two or more chambered rectangular cylinders (g)
which have partitions and the center of the rectangular cylinder
(f) or the like. [0041] (II) Polygonal pillars with cross-sectional
shapes like various letters such as H shape, I shape, U shape or V
shape or the like. [0042] (III) Combinations of (I) and (II).
The shape of the opening support member 7 shown in FIG. 2 (a)
through (l) are only examples, and the shape is not restricted to
these.
[0043] The first objective and function of the opening support
member 7 of the present invention is to be positioned in the pour
spout 4 in order for the opening support member 7 to prevent the
front and back pair of synthetic resin films from mutually
contacting in the region where the opening support member 7 is
located and surrounding regions thereof, and to maintain the intake
port 5 of the pour spout in an always opened condition.
[0044] Furthermore, the second objective and function of the
opening support member 7 is to divide the always opened intake port
4 of the pour spout formed by the opening support member 7 and the
front and back pair of synthetic resin films on both sides of the
opening support member 7, in order to form a plurality of flow
paths. When the opening is divided into a plurality of flow paths,
the flow path of the divided openings will successively move
downward from the top corresponding to changes in the remaining
quantity of content. Therefore, the pile of granules which are
piled at a steeper angle than the resting angle which is a physical
property determined by the type of granular contents, can be
prevented from suddenly collapsing and accumulating at the opening,
and thus plugging the opening.
[0045] The opening support member 7 of the present invention is
located in the pour spout, but the shape and condition of the
opening support member 7, which divides the intake port 4 of the
pour spout into a plurality of flow paths, is not designated, and
various shapes and locations of opening support members 7 may be
used as shown in FIG. 3.
[0046] With the conditions shown in (a) through (g) of FIG. 3, the
gaps between the top and bottom of the opening support member 7 and
the front and back pair of synthetic resin films will function as a
wide flow path for granules, but with the conditions shown in (h)
through (j), the space between the top and bottom of the opening
support member 7 and the perimeter edge part of the front and back
pair of synthetic resin films will be narrow and will not function
as a flow path for granules.
[0047] In other words, there are three flow paths for FIG. 3 (a)
which uses a cylindrical opening support member, and there
similarly three flow paths for FIG. 3 (i) which uses an elliptical
opening support member with an elliptical cylindrical shape divided
into three at the center.
[0048] With the pouch for storing granules of the present
invention, the shape of the opening support member and the number
of divided flow paths should be determined based on the dimensions
of the pouch and the dimensions of the opening of the pour
spout.
[0049] For a pouch for storing granules where the quantity of
content is approximately one liter, the size of the opening of the
pour spout will be relatively small, so the shape of the opening
support member will preferably be a simple shape such as those
shown in FIGS. 2 (a), (c), (e), and (h).
[0050] Furthermore, the shape of the flow paths of the intake ports
4 of the pour spout which are divided by the opening support member
7 are preferably as shown in FIGS. 3 (a), (b), (c), and (e). Next,
the physical properties of the granules which relate to the
function of the pouch for storing granules of the present invention
will be described. Table 1 shows examples of measurements of fluid
characteristics such as the resting angle for granules (submitted
by Hosokawa Micron Co., Ltd.). Granules have unique flow properties
which are different than liquids. For instance, when a plate onto
which granules have been placed is gradually inclined, the granules
will not move while the angle of inclination is low, but when the
angle exceeds the resting angle, the surface layer of the granules
will begin to flow. As the inclination angle further increases, all
of the granules will begin to flow. Furthermore, the collapse angle
shown in Table 1 is the angle of the remaining pile after collapse
when a fixed impulse is applied to granules at the resting angle,
and if the granules easily flow naturally, the collapse angle will
be small. Furthermore, the differential angle shown in Table 1 is
the difference between the resting angle and the collapse angle,
and if the differential angle is large, the granules will have a
tendency to naturally collapse and undergo flash flow when an
external impulse is applied (flashing phenomenon). Granules with
particularly poor flow properties have a steep resting angle, but
the resting angle of most standard granules is less than
approximately 40.degree..
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Name Real Density Resting Angle Collapse
Differential of Test Granule (g/cm3) (.degree.) Angle (.degree.)
Angle (.degree.) Quartz sand 2.50 37 29 8 (710~840 .mu.m) Quartz
sand 2.50 41 21 14 (590 .mu.m or less) Glass beads 2.50 39.5 23.0
16.5 (44~88 .mu.m) Cornstarch 1.59 48 40 8 Potato starch 1.40 40 16
24 Red beans -- 34.5 17.5 17
[0051] FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 show the differences in the ease
of pouring granules when the pouch for storing granules of the
present invention and a conventional liquid refilling pouch with an
inserted cylinder are used for storing granules, as well as the
function of the opening support member. The content of the pouch is
presumed to be "starch" (potato starch) which has a resting angle
of 40.degree..
[0052] Furthermore, the opening support member of the present
invention was a square cylinder as shown in FIG. 2 (e).
[0053] First, FIG. 5 is a top view diagram showing the case where a
conventional liquid refilling pouch with a cylinder inserted is
used for storing granules and is horizontally inclined. As the
pouch is gradually inclined from a vertical condition to
horizontal, the contents which have a resting angle of 40.degree.
or less should remain and form a pile of granules.
[0054] However, if the heat pouch receives an impulse such as
shaking when held by hand while gradually becoming inclined from
the vertical condition, a lump of granules at the top right region
of the pouch will suddenly collapse, creating flash flow as
described above (flashing phenomenon), flowing suddenly toward the
pour spout, and the pour spout will become plugged. Even if a
conventional liquid refilling pouch which has a cylinder inserted
is used for storing granules, the content cannot be smoothly poured
out.
[0055] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 4, with the pouch for storing
granules of the present invention, the flow path for the granules
will be wider as compared to when a simple cylinder is inserted
(all of the opening of the pour spout which is always opened will
act as the flow path) so the pour spout will not become blocked
even though flash flow (flashing phenomenon) occurs and the
granules suddenly flow towards the pour spout.
[0056] The function of the opening support member is to divide the
always open opening part, formed by the front and back pair of
synthetic resin films on both sides of the opening support member,
into a plurality of flow paths, so that the flow path of the
divided opening part will successively move down from the top.
Therefore, the contents can gradually pour out before the pile of
granules which are piled higher than the resting angle suddenly
collapses, and therefore plugging of the opening part can be
prevented before it happens.
[0057] Next, FIG. 6 is a top view diagram showing the vertically
inclined condition when a conventional liquid refilling pouch with
a cylinder inserted is used for storing granules.
[0058] Even though the pouch is standing vertically, the content
with a resting angle of 40.degree. or less will remain in the
corners of a conventional pouch. The content remaining in the
corners of the pouch cannot be completely poured out unless the
pouch is vigorously shaken and rolled.
[0059] In contrast, with the pouch for storing granules of the
present invention, the content can be completely poured out at the
stage where the top part of the pouch is inclined slightly down
from horizontal, prior to being made vertical.
[0060] With the present invention, a pour spout can easily be
formed by anyone without individual differences by tearing along
the cut opening of the easily opened port. By establishing an
opening support member in the pour spout region, the front and back
pair of synthetic resin films can be prevented from mutually
contacting by the opening support member in the area where the
opening support member is established and the surrounding area
thereof, and therefore the intake port of the pour spout can always
be maintained in an open condition, and the opening part will not
need to be supported while pressed by hand. Therefore, when content
is poured from a pouch for storing granules with relatively large
volume, both hands will be needed for holding the pouch, but in
this case both hands can be freely used so the content can be
smoothly poured out.
[0061] Furthermore, the always opened opening part, which is formed
by the front and back pair of synthetic resin films on both sides
of the opening support member, is divided into a plurality of flow
paths, so the flow path of the divided opening part will
successively move downward from the top depending on the changes in
the amount of content remaining. Therefore, the pile of granules,
which are piled at an angle steeper than the resting angle which is
a physical property determined by the type of granular content, can
be prevented from collapsing and suddenly concentrating at the
opening part, causing the opening part to plug.
[0062] Furthermore, the opening support member is located in a
position which does not contact with the cut away region of the
easily opened port, so the flow paths which divide the opening part
are free at the top edge, and the content can be smoothly and
completely poured out to the end if the top of the pouch is
inclined to an angle slightly lower than horizontal, even if only a
small amount of content remains.
[0063] Furthermore, the synthetic resin films which form the pouch
are bonded by spot sealing in at least one or more spots, so the
position where the opening support member is attached can be
prevented from shifting and the effect of the opening support
member can be maintained.
[0064] Furthermore, a sagging region (swelling region) is formed in
the front and back pair of synthetic resin films in the region
where the opening support member is established or surrounding area
thereof, by plastic working using vacuum and heat, and therefore
the granular content can be prevented from piling up in the gap
between the opening support member and the front and back pair of
synthetic resin films.
[0065] Furthermore, a fastener for resealing is provided at the
easily opened port, and therefore, if small quantities of content
are repeatedly poured out or the content easily absorbs moisture,
the easily opened port can be resealed if necessary.
[0066] The present invention has been described above based a
preferred embodiment, but the present invention is not restricted
to the above embodiments and various modifications are possible so
long as the essence of the present invention is not violated.
[0067] For instance, in FIG. 2 (b), the inside of the cylinder was
divided by placing a partition plate at an angle where the cylinder
was horizontal, but the cylinder may also be partitioned by placing
the partition plate at an angle.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0068] The present invention can be used as a pouch for storing
granules, and provides a pouch for storing granules which can be
filled with and store various granules, and can smoothly pour out
the granular content. Providing a pouch for storing granules will
be helpful for creating a more pleasant everyday lifestyle for the
aged who are less nimble in the fingertips, by allowing simple
refilling into another container or the like of everyday materials
and products made from granules such as powdered detergent, flour,
table salt, sugar, powdered spices, rice, wheat, and red beans or
the like which are used in everyday life.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] FIG. 1 is a front view diagram showing the composition of
the first embodiment of the pouch for storing granules of the
present invention;
[0070] FIG. 2 is a cross section diagram showing embodiments of the
opening support member of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 3 is a cross section diagram showing examples of
dividing flow path in the intake port of the opening part of the
present invention (partial expanded cross-section diagram along
line A-A of FIG. 1);
[0072] FIG. 4 is a top view diagram showing the horizontally
inclined condition when using the pouch for storing granules of the
present invention;
[0073] FIG. 5 is a top view diagram showing the horizontally
inclined condition when using a conventional liquid refilling pouch
with a cylinder inserted, for storing granules; and
[0074] FIG. 6 is a top view diagram showing the vertically inclined
condition when using a conventional liquid refilling pouch with a
cylinder inserted, for storing granules.
DESCRIPTION OF CODES
[0075] 1--pouch [0076] 2--bottom part [0077] 3--perimeter edge part
[0078] 4--pour spout [0079] 5--intake port of pour spout [0080]
6--discharge port of pour spout [0081] 7--opening support member
[0082] 8--cutaway line [0083] 9--side region [0084] 10--granules
[0085] 11--top heat seal region [0086] 12--swelling region [0087]
13--cylinder (cylinder inserted into the liquid refilling
pouch)
[0088] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0089] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document
conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0090] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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