U.S. patent application number 11/697473 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for pouch with spout.
Invention is credited to Robert C. Stolmeier.
Application Number | 20080247681 11/697473 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39826975 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080247681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stolmeier; Robert C. |
October 9, 2008 |
POUCH WITH SPOUT
Abstract
A reclosable container with a slider arranged to open and close
interlockable profiles on the mouth of the container. The profiles
are fixed together at one end but are separable at the other end to
allow a gusset to fold outwardly to form a pour spout.
Inventors: |
Stolmeier; Robert C.;
(Shelbyville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN V. DANILUCK;BINGHAM McHALE LLP
2700 MARKET TOWER, 10 W. MARKET STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
39826975 |
Appl. No.: |
11/697473 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5866 20130101;
B65D 31/10 20130101; B65D 33/2591 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/64 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A flexible, reclosable container comprising: a pair of sidewalls
forming a mouth having first and second sides, said mouth having
first and second ends; a first interlockable profile attached
proximate a first side of said mouth, said first profile having a
first end and a second end, the first end of said first profile
being attached proximate the first end of said mouth; a second
interlockable profile attached proximate a second side of said
mouth, said second profile having a first end and a second end, the
first end of said second profile being attached proximate the first
end of said mouth, said first profile and said second profile being
adapted and configured to releasably interlock with each other; a
slider slidingly coupled to said first profile and said second
profile such that sliding said slider in a first direction toward
the first end of said mouth interlocks said first profile to said
second profile, and sliding said slider in a second direction
toward the second end of said mouth unlocks said first profile from
said second profile; wherein the first end of said first profile is
not attached to the first end of said second profile, and one of
the first end of said first profile or the first end of said second
profile includes an end stop for limiting the movement of said
slider in the first direction.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein said pair of sidewalls form a
gusset at the first end of said mouth.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein said pair of sidewalls form an
extendable spout at the first end of said mouth.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the second end of said first
profile is attached to the second end of said second profile, and
at least one of the second end of said first profile or the second
end of said second profile includes an end stop for limiting the
movement of said slider in the second direction.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein both the first end of said
first profile and the first end of said second profile include an
end stop for limiting the movement of said slider in the first
direction.
6. A container comprising: non-rigid sheet material formed to have
a mouth having first and second sides, said mouth having first and
second ends. a first fastener strip attached to said sheet material
at the first side of said mouth, said first strip having a first
end and a second end with the first end of the first strip attached
at the first end of said mouth. a second fastener strip attached to
said sheet material at the second side of said mouth, said second
strip having a first end and a second end with the first end of the
second strip attached to the first end of said mouth, said first
strip and said second strip being capable of releasable connection
to each other. a slider received on said strips and movable in a
first direction toward the first end of the mouth to connect the
first strip to the second strip and movable in a second direction
toward the second end of the mouth to disconnect the first strip
from the second strip. wherein the first end of the first strip is
not attached to the first end of the second strip, said sheet
material forming a gusset at the first end of the mouth.
7. The container of claim 6 additionally comprising an end stop
mounted on said first strip at the first end of the first strip for
limiting movement of the slider in the first direction.
8. The container of claim 6 additionally comprising a first end
stop and a second end stop, said first end stop being mounted on
said first strip at the first end of the first strip for limiting
movement of the slider in the first direction, said second end stop
being mounted on said second strip at the first end of said second
strip for limiting movement of the slider in the first
direction.
9. The container of claim 6 wherein said slider is moveable in the
first direction off of said strips.
10. A flexible reclosable container having a flat bottom upon which
the container can stand upright, said container having a side in
which there is formed a foldable gusset. said container having a
mouth. a pair of interlockable fastener strips mounted on the mouth
of said container; said strips being joined together at one end and
separable at the other end. said gusset being unfoldable to an
exterior position when the strips are separated to form a spout for
pouring contents from the interior of said container.
11. The container of claim 10 additionally comprising a slider
received on and slidable along said fastener strips for connecting
and separating said fastener strips for opening and closing said
mouth.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/411,908, filed Sep. 19,
2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains to improved methods and
apparatus for packaging, and, in particular, to improved containers
which include a sliding element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a reclosable
slider container that has improved means for pouring the contents
of the container.
[0004] One embodiment of the invention might involve a flexible
reclosable container having a flat bottom upon which the container
can stand upright. The container has a side in which there is
formed a foldable gusset and also has a mouth. There is a pair of
interlockable fastener strips mounted on the mouth of the container
with the strips being joined together at one end and separable at
the other end. The gusset is unfoldable to an exterior position
when the strips are separated to form a spout for pouring the
contents from the interior of the container.
[0005] Another embodiment of the invention might involve a
container comprising nonrigid sheet material formed to have a
mouth, having first and second sides. The mouth also has first and
second ends. A first fastener strip is attached to the sheet
material at the first side of the mouth. The first strip has a
first end and a second end with the first end of the first strip
attached at the first end of the mouth. A second fastener strip is
attached to the sheet material at the second side of the mouth. The
second strip has a first end and a second end with a first end of
the second strip attached to the first end of the mouth. The first
strip and the second strip are capable of releasable connection to
each other. A slider is received on the strips and is movable in a
first direction toward the first end of the mouth to connect the
first strip to the second strip and is movable in a second
direction toward the second end of the mouth to disconnect the
first strip from the second strip. The first end of the first strip
is not attached to the first end of the second strip. The sheet of
material forms a gusset at the first end of the mouth.
[0006] Still another embodiment of the invention involves a
flexible, reclosable container having a pair of side walls forming
a mouth having first and second sides. The mouth has first and
second ends. A first interlockable profile is attached proximate a
first side of the mouth with the first profile having a first end
and a second end. The first end of the first profile is attached
proximate the first end of the mouth. A second interlockable
profile is attached proximate a second side of the mouth. The
second profile has a first end and a second end with the first end
of the second profile being attached proximate the first end of
said mouth. The first profile and the second profile are adapted
and configured to releasably interlock with each other. There is
provided a slider, slidingly coupled to the first profile and the
second profile such that sliding the slider in a first direction
toward the first end of mouth interlocks said first profile to said
second profile. And sliding said slider in a second direction
toward the second end of the mouth unlocks the first profile from
the second profile. The first end of the first profile is not
attached to the first end of the second profile and one of the
first end of the first profile or the first end of the second
profile includes an end stop for limiting the movement of the
slider in the first direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an apparatus according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as
taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1
as taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the
apparatus of FIG. 2 as taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of the apparatus of FIG. 4.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side plan view of an apparatus according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 as
taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrows.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 6
as taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of
FIG. 6.
[0016] FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the slidable cutter of
FIG. 9 as taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 in the direction of the
arrows.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of
FIG. 10 as taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 in the direction of
the arrows.
[0018] FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of the slidable cutter of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of
FIG. 12 as taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12 in the direction of
the arrows.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the slidable cutter of FIG. 12
as taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12 in the direction of the
arrows.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the
apparatus of FIG. 7 as taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 7 in the
direction of the arrows.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a front, side and top perspective view of a
reclosable container according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 17 shows the container of FIG. 16 in the opened
state.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 13 of a slidable cutter
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 16 of a
further embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 are perspective views similar to FIG. 19
of still further embodiments of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a
portion of the structure of FIG. 19.
[0028] FIG. 24 is a vertical section taken along the line 24-24 of
FIG. 23 in the direction of the arrows.
[0029] FIG. 25 is a vertical section taken along the line 25-25 of
FIG. 23 in the direction of the arrows.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended, such alterations and further modifications in the
illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles
of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
[0031] This application incorporates by reference the following
U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 08/965,722, filed Nov. 7, 1997,
which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,924; Ser. No. 09/090,851, filed
Jun. 4, 1998, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,763; Ser. No.
09/493,718, filed Jan. 28, 2000, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.
6,216,423; Ser. No. 60/330,140, filed Oct. 17, 2001; Ser. No.
10/107,694, filed Mar. 27, 2002; Ser. No. 60/368,243, filed Mar.
28, 2002; Ser. No. 60/389,193, filed Jun. 17, 2002; and Ser. No.
10/228,236, filed Aug. 26, 2002.
[0032] The present invention pertains to improved methods and
apparatus for containers. In one embodiment of the present
invention, there is a container of semi-rigid paper or cardboard
walls which includes within it a roll of flexible film, such as the
type of film used by consumers to cover an object that has food on
it. The flexible film held within this container is wrapped on a
roll and must be cut to the desired length by the consumer. In one
embodiment of the present invention, a tracked, slidable cutter is
positioned along an open edge of the container. The flexible film
can be drawn out of the container by the consumer and placed over a
track along one edge of the container. The consumer then moves the
slidable cutter along the track, cutting the flexible film to the
desired length. In some embodiments of the present invention, the
slidable cutter moves along a rigid track. In another embodiment of
the present invention, the slidable cutter moves along a pair of
flexible interengagable strips or members. In some embodiments, the
strips are fastened to each other at each end of the path of the
slidable cutter. In yet other embodiments, the strips are fastened
to each other at only one end, and are not fastened to each other
at any other position along the length of the cutter path.
[0033] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
there is a preferably flexible container, such as a stand up pouch,
preferably including one or more folding gussets along one of the
sides. This container includes a mouth through which a consumer can
remove contents of the container, or add something to the
container. A pair of interlockable fastener profiles, which can be
flexible, semi-rigid or rigid, extend along the mouth. A slider is
coupled to the profiles, and can be slid along the length thereof
for repeated unlocking and interlocking of the profiles. In one
embodiment, the profiles are fused together at one end, and are not
otherwise attached to each other along their length, except for the
engagement that occurs as a result of the interlocking of the
profiles. The unattached end of interlockable fastener strips is
positioned at the end of the container which is intended to be the
opened end of the container. When the slider is moved from this
unattached end toward the fused end of the interlockable fastener
strips, the extent to which the mouth of the container can be
opened is not limited or constrained by the fastener strips, since
the fastener strips are not attached to each other.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the unattached
and uncoupled ends of the fastener profile are along a side of a
container that includes a folding gusset which can be folded
outward to form a pouring spout. The opened width of the spout is
greater than the width that could be obtained if the fastener
profiles were coupled to each other at the spout end. The present
invention also contemplates those embodiments which do not include
any side gussets, and which are not stand up pouches.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, an apparatus 30 is shown
according to one embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 30
includes a container 32 having an opening 34. A supply 35 of
flexible film is located within container 32. In one embodiment,
container 32 is comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid cardboard
walls 37, and the flexible film is a low density polyethylene film
suitable for covering and storing food. However, the present
invention is not so limited and contemplates container walls of any
type, including both rigid and flexible types. Further, the
contents of the container can be any type of sheet or film,
including plastic, paper, and metal foil, as examples. Further, the
supply can be on a roll, and can also be folded or otherwise stored
within the container.
[0036] Container 32 includes an edge 38 along a wall 37. As best
seen in FIG. 3, a cutting assembly 40 is mounted along the length
of edge 38. Cutting assembly 40 includes a cutting guide 42 (as
best seen in FIG. 4). Cutting guide 42 defines an internal track
44. Track 44 is closed at each end, having first and second track
endstops 46 and 48.
[0037] As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, cutting assembly 40 is
coupled proximate to edge 38 by a first adherent surface coating 50
which is applied to one surface of a lip 57. Cutting assembly 40
preferably includes a first removable cover 52 which is located
along adherent surface coating 50 prior to attachment of track 44
to wall 37. In one embodiment of the present invention, cutting
assembly 40 is stored within container 32 when apparatus 30 is
first presented to a consumer for purchase, or before apparatus 30
is used for its supply 35 of film. In this embodiment, the user or
consumer opens a new container 32, removes cutting assembly 40 from
the interior of the container, and removes first cover 52 from
first adherent surface coating 50. The consumer or user then
locates cutting assembly 40 along the length of edge 38 proximate
to container opening 34. Surface coating 50 maintains cutting
assembly 40 in the adhered position along edge 38 (as best seen in
FIG. 3) preferably until the supply 35 of flexible film is
exhausted. Although what has been shown and described is a cutting
assembly stored within the container prior to first use, the
present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which one
or more portions of the cutting assembly are attached to the
container prior to usage of the container by the consumer.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, cutting assembly 40 preferably includes
a second adherent surface coating 54 placed adjacent to the opening
of track 44. Prior to usage of cutting assembly 40, a second
removable cover 56 protects adherent surface coating 54. After
cutting assembly 40 has been adhered along edge 38, the user
removes cover 56 and exposes adherent surface coating 54. As the
free edge 36 of the supply 35 of film is withdrawn from container
32, the film can be adhered to coating 54 by the user at a location
that relates to the desired cut width of the film. In some
embodiments, cutting guide 42 includes a second adhesive layer
54.1, such that adhesive layers 54 and 54.1 are located on either
side of the opening of track 44. After removal of covers 56 and
56.1, the exposed adherent surfaces can be used to hold stationary
the film to be cut.
[0039] FIG. 5 depicts an alternate cutting guide 42 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. The use of a prime (')
designation after an element number (XX') refers to a feature of
the invention that is the same as the non-prime feature (XX)
previously described except for those differences shown and
described hereafter. Cutting guide 42' includes a second lip 58
spaced apart from first lip 57' so as to form a slot 59
therebetween. Slot 59 is adapted and configured to accept therein
free edge 38 of container 32. In some embodiments, the surfaces
forming slot 59 are smooth and uncoated, whereas in other
embodiments, one or more surfaces of slot 59 include an adherent
coating.
[0040] Cutting assembly 40 preferably includes a slidable cutter
70, as best seen in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. Cutter 70 includes a
cutting element 72 located at the narrow end of a converging guide
defined by walls 76a and 76b. Slidable cutter 70 includes a body 78
which is adapted and configured to slide within track 44. A
fingergrip 74 extends outward from body 78.
[0041] Cutter 70 is slidable within and retained within track 44 of
cutting guide 42 along the length thereof. Track endstops 46 and 48
prevent cutter 70 from sliding free of track 44. The outwardly
extending flanges of body 78 are preferably freely slidable within
track 44. Finger grip 74 may be of any configuration suitable for
gripping with the finger of the hand of the user. Referring to FIG.
13, cutting element 72 preferably includes a sharp edge which faces
toward the diverging portion of converging guide 76. In one
embodiment, cutting element 72 includes a sharp-edged metal
surface, although the present invention contemplates any cutting
edge fabricated from any type of material which is sufficiently
sharp to cut the film contained within container 32. In one
embodiment, cutting element 72 is oriented at about a right angle
relative to the path of track 44. However, as best seen in FIG. 18,
an alternate slidable cutter 70' includes a cutting element 72'
which is oriented at an acute angle relative to track 44. By
placing cutting element 72' at a non-perpendicular angle relative
to track 44, movement of the cutter within the track places
additional shearing action on the film to be cut.
[0042] Operation of apparatus 30 is as follows. A consumer opens
container 32 and grabs free edge 36 of the supply 35 of film. The
free edge is brought out of container 32, placed over the top
surface of cutting guide 42, and temporarily adhered to adherent
surface coating 54 in order to maintain the film in place. Slidable
cutter 70 is then moved by the user along track 44 from endstop 46
toward endstop 48. As the sliding motion occurs, the portion of
film extending across the open mouth of track 44 slides between
converging surfaces 76a and 76b (FIG. 13) and is thereby fed toward
cutting element 72. Cutting element 72 cuts the film as cutter 70
slides toward endstop 48. After the film has been cut, slider 70 is
returned back to a home position near endstop 46 in preparation for
the next cutting of the film.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, an apparatus 130 is shown
according to another embodiment of the present invention. The use
of a one hundred series prefix (1XX) before an element number (XX)
refers to a feature of the invention that is the same as the
non-prefixed feature (XX) previously shown and described except for
those differences shown and described hereafter. Apparatus 130
includes a container 132 having an opening 134. A supply 135 of
flexible film is located within container 132. In one embodiment,
container 132 is comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid cardboard
walls 137, and the flexible film is a low density polyethylene film
suitable for covering and storing food.
[0044] Container 132 includes an edge 138 along a wall 137. As best
seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, a cutting assembly 140 is mounted along the
length of edge 138. Cutting assembly 140 includes a cutting guide
142 (as best seen in FIG. 15). Cutting guide 142 includes a second
lip 158 spaced apart from a first lip 157 so as to form a slot 159
therebetween. Slot 159 is adapted and configured to accept therein
free edge 138 of container 132. In some embodiments, the consumer
opens a new container 132, removes cutting assembly 140 from the
interior of the container, and then places free edge 138 of wall
137 within slot 159. In some embodiments, wall 137 is retained
within slot 159 by friction; whereas in other embodiments,
adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or the like can be used to attach
cutting assembly 140 along edge 138. Further, the present invention
contemplates those embodiments in which the cutting assembly is
integrally cast or molded onto a wall of the container.
[0045] Apparatus 130 includes a cutting assembly 140. Cutting
assembly 140 includes a cutting guide 142 and a slidable cutter
170. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 15, cutting guide 142 includes a
first, lower gripping member 143 and a second, upper, preferably
flexible gripping member 144. Cutting guide 142 preferably includes
a second flexible gripping member 144 located above the lower first
gripping member 143. Each gripping member 143 and 144 preferably
includes one or more mating or alignment features on the inner,
opposing faces of the gripping members. Referring to FIG. 15, lower
gripping member 143 is shown with a projecting male mating feature
145b. Upper gripping member 144 is shown with a corresponding
female mating feature 145a. These mating features are preferably
complementary in shape, although the present invention contemplates
those embodiments in which the mating features are not
complementary, but in which the male feature fits within a portion
of the female feature. Further, the present invention contemplates
those embodiments in which the male mating feature can be on either
the upper gripping or the lower gripping member. Further, the
present invention contemplates those embodiments in which the
gripping members include multiple male and female mating features.
The present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which
only one of the gripping members includes a male feature, and the
opposing surface of the other gripping member does not having a
corresponding female mating feature.
[0046] As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second gripping
members 143 and 144 are joined together at a combined endstop 146
located at one end of the length of the gripping members. The
members may be attached to each other in any manner, including
fusion by ultrasonics and/or heat, riveting, or use of adhesive, as
examples. In one embodiment, the opposing end of the length of
lower gripping member 143 does not include an endstop, although the
present invention contemplates those embodiments in which an
endstop is included. Preferably, the opposing end of upper gripping
member 144 includes a single endstop 148. Endstops 146 and 148
limit the sliding movement of slidable cutter 170 along their
length. In one embodiment, gripping members 143 and 144 are not
connected to each other except at combined endstop 146, and except
by the squeezing action of slidable cutter 170. As shown in FIG. 6,
in one embodiment upper gripping member 144 is flexible, and when
cutter 170 is placed near endstop 146, member 144 can be flexibly
separated from lower gripping member 146 and spaced apart from
lower gripping member 143. However, the present invention also
contemplates those embodiments in which upper gripping member 144
is rigid or semi-rigid and includes a hinging section (not shown)
near endstop 146 which permits pivoting motion of gripping member
144 away from gripping member 143.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 15, slidable cutter 170 is slidable
along the length of gripping members 143 and 144. Each gripping
member includes a shoulder 149 which protrudes outwardly from the
respective gripping member. Slidable cutter 170 includes a pair of
inwardly depending external feet 186 (refer to FIGS. 10 and 11)
which co-act with shoulders 149 to make it difficult to pull cutter
170 off the gripping members.
[0048] FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 depict various views of slidable cutter
170. Cutter 170 includes a cutting element 172 located within the
converging end of a slot defined by converging walls 176a and 176b.
Cutter 170 includes a finger grip 174 attached to a body 178. Body
178 includes upper and lower walls 180a and 180b which slide over
the outward faces of gripping members 143 and 144, respectively (as
best seen in FIG. 8). Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a pair of
internal ribs 182a and 182b depend inwardly from upper and lower
walls 180a and 180b, respectively, and toward each other. In some
embodiments of the present invention, cutting element 170 includes
a separator 184 located within the interior of body 178. Separator
184 includes a narrow end useful for prying between interior facing
surfaces of gripping members 143 and 144, and a wider end for
separating apart gripping members 143 and 144.
[0049] Operation of apparatus 130 is as follows. A consumer opens
container 132 and grabs free edge 136 of supply 135 of film. Upper
gripping member 144 is moved away from lower gripping member 143,
and the free end 136 from the supply 135 of film is placed on top
of lower gripping member 143. Upper gripping member 144 is then
released such that free edge 136 is loosely sandwiched between
opposing faces of the gripping members. In order to cut the film,
sliding cutter 170 is moved from combined endstops 146 toward
single endstop 148. As the gripping members slide within the
interior of cutting element 170, internal ribs 182a and 182b press
the gripping members together. The film is held in place by
friction from the mating faces of the gripping members. The
co-action of male mating feature 145b within female mating feature
145a increases the frictional hold of the gripping members on the
film. Gripping members 143 and 144 securely hold the film as
cutting element 172 cuts the film. In some embodiments of the
present invention, gripping members 143 and 144 include
interlockable profile elements. In these embodiments, separator 184
of cutter 70 assists in releasing the interlock of the profile
members.
[0050] FIGS. 16 and 17 depict an apparatus 1030 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 1030
includes a stand up pouch container 1032 preferably fabricated from
flexible or semi-rigid material. Container 1032 can contain any
type of contents, including for example, a drink, candy, potting
soil, or other pourable material. Container 1032 includes a mouth
1034 which is generally opposite of a bottom 1035a. In some
embodiments, container 1032 includes a bottom 1035a adapted and
configured to permit container 1032 to stand. A pair of sidewalls
1035b and 1035c extend from mouth 1034 to the bottom 1035a.
Preferably, container 1032 includes at least one side 1036 having a
folding side gusset.
[0051] Preferably, container 1032 includes a pair of extended lips
1039 which extend from mouth 1034 upwardly toward a pair of
interlockable fastener strips 1043 and 1044. Fastener strip 1043
includes a first interlockable profile 1045a, and second
interlockable fastener strip 1044 includes a second interlockable
profile 1045b. Interlockable profiles 1045a and 1045b may be of any
type easily interlockable and separable. Fastener strips 1043 and
1044 are preferably joined together at combined endstop 1046 by any
suitable means including fusion by ultrasonics and/or heat,
adhesion and mechanical joining. In one embodiment, fastener strips
1043 and 1044 are not otherwise joined or coupled together, except
at combined endstop 1046 and except as by action of a movable
slider 1070. Slider 1070 is slidably coupled to fastener strips
1043 and 1044. Movement of slider 1070 in a first direction
interlocks profiles 1045a and 1045b. Movement of slider 1070 in the
opposite direction unlocks profiles 1045a and 1045b from each
other. As shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments of the present
invention, only one of the fastener strips includes an endstop 1048
to prevent disengagement of slider 1070 from the fastener strips.
However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments
in which each fastener strip includes a single endstop 1048.
[0052] In some embodiments, mouth 1034 of container 1032 includes
one or more areas including a peelable seal, as shown in
cross-hatch in FIG. 17. In some embodiments, peel seal 1038 extends
in the inner surface of mouth 1034 along the length of container
1032. Further, in some embodiments, peel seal 1034 extends on both
inner and outer surfaces of the top of side gusset 1036. In some
embodiments, peel seal 1038 is a one-time peel seal which does not
rejoin to itself after opening of container 1032 and initial
separation of mouth 1034. However, in other embodiments, peel seal
1034 retains an ability to adhere to itself during subsequent
reclosing of container 1032.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 16, movement of slider 1070 along fastener
strips 1043 and 1044 toward the leftward end (as viewed in FIG. 16)
results in interlocking of the fastener strips, and closure of
mouth 1034. Folding side gusset 1036 is tucked in toward the
interior of container 1032. Referring to FIG. 17, movement of
slider 1070 toward the rightward and (as viewed in FIG. 17) results
in the unlocking of fastener strips 1043 and 1044. Since the
fastener strips are not attached to each other at the leftward end
of container 1032, mouth 1034 can be spread apart and folding side
gusset 1036 can be pulled outward to form a pouring spout 1037.
Spout 1037 provides accurate, convenient means for the consumer to
pour contents from the interior of container 1032.
[0054] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 19.
The container 1055 of FIG. 19 is identical to the embodiment of
FIGS. 16 and 17 except for the fact that the upper edge 1050 of the
folding side gusset extends upwardly a greater extent than the
folding side gusset 1036 of FIG. 17. Thus in some embodiments of
the invention the material of which the container is made may be a
single sheet of plastic in which the upper edge of the sheet is
straight across including the upper edge 1050 of the gusset and the
portion of the sheet attached to the interlockable profiles 1045a
and 1045b.
[0055] FIG. 23 shows one example of a slider 1070, interlockable
profile 1045a and 1045b and plastic sheet 1056 that might be used
in the container 1055. FIGS. 24 and 25 show sections taken in the
direction of the arrows along the lines 24-24 and 25-25 in FIG. 23.
The slider 1070 straddles the interlockable fastener strips 1043
and 1044. The slider has a fixed separator member 1057 which
extends down between the profiles 1045a and 1045b for the purpose
of separating them and opening the mouth of the container when the
slider is moved to the right as viewed in FIGS. 17 and 23. When the
slider is moved leftwardly as viewed in FIGS. 17 and 23, the slider
functions to close the profile elements and to connect them as
shown in FIG. 25.
[0056] The apparatus has various alternative versions. As
mentioned, one embodiment includes the end stop 1048 which prevents
the slider from coming off the fastener strip 1043. In FIG. 20
there is illustrated a container 1060 which is identical to the
container of FIG. 19 but has no end stop 1048. Thus the slider 1070
is removable from the fastener strips 1043 and 1044 as suggested by
arrow 1060. In other respects the embodiment of FIG. 20 is
identical to the embodiment of FIG. 19. Further examples of the
invention are shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 which are identical to the
embodiments of FIGS. 19 and 20 with the exception that they are not
standup containers; however, they both have the same pour spout
capability of the containers of FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0057] In one embodiment, the present invention includes an
apparatus comprising a container of sheet material, the container
including an opening for removing sheet material and a cutting
assembly. The cutting assembly includes a track and a cutting
element slidable within the track. The cutting element is adapted
and configured for cutting of the sheet material.
[0058] Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns an
apparatus comprising a container, a cutter, and a cutting guide.
The container includes a wall having an edge. The cutting guide is
attached to the container proximate the edge. The cutting element
co-acts with the cutting guide so that the cutting element and
cutting guide are slidably captured together.
[0059] Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns an
apparatus comprising a flexible reclosable container having a pair
of sidewalls, a bottom, and a mouth opposite the bottom. Located
along opposing sides of the mouth are first and second
interlockable fastener strips. The fastener strips are joined to
each other at one end of the mouth. The strips are not joined to
each other at the other end of the mouth. Some embodiments of the
invention further include a slider for repeated locking and
unlocking of the interlockable fastener strips.
[0060] Yet another embodiment of the present invention pertains to
a flexible reclosable container arranged and configured to have a
generally flat bottom on which the container can stand. One side of
the container includes a folding gusset. The mouth of the container
includes a pair of interlockable fastener strips which are joined
together at one end, and not joined together at the other end. When
the fastener strips are separated, the side gusset can be unfolded
to an exterior position whereby the top of the gusset proximate to
the mouth of the bag forms a spout for pouring contents from the
interior of the container.
[0061] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
* * * * *