U.S. patent application number 13/889000 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for flexible containers with multiple product volumes.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. The applicant listed for this patent is THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY. Invention is credited to Charles John BERG, Jr., Kenneth Stephen McGUIRE, Scott Kendyl STANLEY.
Application Number | 20130292413 13/889000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48485472 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130292413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STANLEY; Scott Kendyl ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
Flexible Containers With Multiple Product Volumes
Abstract
Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers having multiple
product volumes.
Inventors: |
STANLEY; Scott Kendyl;
(Mason, OH) ; McGUIRE; Kenneth Stephen;
(Montgomery, OH) ; BERG, Jr.; Charles John;
(Wyoming, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
48485472 |
Appl. No.: |
13/889000 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61643813 |
May 7, 2012 |
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61782219 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61643823 |
May 7, 2012 |
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61782757 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61676042 |
Jul 26, 2012 |
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61727961 |
Nov 19, 2012 |
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61782859 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61680045 |
Aug 6, 2012 |
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61782951 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61780039 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
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61789135 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5877 20130101;
B65D 75/20 20130101; B65D 85/00 20130101; B65D 75/5866 20130101;
B32B 27/30 20130101; B32B 2439/70 20130101; B32B 2255/10 20130101;
B32B 2307/7246 20130101; B32B 1/02 20130101; B65D 75/008 20130101;
Y10T 428/31746 20150401; B32B 2250/24 20130101; B32B 27/34
20130101; B65D 25/14 20130101; Y10T 428/24942 20150115; B65D 33/02
20130101; B32B 27/32 20130101; B65D 1/42 20130101; B65D 27/00
20130101; B32B 27/327 20130101; B32B 2307/7242 20130101; B65D
75/566 20130101; B32B 27/36 20130101; B32B 2270/00 20130101; B65D
75/525 20130101; B65D 33/004 20130101; B65D 37/00 20130101; B65D
75/5883 20130101; B32B 2307/7244 20130101; B65D 31/00 20130101;
B32B 27/08 20130101; B32B 2307/31 20130101; B32B 2439/40 20130101;
B32B 27/306 20130101; B65D 31/16 20130101; B65D 35/10 20130101;
B65D 75/54 20130101; B32B 7/12 20130101; Y10T 428/31797 20150401;
B65D 21/0201 20130101; Y10T 428/31913 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/94 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/22 20060101
B65D035/22 |
Claims
1. An article of manufacture comprising: a first disposable
self-supporting flexible container having a first structural
support frame and a first product volume, wherein the first
structural support frame is configured to support the first product
volume; and a second disposable flexible container having a second
product volume; wherein the first container is joined to the second
container.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein the second container has a
second structural support frame configured to support the second
product volume, and the second container is a self-supporting
container.
3. The article of claim 2, wherein the first container is a stand
up container.
4. The article of claim 1, wherein: the first product volume is a
multiple dose product volume; and the second product volume is a
single dose product volume.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein the first container is
detachably connected to the second container.
6. A non-durable self-support flexible container comprising: a
first product volume; a second product volume; and a structural
support frame, configured to support both the first product volume
and the second product volume.
7. The flexible container of claim 6, which is a stand up
container.
8. The flexible container of claim 7, which is a disposable
container.
9. The flexible container of claim 7, wherein each of the product
volumes is closed.
10. A disposable stand up flexible container comprising: a first
product volume, which directly contains a first fluent product; a
second product volume, which directly contains a second fluent
product that differs from the first fluent product; and a
structural support frame, configured to support at least one of the
product volumes.
11. The flexible container of claim 10, wherein: the first fluent
product is a composition essentially made from a defined group of
ingredients combined in a first apportionment; and the second
fluent product is a composition essentially made from the defined
group of ingredients combined in a second apportionment, which
differs from the first apportionment.
12. The flexible container of claim 10, wherein: the first fluent
product is a composition essentially made from a defined group of
active ingredients and a first additive; and the second fluent
product is a composition essentially made from the defined group of
active ingredients and a second additive, which differs from the
first additive.
13. The flexible container of claim 12, wherein: the first additive
is a first distinguishing additive; and the second additive is a
second distinguishing additive, which differs from the first
distinguishing additive.
14. The flexible container of claim 10, wherein: the first fluent
product is a base composition; and the second fluent product is an
additive configured to be combined with the base composition.
15. A non-durable self-supporting flexible container comprising: a
first product volume, which directly contains a first fluent
product; a second product volume, which directly contains a second
fluent product that differs from the first fluent product; a
structural support frame, configured to support both the first
product volume and the second product volume; and only one
dispenser.
16. The flexible container of claim 15, which is a stand up
container.
17. The flexible container of claim 15, wherein the dispenser is in
fluid communication with only one of the product volumes.
18. The flexible container of claim 17, wherein the first product
volume is separated from the second product volume by a frangible
wall.
19. The flexible container of claim 16, including a mixing volume
that is in fluid communication with the first product volume, with
the second product volume, and with the dispenser.
20. The article of claim 19, wherein the mixing volume is
configured to form a single-dose volume.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to containers, and
in particular, to containers made from flexible material and having
multiple product volumes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fluent products include liquid products and/or pourable
solid products. In various embodiments, a container can be used to
receive, contain, and dispense one or more fluent products. And, in
various embodiments, a container can be used to receive, contain,
and/or dispense individual articles or separately packaged portions
of a product. A container can include one or more product volumes.
A product volume can be configured to be filled with one or more
fluent products. A container receives a fluent product when its
product volume is filled. Once filled to a desired volume, a
container can be configured to contain the fluent product in its
product volume, until the fluent product is dispensed. A container
contains a fluent product by providing a barrier around the fluent
product. The barrier prevents the fluent product from escaping the
product volume. The barrier can also protect the fluent product
from the environment outside of the container. A filled product
volume is typically closed off by a cap or a seal. A container can
be configured to dispense one or more fluent products contained in
its product volume(s). Once dispensed, an end user can consume,
apply, or otherwise use the fluent product(s), as appropriate. In
various embodiments, a container may be configured to be refilled
and reused or a container may be configured to be disposed of after
a single fill or even after a single use. A container should be
configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that it can
receive, contain, and dispense its fluent product(s), as intended,
without failure.
[0003] A container for fluent product(s) can be handled, displayed
for sale, and put into use. A container can be handled in many
different ways as it is made, filled, decorated, packaged, shipped,
and unpacked. A container can experience a wide range of external
forces and environmental conditions as it is handled by machines
and people, moved by equipment and vehicles, and contacted by other
containers and various packaging materials. A container for fluent
product(s) should be configured with sufficient structural
integrity, such that it can be handled in any of these ways, or in
any other way known in the art, as intended, without failure.
[0004] A container can also be displayed for sale in many different
ways as it is offered for purchase. A container can be offered for
sale as an individual article of commerce or packaged with one or
more other containers or products, which together form an article
of commerce. A container can be offered for sale as a primary
package with or without a secondary package. A container can be
decorated to display characters, graphics, branding, and/or other
visual elements when the container is displayed for sale. A
container can be configured to be displayed for sale while laying
down or standing up on a store shelf, while presented in a
merchandising display, while hanging on a display hanger, or while
loaded into a display rack or a vending machine. A container for
fluent product(s) should be configured with a structure that allows
it to be displayed in any of these ways, or in any other way known
in the art, as intended, without failure.
[0005] A container can also be put into use in many different ways,
by its end user. A container can be configured to be held and/or
gripped by an end user, so a container should be appropriately
sized and shaped for human hands; and for this purpose, a container
can include useful structural features such as a handle and/or a
gripping surface. A container can be stored while laying down or
standing up on a support surface, while hanging on or from a
projection such as a hook or a clip, or while supported by a
product holder, or (for refillable or rechargeable containers)
positioned in a refilling or recharging station. A container can be
configured to dispense fluent product(s) while in any of these
storage positions or while being held by the user. A container can
be configured to dispense fluent product(s) through the use of
gravity, and/or pressure, and/or a dispensing mechanism, such as a
pump, or a straw, or through the use of other kinds of dispensers
known in the art. Some containers can be configured to be filled
and/or refilled by a seller (e.g. a merchant or retailer) or by an
end user. A container for fluent product(s) should be configured
with a structure that allows it to be put to use in any of these
ways, or in any other way known in the art, as intended, without
failure. A container can also be configured to be disposed of by
the end user, as waste and/or recyclable material, in various
ways.
[0006] One conventional type of container for fluent products is a
rigid container made from solid material(s). Examples of
conventional rigid containers include molded plastic bottles, glass
jars, metal cans, cardboard boxes, etc. These conventional rigid
containers are well-known and generally useful; however their
designs do present several notable difficulties.
[0007] First, some conventional rigid containers for fluent
products can be expensive to make. Some rigid containers are made
by a process shaping one or more solid materials. Other rigid
containers are made with a phase change process, where container
materials are heated (to soften/melt), then shaped, then cooled (to
harden/solidify). Both kinds of making are energy intensive
processes, which can require complex equipment.
[0008] Second, some conventional rigid containers for fluent
products can require significant amounts of material. Rigid
containers that are designed to stand up on a support surface
require solid walls that are thick enough to support the containers
when they are filled. This can require significant amounts of
material, which adds to the cost of the containers and can
contribute to difficulties with their disposal.
[0009] Third, some conventional rigid containers for fluent
products can be difficult to decorate. The sizes, shapes, (e.g.
curved surfaces) and/or materials of some rigid containers, make it
difficult to print directly on their outside surfaces. Labeling
requires additional materials and processing, and limits the size
and shape of the decoration. Overwrapping provides larger
decoration areas, but also requires additional materials and
processing, often at significant expense.
[0010] Fourth, some conventional rigid containers for fluent
products can be prone to certain kinds of damage. If a rigid
container is pushed against a rough surface, then the container can
become scuffed, which may obscure printing on the container. If a
rigid container is pressed against a hard object, then the
container can become dented, which may look unsightly. And if a
rigid container is dropped, then the container can rupture, which
may cause its fluent product to be lost.
[0011] Fifth, some fluent products in conventional rigid containers
can be difficult to dispense. When an end user squeezes a rigid
container to dispense its fluent product, the end user must
overcome the resistance of the rigid sides, to deform the
container. Some users may lack the hand strength to easily overcome
that resistance; these users may dispense less than their desired
amount of fluent product. Other users may need to apply so much of
their hand strength, that they cannot easily control how much they
deform the container; these users may dispense more than their
desired amount of fluent product.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of
containers made from flexible material. Because these containers
are made from flexible material, these containers can be less
expensive to make, can use less material, and can be easier to
decorate, when compared with conventional rigid containers. First,
these containers can be less expensive to make, because the
conversion of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished
goods) generally requires less energy and complexity, than
formation of rigid materials (from bulk form to finished goods).
Second, these containers can use less material, because they are
configured with novel support structures that do not require the
use of the thick solid walls used in conventional rigid containers.
Third, these flexible containers can be easier to print and/or
decorate, because they are made from flexible materials, and
flexible materials can be printed and/or decorated as conformable
webs, before they are formed into containers. Fourth, these
flexible containers can be less prone to scuffing, denting, and
rupture, because flexible materials allow their outer surfaces to
deform when contacting surfaces and objects, and then to bounce
back. Fifth, fluent products in these flexible containers can be
more readily and carefully dispensed, because the sides of flexible
containers can be more easily and controllably squeezed by human
hands. Even though the containers of the present disclosure are
made from flexible material, they can be configured with sufficient
structural integrity, such that they can receive, contain, and
dispense fluent product(s), as intended, without failure. Also,
these containers can be configured with sufficient structural
integrity, such that they can withstand external forces and
environmental conditions from handling, without failure. Further,
these containers can be configured with structures that allow them
to be displayed and put into use, as intended, without failure.
[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to
include multiple product volumes.
[0014] In a first set of embodiments, an article of manufacture can
be configured to include a first disposable self-supporting
flexible container having a first structural support frame and a
first product volume, wherein the first structural frame is
configured to support the first product volume; and a second
disposable flexible container having a second product volume;
wherein the first container is joined to the second container. In
this first set of embodiments, neither, either or both of these
flexible containers can be configured to be stand up containers. In
variations of this first set of embodiments, any of these articles
can be configured to include any number of product volumes, any of
which can be joined together, in any manner disclosed herein. Any
part, parts, or all of any embodiment in this first set of
embodiments can be configured according to any embodiment of the
present disclosure, in any workable combination.
[0015] In a second set of embodiments, a non-durable
self-supporting flexible container can be configured to include a
first product volume; a second product volume; and a structural
support frame, configured to support both the first product volume
and the second product volume. In this second set of embodiments,
any of these flexible containers can be configured to be stand up
containers. In variations of this second set of embodiments, any of
these articles can be configured to include any number of product
volumes, each supported by the structural support frame, in any
manner disclosed herein. Any part, parts, or all of any embodiment
in this second set of embodiments can be configured according to
any embodiment of the present disclosure, in any workable
combination.
[0016] In a third set of embodiments, a disposable self-supporting
flexible container can be configured to include a first product
volume, which directly contains a first fluent product; a second
product volume, which directly contains a second fluent product
that differs from the first fluent product; and a structural
support frame, configured to support either or both of the product
volumes. In this second set of embodiments, any of these flexible
containers can be configured to be stand up containers. In
variations of this third set of embodiments, any of these flexible
containers can be configured to include any number of product
volumes, each with a different fluent product, in any manner
disclosed herein. Any part, parts, or all of any embodiment in this
third set of embodiments can be configured according to any
embodiment of the present disclosure, in any workable
combination.
[0017] In a fourth set of embodiments, a non-durable
self-supporting flexible container can be configured to include: a
first product volume, which directly contains a first fluent
product; a second product volume, which directly contains a second
fluent product that differs from the first fluent product; and a
structural support frame, configured to support both the first
product volume and the second product volume; and only one
dispenser. In this fourth set of embodiments, any of these flexible
containers can be configured to be stand up containers. In
variations of this fourth set of embodiments, any of these flexible
containers can be configured to include any number of product
volumes, each with a different fluent product, in any manner
disclosed herein. Any part, parts, or all of any embodiment in this
fourth set of embodiments can be configured according to any
embodiment of the present disclosure, in any workable
combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a stand
up flexible container.
[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible
container having a structural support frame that has an overall
shape like a frustum.
[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
2A.
[0024] FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
2A.
[0025] FIG. 2D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 2A.
[0026] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible
container having a structural support frame that has an overall
shape like a pyramid.
[0027] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
3A.
[0028] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
3A.
[0029] FIG. 3D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 3A.
[0030] FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible
container having a structural support frame that has an overall
shape like a trigonal prism.
[0031] FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
4A.
[0032] FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
4A.
[0033] FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 4A.
[0034] FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible
container having a structural support frame that has an overall
shape like a tetragonal prism.
[0035] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
5A.
[0036] FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
5A.
[0037] FIG. 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 5A.
[0038] FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible
container having a structural support frame that has an overall
shape like a pentagonal prism.
[0039] FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
6A.
[0040] FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
6A.
[0041] FIG. 6D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 6A.
[0042] FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible
container having a structural support frame that has an overall
shape like a cone.
[0043] FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
7A.
[0044] FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
7A.
[0045] FIG. 7D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 7A.
[0046] FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible
container having a structural support frame that has an overall
shape like a cylinder.
[0047] FIG. 8B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
8A.
[0048] FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
8A.
[0049] FIG. 8D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 8A.
[0050] FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
square.
[0051] FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of
FIG. 9A.
[0052] FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
triangle.
[0053] FIG. 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible container
of FIG. 10A.
[0054] FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
circle.
[0055] FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container
of FIG. 11A.
[0056] FIG. 12A illustrates an isometric view of push-pull type
dispenser.
[0057] FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a
flip-top cap.
[0058] FIG. 12C illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a
screw-on cap.
[0059] FIG. 12D illustrates an isometric view of rotatable type
dispenser.
[0060] FIG. 12E illustrates an isometric view of nozzle type
dispenser with a cap.
[0061] FIG. 13A illustrates an isometric view of straw
dispenser.
[0062] FIG. 13B illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser
with a lid.
[0063] FIG. 13C illustrates an isometric view of flip up straw
dispenser.
[0064] FIG. 13D illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser
with bite valve.
[0065] FIG. 14A illustrates an isometric view of pump type
dispenser.
[0066] FIG. 14B illustrates an isometric view of pump spray type
dispenser.
[0067] FIG. 14C illustrates an isometric view of trigger spray type
dispenser.
[0068] FIG. 15A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed side by side, separated by a vertical
wall, with dispensers on the top or bottom of the container.
[0069] FIG. 15B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 15A.
[0070] FIG. 16A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
three product volumes disposed side by side, separated by vertical
walls, with dispensers on the top or bottom of the container.
[0071] FIG. 16B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 16A.
[0072] FIG. 17A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed side by side, separated by a vertical
wall, with dispensers on the front or back of the container.
[0073] FIG. 17B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 17A.
[0074] FIG. 18A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed side by side, separated by a vertical
wall, with dispensers on the sides of the container.
[0075] FIG. 18B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 18A.
[0076] FIG. 19A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed side by side, separated by an angled
wall, with dispensers on the sides of the container.
[0077] FIG. 19B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 19A.
[0078] FIG. 20A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed side by side, separated by a vertical
wall, with a parallel dispenser on the top or bottom of the
container.
[0079] FIG. 20B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 20A.
[0080] FIG. 21A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed side by side, separated by a vertical
wall, with a parallel dispenser on the front or back of the
container.
[0081] FIG. 21B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 21A.
[0082] FIG. 22A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed side by side, separated by a vertical
wall, with a mixing dispenser on the top or bottom of the
container.
[0083] FIG. 22B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 22A.
[0084] FIG. 23A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed side by side, separated by a vertical
wall, a mixing volume, and with a dispenser on the top or bottom of
the container.
[0085] FIG. 23B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 23A.
[0086] FIG. 24A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed front to back, separated by a vertical
wall, with dispensers on the top or bottom of the container.
[0087] FIG. 24B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 24A.
[0088] FIG. 25A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed front to back, separated by a vertical
wall, with dispensers on the front and the back of the
container.
[0089] FIG. 25B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 25A.
[0090] FIG. 26A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed front to back, separated by an angled
wall, with dispensers on the front or back of the container.
[0091] FIG. 26B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 26A.
[0092] FIG. 27A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed front to back, separated by a vertical
wall, with dispensers on the sides of the container.
[0093] FIG. 27B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 27A.
[0094] FIG. 28A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed front to back, separated by a vertical
wall, with a parallel dispenser on the top or bottom of the
container.
[0095] FIG. 28B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 28A.
[0096] FIG. 29A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
three product volumes disposed front to back, separated by vertical
walls, with a parallel dispenser on the top or bottom of the
container.
[0097] FIG. 29B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 29A.
[0098] FIG. 30A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed front to back, separated by a vertical
wall, and with a parallel dispenser on the side of the
container.
[0099] FIG. 30B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 30A.
[0100] FIG. 31A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed front to back, separated by a vertical
wall, and with a mixing dispenser on the top or bottom of the
container.
[0101] FIG. 31B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 31A.
[0102] FIG. 32A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed front to back, separated by a vertical
wall, a mixing volume, and with dispensers on the top or bottom of
the container.
[0103] FIG. 32B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 32A.
[0104] FIG. 33A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed top to bottom, separated by a
horizontal wall, and with dispensers on the side of the
container.
[0105] FIG. 33B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 33A.
[0106] FIG. 34A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed top to bottom, separated by an angled
wall, and with dispensers on the sides of the container.
[0107] FIG. 34B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 34A.
[0108] FIG. 35A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
three product volumes disposed top to bottom, separated by
horizontal walls, and with dispensers on the sides of the
container.
[0109] FIG. 35B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 35A.
[0110] FIG. 36A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed top to bottom, separated by a
horizontal wall, and with a parallel dispenser on the side of the
container.
[0111] FIG. 36B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 36A.
[0112] FIG. 37A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed top to bottom, separated by a
horizontal wall, and with a parallel dispenser on the front or back
of the container.
[0113] FIG. 37B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 37A.
[0114] FIG. 38A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed top to bottom, separated by a
horizontal wall, and with a mixing dispenser on the side of the
container.
[0115] FIG. 38B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 38A.
[0116] FIG. 39A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container having a structural support frame and
two product volumes disposed top to bottom, separated by a
horizontal wall, a mixing volume, and a dispenser on the side of
the container.
[0117] FIG. 39B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 39A.
[0118] FIG. 40 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container having a structural support
frame and two product volumes disposed side by side, adjacent to
each other, separated by a seal, wherein one structural support
frame supports both product volumes, and there is a dispenser for
each product volume.
[0119] FIG. 41 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container having a structural support
frame and two product volumes disposed side by side, adjacent to
each other, wherein one structural support frame supports both
product volumes, and there is a dispenser for each product
volume.
[0120] FIG. 42 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container having a structural support
frame and two product volumes disposed side by side, spaced apart
from each other, wherein one structural support frame supports both
product volumes, and there is a dispenser for each product
volume.
[0121] FIG. 43 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an
article of manufacture having two self-supporting flexible
containers, disposed side by side, wherein each container has a
separate structural support frame that supports a product volume
that has a dispenser, and the containers are directly
connected.
[0122] FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an
article of manufacture having two self-supporting flexible
containers, disposed side by side, wherein each container has a
separate structural support frame that supports a product volume
that has a dispenser, and the containers are joined together.
[0123] FIG. 45 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an
article of manufacture having three self-supporting flexible
containers, disposed face on top of each other, wherein each
container has a separate structural support frame that supports a
product volume that has a dispenser, and the containers are
directly connected.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0124] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of
containers made from flexible material. Because these containers
are made from flexible material, these containers can be less
expensive to make, can use less material, and can be easier to
decorate, when compared with conventional rigid containers. First,
these containers can be less expensive to make, because the
conversion of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished
goods) generally requires less energy and complexity, than
formation of rigid materials (from bulk form to finished goods).
Second, these containers can use less material, because they are
configured with novel support structures that do not require the
use of the thick solid walls used in conventional rigid containers.
Third, these flexible containers can be easier to decorate, because
their flexible materials can be easily printed before they are
formed into containers. Fourth, these flexible containers can be
less prone to scuffing, denting, and rupture, because flexible
materials allow their outer surfaces to deform when contacting
surfaces and objects, and then to bounce back. Fifth, fluent
products in these flexible containers can be more readily and
carefully dispensed, because the sides of flexible containers can
be more easily and controllably squeezed by human hands.
[0125] Even though the containers of the present disclosure are
made from flexible material, they can be configured with sufficient
structural integrity, such that they can receive, contain, and
dispense fluent product(s), as intended, without failure. Also,
these containers can be configured with sufficient structural
integrity, such that they can withstand external forces and
environmental conditions from handling, without failure. Further,
these containers can be configured with structures that allow them
to be displayed for sale and put into use, as intended, without
failure.
[0126] As used herein, the term "about" modifies a particular
value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus
or minus twenty percent (+/-20%). For any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a
particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be
understood as a disclosure of a range equal to about that
particular value (i.e. +/-20%).
[0127] As used herein, the term "ambient conditions" refers to a
temperature within the range of 15-35 degrees Celsius and a
relative humidity within the range of 35-75%.
[0128] As used herein, the term "approximately" modifies a
particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular
value, plus or minus fifteen percent (+/-15%). For any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, any
disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate
embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to
approximately that particular value (i.e. +/-15%).
[0129] As used herein, when referring to a sheet of material, the
term "basis weight" refers to a measure of mass per area, in units
of grams per square meter (gsm). For any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any
of the flexible materials can be configured to have a basis weight
of 10-1000 gsm, or any integer value for gsm from 10-1000, or
within any range formed by any of these values, such as 20-800 gsm,
30-600 gsm, 40-400 gsm, or 50-200, etc.
[0130] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "bottom" refers to the portion of the container that is
located in the lowermost 30% of the overall height of the
container, that is, from 0-30% of the overall height of the
container. As used herein, the term bottom can be further limited
by modifying the term bottom with a particular percentage value,
which is less than 30%. For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, a reference to the bottom of the
container can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to the
bottom 25% (i.e. from 0-25% of the overall height), the bottom 20%
(i.e. from 0-20% of the overall height), the bottom 15% (i.e. from
0-15% of the overall height), the bottom 10% (i.e. from 0-10% of
the overall height), or the bottom 5% (i.e. from 0-5% of the
overall height), or any integer value for percentage between 0% and
30%.
[0131] As used herein, the term "branding" refers to a visual
element intended to distinguish a product from other products.
Examples of branding include one of more of any of the following:
trademarks, trade dress, logos, icons, and the like. For any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various
embodiments, any surface of the flexible container can include one
or more brandings of any size, shape, or configuration, disclosed
herein or known in the art, in any combination.
[0132] As used herein, the term "character" refers to a visual
element intended to convey information. Examples of characters
include one or more of any of the following: letters, numbers,
symbols, and the like. For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface
of the flexible container can include one or more characters of any
size, shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the
art, in any combination.
[0133] As used herein, the term "closed" refers to a state of a
product volume, wherein fluent products within the product volume
are prevented from escaping the product volume (e.g. by one or more
materials that form a barrier, and by a cap), but the product
volume is not necessarily hermetically sealed. For example, a
closed container can include a vent, which allows a head space in
the container to be in fluid communication with air in the
environment outside of the container.
[0134] As used herein, the term "directly connected" refers to a
configuration wherein elements are attached to each other without
any intermediate elements therebetween, except for any means of
attachment (e.g. adhesive).
[0135] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "dispenser" refers to a structure configured to dispense
fluent product(s) from a product volume and/or from a mixing volume
to the environment outside of the container. For any of the
flexible containers disclosed herein, any dispenser can be
configured in any way disclosed herein or known in the art,
including any suitable size, shape, and flow rate. For example, a
dispenser can be a push-pull type dispenser, a dispenser with a
flip-top cap, a dispenser with a screw-on cap, a rotatable type
dispenser, dispenser with a cap, a pump type dispenser, a pump
spray type dispenser, a trigger spray type dispenser, a straw
dispenser, a flip up straw dispenser, a straw dispenser with bite
valve, a dosing dispenser, etc. A dispenser can be a parallel
dispenser, providing multiple flow channels in fluid communication
with multiple product volumes, wherein those flow channels remain
separate until the point of dispensing, thus allowing fluent
products from multiple product volumes to be dispensed as separate
fluent products, dispensed together at the same time. A dispenser
can be a mixing dispenser, providing one or more flow channels in
fluid communication with multiple product volumes, with multiple
flow channels combined before the point of dispensing, thus
allowing fluent products from multiple product volumes to be
dispensed as the fluent products mixed together. As another
example, a dispenser can be formed by a frangible opening. As
further examples, a dispenser can utilize one or more valves and/or
dispensing mechanisms disclosed in the art, such as those disclosed
in: published US patent application 2003/0096068, entitled "One-way
valve for inflatable package"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,016 entitled
"Self-sealing container"; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,717, entitled
"Package having a fluid actuated closure"; each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference. Still further, any of the dispensers
disclosed herein, may be incorporated into a flexible container
either directly, or in combination with one or more other materials
or structures (such as a fitment), or in any way known in the art.
In some alternate embodiments, dispensers disclosed herein can be
configured for both dispensing and filling, to allow filling of
product volume(s) through one or more dispensers. In other
alternate embodiments, a product volume can include one or more
filling structure(s) (e.g. for adding water to a mixing volume) in
addition to or instead of one or more dispenser(s). Any location
for a dispenser, disclosed herein can alternatively be used as a
location for a filling structure.
[0136] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "disposable" refers to a container which, after dispensing a
product to an end user, is not configured to be refilled with an
additional amount of the product, but is configured to be disposed
of (i.e. as waste, compost, and/or recyclable material). Part,
parts, or all of any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, can be configured to be disposable.
[0137] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "durable" refers to a container that is reusable more than
non-durable containers.
[0138] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "effective base contact area" refers to a particular area
defined by a portion of the bottom of the container, when the
container (with all of its product volume(s) filled 100% with
water) is standing upright and its bottom is resting on a
horizontal support surface. The effective base contact area lies in
a plane defined by the horizontal support surface. The effective
base contact area is a continuous area bounded on all sides by an
outer periphery.
[0139] The outer periphery is formed from an actual contact area
and from a series of projected areas from defined cross-sections
taken at the bottom of the container. The actual contact area is
the one or more portions of the bottom of the container that
contact the horizontal support surface, when the effective base
contact area is defined. The effective base contact area includes
all of the actual contact area. However, in some embodiments, the
effective base contact area may extend beyond the actual contact
area.
[0140] The series of projected area are formed from five horizontal
cross-sections, taken at the bottom of the flexible container.
These cross-sections are taken at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the
overall height. The outer extent of each of these cross-sections is
projected vertically downward onto the horizontal support surface
to form five (overlapping) projected areas, which, together with
the actual contact area, form a single combined area. This is not a
summing up of the values for these areas, but is the formation of a
single combined area that includes all of these (projected and
actual) areas, overlapping each other, wherein any overlapping
portion makes only one contribution to the single combined
area.
[0141] The outer periphery of the effective base contact area is
formed as described below. In the following description, the terms
convex, protruding, concave, and recessed are understood from the
perspective of points outside of the combined area. The outer
periphery is formed by a combination of the outer extent of the
combined area and any chords, which are straight line segments
constructed as described below.
[0142] For each continuous portion of the combined area that has an
outer perimeter with a shape that is concave or recessed, a chord
is constructed across that portion. This chord is the shortest
straight line segment that can be drawn tangent to the combined
area on both sides of the concave/recessed portion.
[0143] For a combined area that is discontinuous (formed by two or
more separate portions), one or more chords are constructed around
the outer perimeter of the combined area, across the one or more
discontinuities (open spaces disposed between the portions). These
chords are straight lines segments drawn tangent to the outermost
separate portions of the combined area. These chords are drawn to
create the largest possible effective base contact area.
[0144] Thus, the outer periphery is formed by a combination of the
outer extent of the combined area and any chords, constructed as
described above, which all together enclose the effective base
area. Any chords that are bounded by the combined area and/or one
or more other chords, are not part of the outer periphery and
should be ignored.
[0145] Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed
herein, can be configured to have an effective base contact area
from 1 to 50,000 square centimeters (cm.sup.2), or any integer
value for cm.sup.2 between 1 and 50,000 cm.sup.2, or within any
range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 2 to
25,000 cm.sup.2, 3 to 10,000 cm.sup.2, 4 to 5,000 cm.sup.2, 5 to
2,500 cm.sup.2, from 10 to 1,000 cm.sup.2, from 20 to 500 cm.sup.2,
from 30 to 300 cm.sup.2, from 40 to 200 cm.sup.2, or from 50 to 100
cm.sup.2, etc.
[0146] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "expanded" refers to the state of one or more flexible
materials that are configured to be formed into a structural
support volume, after the structural support volume is made rigid
by one or more expansion materials. An expanded structural support
volume has an overall width that is significantly greater than the
combined thickness of its one or more flexible materials, before
the structural support volume is filled with the one or more
expansion materials. Examples of expansion materials include
liquids (e.g. water), gases (e.g. compressed air), fluent products,
foams (that can expand after being added into a structural support
volume), co-reactive materials (that produce gas), or phase change
materials (that can be added in solid or liquid form, but which
turn into a gas; for example, liquid nitrogen or dry ice), or other
suitable materials known in the art, or combinations of any of
these (e.g. fluent product and liquid nitrogen). In various
embodiments, expansion materials can be added at atmospheric
pressure, or added under pressure greater than atmospheric
pressure, or added to provide a material change that will increase
pressure to something above atmospheric pressure. For any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, its one or
more flexible materials can be expanded at various points in time,
with respect to its manufacture, sale, and use, including, for
example: before or after its product volume(s) are filled with
fluent product(s), before or after the flexible container is
shipped to a seller, and before or after the flexible container is
purchased by an end user.
[0147] As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a
flexible container, the term "filled" refers to the state when the
product volume contains an amount of fluent product(s) that is
equal to a full capacity for the product volume, with an allowance
for head space, under ambient conditions. As used herein, the term
filled can be modified by using the term filled with a particular
percentage value, wherein 100% filled represents the maximum
capacity of the product volume.
[0148] As used herein, the term "flat" refers to a surface that is
without significant projections or depressions.
[0149] As used herein, the term "flexible container" refers to a
container configured to have a product volume, wherein one or more
flexible materials form 50-100% of the overall surface area of the
one or more materials that define the three-dimensional space of
the product volume. For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the flexible
container can be configured to have a product volume, wherein one
or more flexible materials form a particular percentage of the
overall area of the one or more materials that define the
three-dimensional space, and the particular percentage is any
integer value for percentage between 50% and 100%, or within any
range formed by any of these values, such as: 60-100%, or 70-100%,
or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc. One kind of flexible container is a
film-based container, which is a flexible container made from one
or more flexible materials, which include a film.
[0150] For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed
herein, in various embodiments, the middle of the flexible
container (apart from any fluent product) can be configured to have
an overall middle mass, wherein one or more flexible materials form
a particular percentage of the overall middle mass, and the
particular percentage is any integer value for percentage between
50% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding
values, such as: 60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%,
etc.
[0151] For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed
herein, in various embodiments, the entire flexible container
(apart from any fluent product) can be configured to have an
overall mass, wherein one or more flexible materials form a
particular percentage of the overall mass, and the particular
percentage is any integer value for percentage between 50% and
100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values,
such as: 60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc.
[0152] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "flexible material" refers to a thin, easily deformable,
sheet-like material, having a flexibility factor within the range
of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m. For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the
flexible materials can be configured to have a flexibility factor
of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or any integer value for flexibility factor
from 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or within any range formed by any of
these values, such as 1,000-1,500,000 N/m, 1,500-1,000,000 N/m,
2,500-800,000 N/m, 5,000-700,000 N/m, 10,000-600,000 N/m,
15,000-500,000 N/m, 20,000-400,000 N/m, 25,000-300,000 N/m,
30,000-200,000 N/m, 35,000-100,000 N/m, 40,000-90,000 N/m, or
45,000-85,000 N/m, etc. Throughout the present disclosure the terms
"flexible material", "flexible sheet", "sheet", and "sheet-like
material" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the
same meaning. Examples of materials that can be flexible materials
include one or more of any of the following: films (such as plastic
films), elastomers, foamed sheets, foils, fabrics (including wovens
and nonwovens), biosourced materials, and papers, in any
configuration, as separate material(s), or as layer(s) of a
laminate, or as part(s) of a composite material, in a microlayered
or nanolayered structure, and in any combination, as described
herein or as known in the art. In various embodiments, part, parts,
or all of a flexible material can be coated or uncoated, treated or
untreated, processed or unprocessed, in any manner known in the
art. In various embodiments, parts, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a
flexible material can made of sustainable, bio-sourced, recycled,
recyclable, and/or biodegradable material. Part, parts, or about
all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or
all of any of the flexible materials described herein can be
partially or completely translucent, partially or completely
transparent, or partially or completely opaque. The flexible
materials used to make the containers disclosed herein can be
formed in any manner known in the art, and can be joined together
using any kind of joining or sealing method known in the art,
including, for example, heat sealing (e.g. conductive sealing,
impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, crimping,
bonding, adhering, and the like, and combinations of any of
these.
[0153] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "flexibility factor" refers to a material parameter for a
thin, easily deformable, sheet-like material, wherein the parameter
is measured in Newtons per meter, and the flexibility factor is
equal to the product of the value for the Young's modulus of the
material (measured in Pascals) and the value for the overall
thickness of the material (measured in meters).
[0154] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "fluent product" refers to one or more liquids and/or pourable
solids, and combinations thereof. Examples of fluent products
include one or more of any of the following: bites, bits, creams,
chips, chunks, crumbs, crystals, emulsions, flakes, gels, grains,
granules, jellies, kibbles, liquid solutions, liquid suspensions,
lotions, nuggets, ointments, particles, particulates, pastes,
pieces, pills, powders, salves, shreds, sprinkles, and the like,
either individually or in any combination. Throughout the present
disclosure the terms "fluent product" and "flowable product" are
used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Any
of the product volumes disclosed herein can be configured to
include one or more of any fluent product disclosed herein, or
known in the art, in any combination.
[0155] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "formed" refers to the state of one or more materials that are
configured to be formed into a product volume, after the product
volume is provided with its defined three-dimensional space.
[0156] As used herein, the term "graphic" refers to a visual
element intended to provide a decoration or to communicate
information. Examples of graphics include one or more of any of the
following: colors, patterns, designs, images, and the like. For any
of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in
various embodiments, any surface of the flexible container can
include one or more graphics of any size, shape, or configuration,
disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination.
[0157] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "height area ratio" refers to a ratio for the container, with
units of per centimeter (cm.sup.-1), which is equal to the value
for the overall height of the container (with all of its product
volume(s) filled 100% with water, and with overall height measured
in centimeters) divided by the value for the effective base contact
area of the container (with all of its product volume(s) filled
100% with water, and with effective base contact area measured in
square centimeters). For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the
flexible containers, can be configured to have a height area ratio
from 0.3 to 3.0 per centimeter, or any value in increments of 0.05
cm.sup.-1 between 0.3 and 3.0 per centimeter, or within any range
formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 0.35 to 2.0
cm.sup.-1, from 0.4 to 1.5 cm.sup.-1, from 0.4 to 1.2 cm.sup.-1, or
from 0.45 to 0.9 cm.sup.-1, etc.
[0158] As used herein, the term "indicia" refers to one or more of
characters, graphics, branding, or other visual elements, in any
combination. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the
flexible container can include one or more indicia of any size,
shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in
any combination.
[0159] As used herein, the term "indirectly connected" refers to a
configuration wherein elements are attached to each other with one
or more intermediate elements therebetween.
[0160] As used herein, the term "joined" refers to a configuration
wherein elements are either directly connected or indirectly
connected.
[0161] As used herein, the term "lateral" refers to a direction,
orientation, or measurement that is parallel to a lateral
centerline of a container, when the container is standing upright
on a horizontal support surface, as described herein. A lateral
orientation may also be referred to a "horizontal" orientation, and
a lateral measurement may also be referred to as a "width."
[0162] As used herein, the term "like-numbered" refers to similar
alphanumeric labels for corresponding elements, as described below.
Like-numbered elements have labels with the same last two digits;
for example, one element with a label ending in the digits 20 and
another element with a label ending in the digits 20 are
like-numbered. Like-numbered elements can have labels with a
differing first digit, wherein that first digit matches the number
for its figure; as an example, an element of FIG. 3 labeled 320 and
an element of FIG. 4 labeled 420 are like-numbered. Like-numbered
elements can have labels with a suffix (i.e. the portion of the
label following the dash symbol) that is the same or possibly
different (e.g. corresponding with a particular embodiment); for
example, a first embodiment of an element in FIG. 3A labeled 320-a
and a second embodiment of an element in FIG. 3B labeled 320-b, are
like numbered.
[0163] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a
direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel to a
longitudinal centerline of a container, when the container is
standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as described
herein. A longitudinal orientation may also be referred to a
"vertical" orientation. When expressed in relation to a horizontal
support surface for a container, a longitudinal measurement may
also be referred to as a "height", measured above the horizontal
support surface.
[0164] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "middle" refers to the portion of the container that is
located in between the top of the container and the bottom of the
container. As used herein, the term middle can be modified by
describing the term middle with reference to a particular
percentage value for the top and/or a particular percentage value
for the bottom. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, a reference to the middle of the container can,
in various alternate embodiments, refer to the portion of the
container that is located between any particular percentage value
for the top, disclosed herein, and/or any particular percentage
value for the bottom, disclosed herein, in any combination.
[0165] As used herein, the term "mixing volume" refers to a type
product volume that is configured to receive one or more fluent
product(s) from one or more product volumes and/or from the
environment outside of the container.
[0166] As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term
"multiple dose" refers to a product volume that is sized to contain
a particular amount of product that is about equal to two or more
units of typical consumption, application, or use by an end user.
Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein,
can be configured to have one or more multiple dose product
volumes. A container with only one product volume, which is a
multiple dose product volume, is referred to herein as a "multiple
dose container."
[0167] As used herein, the term "nearly" modifies a particular
value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus
or minus five percent (+/-5%). For any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a
particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be
understood as a disclosure of a range equal to approximately that
particular value (i.e. +/-5%).
[0168] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "non-durable" refers to a container that is temporarily
reusable, or disposable, or single use.
[0169] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "overall height" refers to a distance that is measured while
the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface,
the distance measured vertically from the upper side of the support
surface to a point on the top of the container, which is farthest
away from the upper side of the support surface. Any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be
configured to have an overall height from 2.0 cm to 100.0 cm, or
any value in increments of 0.1 cm between 2.0 and 100.0 cm, or
within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as:
from 4.0 to 90.0 cm, from 5.0 to 80.0 cm, from 6.0 to 70.0 cm, from
7.0 to 60.0 cm, from 8.0 to 50.0 cm, from 9.0 to 40.0 cm, or from
10.0 to 30.0, etc.
[0170] As used herein, when referring to a sheet of flexible
material, the term "overall thickness" refers to a linear dimension
measured perpendicular to the outer major surfaces of the sheet,
when the sheet is lying flat. For any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any
of the flexible materials can be configured to have an overall
thickness 5-500 micrometers (.mu.m), or any integer value for
micrometers from 5-500, or within any range formed by any of these
values, such as 10-500 .mu.m, 20-400 .mu.m, 30-300 .mu.m, 40-200
.mu.m, or 50-100 .mu.m, etc.
[0171] As used herein, the term "product volume" refers to an
enclosable three-dimensional space that is configured to receive
and directly contain one or more fluent product(s), wherein that
space is defined by one or more materials that form a barrier that
prevents the fluent product(s) from escaping the product volume. By
directly containing the one or more fluent products, the fluent
products come into contact with the materials that form the
enclosable three-dimensional space; there is no intermediate
material or container, which prevents such contact. Throughout the
present disclosure the terms "product volume" and "product
receiving volume" are used interchangeably and are intended to have
the same meaning. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, can be configured to have any number of product
volumes including one product volume, two product volumes, three
product volumes, four product volumes, five product volumes, six
product volumes, or even more product volumes. In some embodiments,
one or more product volumes can be enclosed within another product
volume. Any of the product volumes disclosed herein can have a
product volume of any size, including from 0.001 liters to 100.0
liters, or any value in increments of 0.001 liters between 0.001
liters and 3.0 liters, or any value in increments of 0.01 liters
between 3.0 liters and 10.0 liters, or any value in increments of
1.0 liters between 10.0 liters and 100.0 liters, or within any
range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 0.001 to
2.2 liters, 0.01 to 2.0 liters, 0.05 to 1.8 liters, 0.1 to 1.6
liters, 0.15 to 1.4 liters, 0.2 to 1.2 liters, 0.25 to 1.0 liters,
etc. A product volume can have any shape in any orientation. A
product volume can be included in a container that has a structural
support frame, and a product volume can be included in a container
that does not have a structural support frame.
[0172] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "resting on a horizontal support surface" refers to the
container resting directly on the horizontal support surface,
without other support.
[0173] As used herein, the term "sealed," when referring to a
product volume, refers to a state of the product volume wherein
fluent products within the product volume are prevented from
escaping the product volume (e.g. by one or more materials that
form a barrier, and by a seal), and the product volume is
hermetically sealed.
[0174] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "self-supporting" refers to a container that includes a
product volume and a structural support frame, wherein, when the
container is resting on a horizontal support surface, in at least
one orientation, the structural support frame is configured to
prevent the container from collapsing and to give the container an
overall height that is significantly greater than the combined
thickness of the materials that form the container, even when the
product volume is unfilled. Any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be
self-supporting.
[0175] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "single use" refers to a closed container which, after being
opened by an end user, is not configured to be reclosed. Any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be
configured to be single use.
[0176] As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term
"single dose" refers to a product volume that is sized to contain a
particular amount of product that is about equal to one unit of
typical consumption, application, or use by an end user. Any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be
configured to have one or more single dose product volumes. A
container with only one product volume, which is a single dose
product volume, is referred to herein as a "single dose
container."
[0177] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
terms "stand up," "stands up," "standing up", "stand upright",
"stands upright", and "standing upright" refer to a particular
orientation of a self-supporting flexible container, when the
container is resting on a horizontal support surface. This standing
upright orientation can be determined from the structural features
of the container and/or indicia on the container. In a first
determining test, if the flexible container has a clearly defined
base structure that is configured to be used on the bottom of the
container, then the container is determined to be standing upright
when this base structure is resting on the horizontal support
surface. If the first test cannot determine the standing upright
orientation, then, in a second determining test, the container is
determined to be standing upright when the container is oriented to
rest on the horizontal support surface such that the indicia on the
flexible container are best positioned in an upright orientation.
If the second test cannot determine the standing upright
orientation, then, in a third determining test, the container is
determined to be standing upright when the container is oriented to
rest on the horizontal support surface such that the container has
the largest overall height. If the third test cannot determine the
standing upright orientation, then, in a fourth determining test,
the container is determined to be standing upright when the
container is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface
such that the container has the largest height area ratio. If the
fourth test cannot determine the standing upright orientation,
then, any orientation used in the fourth determining test can be
considered to be a standing upright orientation.
[0178] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "stand up container" refers to a self-supporting container,
wherein, when the container (with all of its product volume(s)
filled 100% with water) is standing up, the container has a height
area ratio from 0.4 to 1.5 cm.sup.-1. Any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be
stand up containers.
[0179] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "structural support frame" refers to a rigid structure formed
of one or more structural support members, joined together, around
one or more sizable empty spaces and/or one or more nonstructural
panels, and generally used as a major support for the product
volume(s) in the flexible container and in making the container
self-supporting and/or standing upright. In each of the embodiments
disclosed herein, when a flexible container includes a structural
support frame and one or more product volumes, the structural
support frame is considered to be supporting the product volumes of
the container, unless otherwise indicated.
[0180] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "structural support member" refers to a rigid, physical
structure, which includes one or more expanded structural support
volumes, and which is configured to be used in a structural support
frame, to carry one or more loads (from the flexible container)
across a span. A structure that does not include at least one
expanded structural support volume, is not considered to be a
structural support member, as used herein.
[0181] A structural support member has two defined ends, a middle
between the two ends, and an overall length from its one end to its
other end. A structural support member can have one or more
cross-sectional areas, each of which has an overall width that is
less than its overall length.
[0182] A structural support member can be configured in various
forms. A structural support member can include one, two, three,
four, five, six or more structural support volumes, arranged in
various ways. For example, a structural support member can be
formed by a single structural support volume. As another example, a
structural support member can be formed by a plurality of
structural support volumes, disposed end to end, in series,
wherein, in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
some or all of the structural support volumes can be partly or
fully in contact with each other, partly or fully directly
connected to each other, and/or partly or fully joined to each
other. As a further example, a structural support member can be
formed by a plurality of support volumes disposed side by side, in
parallel, wherein, in various embodiments, part, parts, or about
all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or
all of some or all of the structural support volumes can be partly
or fully in contact with each other, partly or fully directly
connected to each other, and/or partly or fully joined to each
other.
[0183] In some embodiments, a structural support member can include
a number of different kinds of elements. For example, a structural
support member can include one or more structural support volumes
along with one or more mechanical reinforcing elements (e.g.
braces, collars, connectors, joints, ribs, etc.), which can be made
from one or more rigid (e.g. solid) materials.
[0184] Structural support members can have various shapes and
sizes. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a structural support
member can be straight, curved, angled, segmented, or other shapes,
or combinations of any of these shapes. Part, parts, or about all,
or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all
of a structural support member can have any suitable
cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, square, triangular,
star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, or other shapes,
or combinations of any of these shapes. A structural support member
can have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex, or concave,
along part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a length. A structural
support member can have any suitable cross-sectional area, any
suitable overall width, and any suitable overall length. A
structural support member can be substantially uniform along part,
parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or
nearly all, or all of its length, or can vary, in any way described
herein, along part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of its length. For
example, a cross-sectional area of a structural support member can
increase or decrease along part, parts, or all of its length. Part,
parts, or all of any of the embodiments of structural support
members of the present disclosure, can be configured according to
any embodiment disclosed herein, including any workable combination
of structures, features, materials, and/or connections from any
number of any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0185] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "structural support volume" refers to a fillable space made
from one or more flexible materials, wherein the space is
configured to be at least partially filled with one or more
expansion materials, which create tension in the one or more
flexible materials, and form an expanded structural support volume.
One or more expanded structural support volumes can be configured
to be included in a structural support member. A structural support
volume is distinct from structures configured in other ways, such
as: structures without a fillable space (e.g. an open space),
structures made from inflexible (e.g. solid) materials, structures
with spaces that are not configured to be filled with an expansion
material (e.g. an unattached area between adjacent layers in a
multi-layer panel), and structures with flexible materials that are
not configured to be expanded by an expansion material (e.g. a
space in a structure that is configured to be a non-structural
panel). Throughout the present disclosure the terms "structural
support volume" and "expandable chamber" are used interchangeably
and are intended to have the same meaning.
[0186] In some embodiments, a structural support frame can include
a plurality of structural support volumes, wherein some of or all
of the structural support volumes are in fluid communication with
each other. In other embodiments, a structural support frame can
include a plurality of structural support volumes, wherein some of
or none of the structural support volumes are in fluid
communication with each other. Any of the structural support frames
of the present disclosure can be configured to have any kind of
fluid communication disclosed herein.
[0187] As used herein, the term "substantially" modifies a
particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular
value, plus or minus ten percent (+/-10%). For any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, any
disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate
embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to
approximately that particular value (i.e. +/-10%).
[0188] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "temporarily reusable" refers to a container which, after
dispensing a product to an end user, is configured to be refilled
with an additional amount of a product, up to ten times, before the
container experiences a failure that renders it unsuitable for
receiving, containing, or dispensing the product. As used herein,
the term temporarily reusable can be further limited by modifying
the number of times that the container can be refilled before the
container experiences such a failure. For any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, a reference to temporarily
reusable can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to
temporarily reusable by refilling up to eight times before failure,
by refilling up to six times before failure, by refilling up to
four times before failure, or by refilling up to two times before
failure, or any integer value for refills between one and ten times
before failure. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, can be configured to be temporarily reusable, for
the number of refills disclosed herein.
[0189] As used herein, the term "thickness" refers to a measurement
that is parallel to a third centerline of a container, when the
container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as
described herein. A thickness may also be referred to as a
"depth."
[0190] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "top" refers to the portion of the container that is located
in the uppermost 20% of the overall height of the container, that
is, from 80-100% of the overall height of the container. As used
herein, the term top can be further limited by modifying the term
top with a particular percentage value, which is less than 20%. For
any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, a
reference to the top of the container can, in various alternate
embodiments, refer to the top 15% (i.e. from 85-100% of the overall
height), the top 10% (i.e. from 90-100% of the overall height), or
the top 5% (i.e. from 95-100% of the overall height), or any
integer value for percentage between 0% and 20%.
[0191] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "unexpanded" refers to the state of one or more materials that
are configured to be formed into a structural support volume,
before the structural support volume is made rigid by an expansion
material.
[0192] As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a
flexible container, the term "unfilled" refers to the state of the
product volume when it does not contain a fluent product.
[0193] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "unformed" refers to the state of one or more materials that
are configured to be formed into a product volume, before the
product volume is provided with its defined three-dimensional
space. For example, an article of manufacture could be a container
blank with an unformed product volume, wherein sheets of flexible
material, with portions joined together, are laying flat against
each other.
[0194] Flexible containers, as described herein, may be used across
a variety of industries for a variety of products. For example,
flexible containers, as described herein, may be used across the
consumer products industry, including the following products: soft
surface cleaners, hard surface cleaners, glass cleaners, ceramic
tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, wood cleaners, multi-surface
cleaners, surface disinfectants, dishwashing compositions, laundry
detergents, fabric conditioners, fabric dyes, surface protectants,
surface disinfectants, cosmetics, facial powders, body powders,
hair treatment products (e.g. mousse, hair spray, styling gels),
shampoo, hair conditioner (leave-in or rinse-out), cream rinse,
hair dye, hair coloring product, hair shine product, hair serum,
hair anti-frizz product, hair split-end repair products, permanent
waving solution, antidandruff formulation, bath gels, shower gels,
body washes, facial cleaners, skin care products (e.g. sunscreen,
sun block lotions, lip balm, skin conditioner, cold creams,
moisturizers), body sprays, soaps, body scrubs, exfoliants,
astringent, scrubbing lotions, depilatories, antiperspirant
compositions, deodorants, shaving products, pre-shaving products,
after shaving products, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. As further
examples, flexible containers, as described herein, may be used
across other industries, including foods, beverages,
pharmaceuticals, commercial products, industrial products, medical,
etc.
[0195] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrates various views of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 100. FIG. 1A illustrates a front view
of the container 100. The container 100 is standing upright on a
horizontal support surface 101.
[0196] In FIG. 1A, a coordinate system 110, provides lines of
reference for referring to directions in the figure. The coordinate
system 110 is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system with
an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, wherein each axis is
perpendicular to the other axes, and any two of the axes define a
plane. The X-axis and the Z-axis are parallel with the horizontal
support surface 101 and the Y-axis is perpendicular to the
horizontal support surface 101.
[0197] FIG. 1A also includes other lines of reference, for
referring to directions and locations with respect to the container
100. A lateral centerline 111 runs parallel to the X-axis. An XY
plane at the lateral centerline 111 separates the container 100
into a front half and a back half. An XZ plane at the lateral
centerline 111 separates the container 100 into an upper half and a
lower half. A longitudinal centerline 114 runs parallel to the
Y-axis. A YZ plane at the longitudinal centerline 114 separates the
container 100 into a left half and a right half. A third centerline
117 runs parallel to the Z-axis. The lateral centerline 111, the
longitudinal centerline 114, and the third centerline 117 all
intersect at a center of the container 100.
[0198] A disposition with respect to the lateral centerline 111
defines what is longitudinally inboard 112 and longitudinally
outboard 113. When a first location is nearer to the lateral
centerline 111 than a second location, the first location is
considered to be disposed longitudinally inboard 112 to the second
location. And, the second location is considered to be disposed
longitudinally outboard 113 from the first location. The term
lateral refers to a direction, orientation, or measurement that is
parallel to the lateral centerline 111. A lateral orientation may
also be referred to a horizontal orientation, and a lateral
measurement may also be referred to as a width.
[0199] A disposition with respect to the longitudinal centerline
114 defines what is laterally inboard 115 and laterally outboard
116. When a first location is nearer to the longitudinal centerline
114 than a second location, the first location is considered to be
disposed laterally inboard 115 to the second location. And, the
second location is considered to be disposed laterally outboard 116
from the first location. The term longitudinal refers to a
direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel to the
longitudinal centerline 114. A longitudinal orientation may also be
referred to a vertical orientation.
[0200] A longitudinal direction, orientation, or measurement may
also be expressed in relation to a horizontal support surface for
the container 100. When a first location is nearer to the support
surface than a second location, the first location can be
considered to be disposed lower than, below, beneath, or under the
second location. And, the second location can be considered to be
disposed higher than, above, or upward from the first location. A
longitudinal measurement may also be referred to as a height,
measured above the horizontal support surface 100.
[0201] A measurement that is made parallel to the third centerline
117 is referred to a thickness or depth. A disposition in the
direction of the third centerline 117 and toward a front 102-1 of
the container is referred to as forward 118 or in front of. A
disposition in the direction of the third centerline 117 and toward
a back 102-2 of the container is referred to as backward 119 or
behind.
[0202] These terms for direction, orientation, measurement, and
disposition, as described above, are used for all of the
embodiments of the present disclosure, whether or not a support
surface, reference line, or coordinate system is shown in a
figure.
[0203] The container 100 includes a top 104, a middle 106, and a
bottom 108, the front 102-1, the back 102-2, and left and right
sides 109. The top 104 is separated from the middle 106 by a
reference plane 105, which is parallel to the XZ plane. The middle
106 is separated from the bottom 108 by a reference plane 107,
which is also parallel to the XZ plane. The container 100 has an
overall height of 100-oh. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the front
102-1 and the back 102-2 of the container are joined together at a
seal 129, which extends around the outer periphery of the container
100, across the top 104, down the side 109, and then, at the bottom
of each side 109, splits outward to follow the front and back
portions of the base 190, around their outer extents.
[0204] The container 100 includes a structural support frame 140, a
product volume 150, a dispenser 160, panels 180-1 and 180-2, and a
base structure 190. A portion of panel 180-1 is illustrated as
broken away, in order to show the product volume 150. The product
volume 150 is configured to contain one or more fluent products.
The dispenser 160 allows the container 100 to dispense these fluent
product(s) from the product volume 150 through a flow channel 159
then through the dispenser 160, to the environment outside of the
container 100. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D, the dispenser 160
is disposed in the center of the uppermost part of the top 104,
however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 160 can be
disposed anywhere else on the top 140, middle 106, or bottom 108,
including anywhere on either of the sides 109, on either of the
panels 180-1 and 180-2, and on any part of the base 190 of the
container 100. The structural support frame 140 supports the mass
of fluent product(s) in the product volume 150, and makes the
container 100 stand upright. The panels 180-1 and 180-2 are
relatively flat surfaces, overlaying the product volume 150, and
are suitable for displaying any kind of indicia. However, in
various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately
all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of either or both
of the panels 180-1 and 180-2 can include one or more curved
surfaces. The base structure 190 supports the structural support
frame 140 and provides stability to the container 100 as it stands
upright.
[0205] The structural support frame 140 is formed by a plurality of
structural support members. The structural support frame 140
includes top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2, middle
structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4, as well
as bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2.
[0206] The top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are
disposed on the upper part of the top 104 of the container 100,
with the top structural support member 144-1 disposed in the front
102-1 and the top structural support member 144-2 disposed in the
back 102-2, behind the top structural support member 144-1. The top
structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are adjacent to each
other and can be in contact with each other along the laterally
outboard portions of their lengths. In various embodiments, the top
structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 can be in contact with
each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at
one or more relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, or
about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly
all, or all of their overall lengths, so long as there is a flow
channel 159 between the top structural support members 144-1 and
144-2, which allows the container 100 to dispense fluent product(s)
from the product volume 150 through the flow channel 159 then
through the dispenser 160. The top structural support members 144-1
and 144-2 are not directly connected to each other. However, in
various alternate embodiments, the top structural support members
144-1 and 144-2 can be directly connected and/or joined together
along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall
lengths.
[0207] The top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are
disposed substantially above the product volume 150. Overall, each
of the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 is oriented
about horizontally, but with its ends curved slightly downward.
And, overall each of the top structural support members 144-1 and
144-2 has a cross-sectional area that is substantially uniform
along its length; however the cross-sectional area at their ends
are slightly larger than the cross-sectional area in their
middles.
[0208] The middle structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3,
and 146-4 are disposed on the left and right sides 109, from the
top 104, through the middle 106, to the bottom 108. The middle
structural support member 146-1 is disposed in the front 102-1, on
the left side 109; the middle structural support member 146-4 is
disposed in the back 102-2, on the left side 109, behind the middle
structural support member 146-1. The middle structural support
members 146-1 and 146-4 are adjacent to each other and can be in
contact with each other along substantially all of their lengths.
In various embodiments, the middle structural support members 146-1
and 146-4 can be in contact with each other at one or more
relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively
larger locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
their overall lengths. The middle structural support members 146-1
and 146-4 are not directly connected to each other. However, in
various alternate embodiments, the middle structural support
members 146-1 and 146-4 can be directly connected and/or joined
together along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all,
or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall
lengths.
[0209] The middle structural support member 146-2 is disposed in
the front 102-1, on the right side 109; the middle structural
support member 146-3 is disposed in the back 102-2, on the right
side 109, behind the middle structural support member 146-2. The
middle structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 are adjacent to
each other and can be in contact with each other along
substantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the
middle structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 can be in contact
with each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or
at one or more relatively larger locations, along part, or parts,
or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly
all, or all of their overall lengths. The middle structural support
members 146-2 and 146-3 are not directly connected to each other.
However, in various alternate embodiments, the middle structural
support members 146-2 and 146-3 can be directly connected and/or
joined together along part, or parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
their overall lengths.
[0210] The middle structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3,
and 146-4 are disposed substantially laterally outboard from the
product volume 150. Overall, each of the middle structural support
members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 is oriented about
vertically, but angled slightly, with its upper end laterally
inboard to its lower end. And, overall each of the middle
structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 has a
cross-sectional area that changes along its length, increasing in
size from its upper end to its lower end.
[0211] The bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are
disposed on the bottom 108 of the container 100, with the bottom
structural support member 148-1 disposed in the front 102-1 and the
bottom structural support member 148-2 disposed in the back 102-2,
behind the top structural support member 148-1. The bottom
structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are adjacent to each
other and can be in contact with each other along substantially all
of their lengths. In various embodiments, the bottom structural
support members 148-1 and 148-2 can be in contact with each other
at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more
relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
their overall lengths. The bottom structural support members 148-1
and 148-2 are not directly connected to each other. However, in
various alternate embodiments, the bottom structural support
members 148-1 and 148-2 can be directly connected and/or joined
together along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all,
or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall
lengths.
[0212] The bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are
disposed substantially below the product volume 150, but
substantially above the base structure 190. Overall, each of the
bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 is oriented about
horizontally, but with its ends curved slightly upward. And,
overall each of the bottom structural support members 148-1 and
148-2 has a cross-sectional area that is substantially uniform
along its length.
[0213] In the front portion of the structural support frame 140,
the left end of the top structural support member 144-1 is joined
to the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-1; the
lower end of the middle structural support member 146-1 is joined
to the left end of the bottom structural support member 148-1; the
right end of the bottom structural support member 148-1 is joined
to the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-2; and
the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-2 is
joined to the right end of the top structural support member 144-1.
Similarly, in the back portion of the structural support frame 140,
the left end of the top structural support member 144-2 is joined
to the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-4; the
lower end of the middle structural support member 146-4 is joined
to the left end of the bottom structural support member 148-2; the
right end of the bottom structural support member 148-2 is joined
to the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-3; and
the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-3 is
joined to the right end of the top structural support member 144-2.
In the structural support frame 140, the ends of the structural
support members, which are joined together, are directly connected,
all around the periphery of their walls. However, in various
alternative embodiments, any of the structural support members
144-1, 144-2, 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, 146-4, 148-1, and 148-2 can be
joined together in any way described herein or known in the
art.
[0214] In alternative embodiments of the structural support frame
140, adjacent structural support members can be combined into a
single structural support member, wherein the combined structural
support member can effectively substitute for the adjacent
structural support members, as their functions and connections are
described herein. In other alternative embodiments of the
structural support frame 140, one or more additional structural
support members can be added to the structural support members in
the structural support frame 140, wherein the expanded structural
support frame can effectively substitute for the structural support
frame 140, as its functions and connections are described herein.
Also, in some alternative embodiments, a flexible container may not
include a base structure.
[0215] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0216] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0217] FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0218] FIGS. 2A-8D illustrate embodiments of stand up flexible
containers having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of
FIGS. 2A-8D can be configured according to any of the embodiments
disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1D. Any of
the elements (e.g. structural support frames, structural support
members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS.
2A-8D, can be configured according to any of the embodiments
disclosed herein. While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D
illustrates a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments,
each container can include multiple dispensers, according to any
embodiment described herein. FIGS. 2A-8D illustrate exemplary
additional/alternate locations for dispenser with phantom line
outlines. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of each of the panels in
the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D is suitable to display any kind of
indicia. Each of the side panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D
is configured to be a nonstructural panel, overlaying product
volume(s) disposed within the flexible container, however, in
various embodiments, one or more of any kind of decorative or
structural element (such as a rib, protruding from an outer
surface) can be joined to part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
any of these side panels. For clarity, not all structural details
of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 2A-8D, however any
of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D can be configured to include any
structure or feature for flexible containers, disclosed herein. For
example, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D can be configured to
include any kind of base structure disclosed herein.
[0219] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible
container 200 having a structural support frame 240 that has an
overall shape like a frustum. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the
frustum shape is based on a four-sided pyramid, however, in various
embodiments, the frustum shape can be based on a pyramid with a
different number of sides, or the frustum shape can be based on a
cone. The support frame 240 is formed by structural support members
disposed along the edges of the frustum shape and joined together
at their ends. The structural support members define a rectangular
shaped top panel 280-t, trapezoidal shaped side panels 280-1,
280-2, 280-3, and 280-4, and a rectangular shaped bottom panel (not
shown). Each of the side panels 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, and 280-4 is
about flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about
all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or
all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat,
substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container
200 includes a dispenser 260, which is configured to dispense one
or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed
within the container 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the
dispenser 260 is disposed in the center of the top panel 280-t,
however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 260 can be
disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the
container 200, according to any embodiment described or illustrated
herein. FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the container 200 of
FIG. 2A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a
dispenser, any of which can also apply to the back of the
container. FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the container 200 of
FIG. 2A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a
dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can apply to
either side of the container. FIG. 2D illustrates an isometric view
of the container 200 of FIG. 2A.
[0220] FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible
container 300 having a structural support frame 340 that has an
overall shape like a pyramid. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the
pyramid shape is based on a four-sided pyramid, however, in various
embodiments, the pyramid shape can be based on a pyramid with a
different number of sides. The support frame 340 is formed by
structural support members disposed along the edges of the pyramid
shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support
members define triangular shaped side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3,
and 380-4, and a square shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of
the side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3, and 380-4 is about flat,
however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially
flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 300 includes a
dispenser 360, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent
products from one or more product volumes disposed within the
container 300. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the dispenser 360 is
disposed at the apex of the pyramid shape, however, in various
alternate embodiments, the dispenser 360 can be disposed anywhere
else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 300. FIG. 3B
illustrates a front view of the container 300 of FIG. 3A, including
exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as
phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the
container. FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the container 300 of
FIG. 3A. FIG. 3D illustrates an isometric view of the container 300
of FIG. 3A.
[0221] FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible
container 400 having a structural support frame 440 that has an
overall shape like a trigonal prism. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A,
the prism shape is based on a triangle. The support frame 440 is
formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of
the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural
support members define a triangular shaped top panel 480-t,
rectangular shaped side panels 480-1, 480-2, and 480-3, and a
triangular shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels
480-1, 480-2, and 480-3 is about flat, however in various
embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the side panels can be
approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely
flat. The container 400 includes a dispenser 460, which is
configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more
product volumes disposed within the container 400. In the
embodiment of FIG. 4A, the dispenser 460 is disposed in the center
of the top panel 480-t, however, in various alternate embodiments,
the dispenser 460 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides,
or bottom, of the container 400. FIG. 4B illustrates a front view
of the container 400 of FIG. 4A, including exemplary
additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom
lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the container
400. FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the container 400 of FIG.
4A. FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric view of the container 400 of
FIG. 4A.
[0222] FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible
container 500 having a structural support frame 540 that has an
overall shape like a tetragonal prism. In the embodiment of FIG.
5A, the prism shape is based on a square. The support frame 540 is
formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of
the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural
support members define a square shaped top panel 580-t, rectangular
shaped side panels 580-1, 580-2, 580-3, and 580-4, and a square
shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 580-1,
580-2, 580-3, and 580-4 is about flat, however in various
embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels
can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or
completely flat. The container 500 includes a dispenser 560, which
is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or
more product volumes disposed within the container 500. In the
embodiment of FIG. 5A, the dispenser 560 is disposed in the center
of the top panel 580-t, however, in various alternate embodiments,
the dispenser 560 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides,
or bottom, of the container 500. FIG. 5B illustrates a front view
of the container 500 of FIG. 5A, including exemplary
additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom
lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the container
500. FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the container 500 of FIG.
5A. FIG. 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container 500 of
FIG. 5A.
[0223] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible
container 600 having a structural support frame 640 that has an
overall shape like a pentagonal prism. In the embodiment of FIG.
6A, the prism shape is based on a pentagon. The support frame 640
is formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of
the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural
support members define a pentagon shaped top panel 680-t,
rectangular shaped side panels 680-1, 680-2, 680-3, 680-4, and
680-5, and a pentagon shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the
side panels 680-1, 680-2, 680-3, 680-4, and 680-5 is about flat,
however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially
flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 600 includes a
dispenser 660, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent
products from one or more product volumes disposed within the
container 600. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the dispenser 660 is
disposed in the center of the top panel 680-t, however, in various
alternate embodiments, the dispenser 660 can be disposed anywhere
else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 600. FIG. 6B
illustrates a front view of the container 600 of FIG. 6A, including
exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as
phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the
container 600. FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the container 600
of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D illustrates an isometric view of the container
600 of FIG. 6A.
[0224] FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible
container 700 having a structural support frame 740 that has an
overall shape like a cone. The support frame 740 is formed by
curved structural support members disposed around the base of the
cone and by straight structural support members extending linearly
from the base to the apex, wherein the structural support members
are joined together at their ends. The structural support members
define curved somewhat triangular shaped side panels 780-1, 780-2,
and 780-3, and a circular shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of
the side panels 780-1, 780-2, and 780-3, is curved, however in
various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately
all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side
panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat,
or completely flat. The container 700 includes a dispenser 760,
which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from
one or more product volumes disposed within the container 700. In
the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the dispenser 760 is disposed at the
apex of the conical shape, however, in various alternate
embodiments, the dispenser 760 can be disposed anywhere else on the
top, sides, or bottom, of the container 700. FIG. 7B illustrates a
front view of the container 700 of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C illustrates a
side view of the container 700 of FIG. 7A, including exemplary
additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom
lines), any of which can also apply to any side panel of the
container 700. FIG. 7D illustrates an isometric view of the
container 700 of FIG. 7A.
[0225] FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible
container 800 having a structural support frame 840 that has an
overall shape like a cylinder. The support frame 840 is formed by
curved structural support members disposed around the top and
bottom of the cylinder and by straight structural support members
extending linearly from the top to the bottom, wherein the
structural support members are joined together at their ends. The
structural support members define a circular shaped top panel
880-t, curved somewhat rectangular shaped side panels 880-1, 880-2,
880-3, and 880-4, and a circular shaped bottom panel (not shown).
Each of the side panels 880-1, 880-2, 880-3, and 880-4, is curved,
however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially
flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 800 includes a
dispenser 860, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent
products from one or more product volumes disposed within the
container 800. In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the dispenser 860 is
disposed in the center of the top panel 880-t, however, in various
alternate embodiments, the dispenser 860 can be disposed anywhere
else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 800. FIG. 8B
illustrates a front view of the container 800 of FIG. 8A, including
exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as
phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side panel of
the container 800. FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the container
800 of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D illustrates an isometric view of the
container 800 of FIG. 8A.
[0226] In additional embodiments, any stand up flexible container
with a structural support frame, as disclosed herein, can be
configured to have an overall shape that corresponds with any other
known three-dimensional shape, including any kind of polyhedron,
any kind of prismatoid, and any kind of prism (including right
prisms and uniform prisms).
[0227] FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container 900, having an overall shape
like a square. FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible
container 900 of FIG. 9A. The container 900 is resting on a
horizontal support surface 901.
[0228] In FIG. 9B, a coordinate system 910, provides lines of
reference for referring to directions in the figure. The coordinate
system 910 is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, with
an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis and the Z-axis are
parallel with the horizontal support surface 901 and the Y-axis is
perpendicular to the horizontal support surface 901.
[0229] FIG. 9A also includes other lines of reference, for
referring to directions and locations with respect to the container
100. A lateral centerline 911 runs parallel to the X-axis. An XY
plane at the lateral centerline 911 separates the container 100
into a front half and a back half. An XZ plane at the lateral
centerline 911 separates the container 100 into an upper half and a
lower half. A longitudinal centerline 914 runs parallel to the
Y-axis. A YZ plane at the longitudinal centerline 914 separates the
container 900 into a left half and a right half. A third centerline
917 runs parallel to the Z-axis. The lateral centerline 911, the
longitudinal centerline 914, and the third centerline 917 all
intersect at a center of the container 900. These terms for
direction, orientation, measurement, and disposition, in the
embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B are the same as the like-numbered terms
in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D.
[0230] The container 900 includes a top 904, a middle 906, and a
bottom 908, the front 902-1, the back 902-2, and left and right
sides 909. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B, the upper half and the
lower half of the container are joined together at a seal 929,
which extends around the outer periphery of the container 900. The
bottom of the container 900 is configured in the same way as the
top of the container 900.
[0231] The container 900 includes a structural support frame 940, a
product volume 950, a dispenser 960, a top panel 980-t and a bottom
panel (not shown). A portion of the top panel 980-t is illustrated
as broken away, in order to show the product volume 950. The
product volume 950 is configured to contain one or more fluent
products. The dispenser 960 allows the container 900 to dispense
these fluent product(s) from the product volume 950 through a flow
channel 959 then through the dispenser 960, to the environment
outside of the container 900. The structural support frame 940
supports the mass of fluent product(s) in the product volume 950.
The top panel 980-t and the bottom panel are relatively flat
surfaces, overlaying the product volume 950, and are suitable for
displaying any kind of indicia.
[0232] The structural support frame 940 is formed by a plurality of
structural support members. The structural support frame 940
includes front structural support members 943-1 and 943-2,
intermediate structural support members 945-1, 945-2, 945-3, and
945-4, as well as back structural support members 947-1 and 947-2.
Overall, each of the structural support members in the container
900 is oriented horizontally. And, each of the structural support
members in the container 900 has a cross-sectional area that is
substantially uniform along its length, although in various
embodiments, this cross-sectional area can vary.
[0233] Upper structural support members 943-1, 945-1, 945-2, and
947-1 are disposed in an upper part of the middle 906 and in the
top 904, while lower structural support members 943-2, 945-4,
945-3, and 947-2 are disposed in a lower part of the middle 906 and
in the bottom 908. The upper structural support members 943-1,
945-1, 945-2, and 947-1 are disposed above and adjacent to the
lower structural support members 943-2, 945-4, 945-3, and 947-2,
respectively.
[0234] In various embodiments, adjacent upper and lower structural
support members can be in contact with each other at one or more
relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively
larger locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
their overall lengths, so long as there is a gap in the contact for
the flow channel 959, between the structural support members 943-1
and 943-2. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B, the upper and lower
structural support members are not directly connected to each
other. However, in various alternate embodiments, adjacent upper
and lower structural support members can be directly connected
and/or joined together along part, or parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
their overall lengths.
[0235] The ends of structural support members 943-1, 945-2, 947-1,
and 945-1 are joined together to form a top square that is outward
from and surrounding the product volume 950, and the ends of
structural support members 943-2, 945-3, 947-2, and 945-4 are also
joined together to form a bottom square that is outward from and
surrounding the product volume 950. In the structural support frame
940, the ends of the structural support members, which are joined
together, are directly connected, all around the periphery of their
walls. However, in various alternative embodiments, any of the
structural support members of the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B can be
joined together in any way described herein or known in the
art.
[0236] In alternative embodiments of the structural support frame
940, adjacent structural support members can be combined into a
single structural support member, wherein the combined structural
support member can effectively substitute for the adjacent
structural support members, as their functions and connections are
described herein. In other alternative embodiments of the
structural support frame 940, one or more additional structural
support members can be added to the structural support members in
the structural support frame 940, wherein the expanded structural
support frame can effectively substitute for the structural support
frame 940, as its functions and connections are described
herein.
[0237] FIGS. 10A-11B illustrate embodiments of self-supporting
flexible containers (that are not stand up containers) having
various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B can
be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein,
including the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9B. Any of the elements (e.g.
structural support frames, structural support members, panels,
dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B, can be
configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B illustrates a
container with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each
container can include multiple dispensers, according to any
embodiment described herein. Part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
each of the panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B is suitable
to display any kind of indicia. Each of the top and bottom panels
in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B is configured to be a
nonstructural panel, overlaying product volume(s) disposed within
the flexible container, however, in various embodiments, one or
more of any kind of decorative or structural element (such as a
rib, protruding from an outer surface) can be joined to part,
parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or
nearly all, or all of any of these panels. For clarity, not all
structural details of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS.
10A-11B, however any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B can be
configured to include any structure or feature for flexible
containers, disclosed herein.
[0238] FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container 1000 (that is not a stand up
flexible container) having a product volume 1050 and an overall
shape like a triangle. However, in various embodiments, a
self-supporting flexible container can have an overall shape like a
polygon having any number of sides. The support frame 1040 is
formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of
the triangular shape and joined together at their ends. The
structural support members define a triangular shaped top panel
1080-t, and a triangular shaped bottom panel (not shown). The top
panel 1080-t and the bottom panel are about flat, however in
various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately
all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side
panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat,
or completely flat. The container 1000 includes a dispenser 1060,
which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from
one or more product volumes disposed within the container 1000. In
the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the dispenser 1060 is disposed in the
center of the front, however, in various alternate embodiments, the
dispenser 1060 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or
bottom, of the container 1000. FIG. 10A includes exemplary
additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom
lines). FIG. 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible container
1000 of FIG. 10B, resting on a horizontal support surface 1001.
[0239] FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container 1100 (that is not a stand up
flexible container) having a product volume 1150 and an overall
shape like a circle. The support frame 1140 is formed by structural
support members disposed around the circumference of the circular
shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support
members define a circular shaped top panel 1180-t, and a circular
shaped bottom panel (not shown). The top panel 1180-t and the
bottom panel are about flat, however in various embodiments, part,
parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or
nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately
flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The
container 1100 includes a dispenser 1160, which is configured to
dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product
volumes disposed within the container 1100. In the embodiment of
FIG. 11A, the dispenser 1160 is disposed in the center of the
front, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser
1160 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of
the container 1100. FIG. 11A includes exemplary
additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom
lines). FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container
1100 of FIG. 10B, resting on a horizontal support surface 1101.
[0240] In additional embodiments, any self-supporting container
with a structural support frame, as disclosed herein, can be
configured to have an overall shape that corresponds with any other
known three-dimensional shape. For example, any self-supporting
container with a structural support frame, as disclosed herein, can
be configured to have an overall shape (when observed from a top
view) that corresponds with a rectangle, a polygon (having any
number of sides), an oval, an ellipse, a star, or any other shape,
or combinations of any of these.
[0241] FIGS. 12A-14C illustrate various exemplary dispensers, which
can be used with the flexible containers disclosed herein. FIG. 12A
illustrates an isometric view of push-pull type dispenser 1260-a.
FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a flip-top
cap 1260-b. FIG. 12C illustrates an isometric view of dispenser
with a screw-on cap 1260-c. FIG. 12D illustrates an isometric view
of rotatable type dispenser 1260-d. FIG. 12E illustrates an
isometric view of nozzle type dispenser with a cap 1260-d. FIG. 13A
illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser 1360-a. FIG. 13B
illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser with a lid 1360-b.
FIG. 13C illustrates an isometric view of flip up straw dispenser
1360-c. FIG. 13D illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser
with bite valve 1360-d. FIG. 14A illustrates an isometric view of
pump type dispenser 1460-a, which can, in various embodiments be a
foaming pump type dispenser. FIG. 14B illustrates an isometric view
of pump spray type dispenser 1460-b. FIG. 14C illustrates an
isometric view of trigger spray type dispenser 1460-c.
[0242] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to
include multiple product volumes.
[0243] In a first set of embodiments, an article of manufacture can
be configured to include a first disposable self-supporting
flexible container having a first structural support frame and a
first product volume, wherein the first structural frame is
configured to support the first product volume; and a second
disposable flexible container having a second product volume (and
which may or may not have a structural support frame); wherein the
first container is joined to the second container. In this first
set of embodiments, neither, either or both of these flexible
containers can be configured to be stand up containers. In
variations of this first set of embodiments, any of these articles
can be configured to include any number of product volumes, any of
which can be joined together, in any manner disclosed herein. Any
part, parts, or all of any embodiment in this first set of
embodiments can be configured according to any embodiment of the
present disclosure, in any workable combination.
[0244] In a second set of embodiments, a non-durable
self-supporting flexible container can be configured to include a
first product volume; a second product volume; and a structural
support frame, configured to support both the first product volume
and the second product volume. In this second set of embodiments,
any of these flexible containers can be configured to be stand up
containers. In variations of this second set of embodiments, any of
these articles can be configured to include any number of product
volumes, each supported by the structural support frame, in any
manner disclosed herein. Any part, parts, or all of any embodiment
in this second set of embodiments can be configured according to
any embodiment of the present disclosure, in any workable
combination.
[0245] In a third set of embodiments, a disposable self-supporting
flexible container can be configured to include a first product
volume, which directly contains a first fluent product; a second
product volume, which directly contains a second fluent product
that differs from the first fluent product; and a structural
support frame, configured to support either or both of the product
volumes. In this second set of embodiments, any of these flexible
containers can be configured to be stand up containers. In
variations of this third set of embodiments, any of these flexible
containers can be configured to include any number of product
volumes, each with a different fluent product, in any manner
disclosed herein. Any part, parts, or all of any embodiment in this
third set of embodiments can be configured according to any
embodiment of the present disclosure, in any workable
combination.
[0246] In a fourth set of embodiments, a non-durable
self-supporting flexible container can be configured to include: a
first product volume, which directly contains a first fluent
product; a second product volume, which directly contains a second
fluent product that differs from the first fluent product; and a
structural support frame, configured to support both the first
product volume and the second product volume; and only one
dispenser. In this fourth set of embodiments, any of these flexible
containers can be configured to be stand up containers. In
variations of this fourth set of embodiments, any of these flexible
containers can be configured to include any number of product
volumes, each with a different fluent product, in any manner
disclosed herein. Any part, parts, or all of any embodiment in this
fourth set of embodiments can be configured according to any
embodiment of the present disclosure, in any workable
combination.
[0247] In embodiments with multiple product volumes, any of the
product volumes and any of the mixing volumes can have any size
disclosed herein. Various embodiments of an article of manufacture
and/or a flexible container (self-supporting only or stand up), can
be configured with one or more product volumes and/or one or more
mixing volumes that are single dose volumes and/or one or more
product volumes and/or one or more mixing volumes that are multiple
dose volumes. Various embodiments of an article of manufacture
and/or a flexible container (self-supporting only or stand up), can
be configured with one or more product volumes that are sized in
relationship to each other, for example, in relation to their
expected use (independently and/or in combination).
[0248] As a particular example, a flexible container can include
one or more smaller product volumes containing one or more fluent
products that are additives (configured to be combined with a base
composition), as well as one or more larger product volumes and/or
mixing volumes, which contain a fluent product that is the base
composition, wherein the fluent products from the smaller product
volumes can be selectively added to the base composition by an end
user (e.g. by opening a flow channel or by breaking open a
frangible seal).
[0249] In embodiments with multiple product volumes, for product
volumes that are disposed proximate to each other and/or adjacent
to each other and/or in contact with each other, their fluent
products can be kept separate by the material(s) that define their
spaces and/or by one or more rigid materials and/or one or more
flexible materials (such as those disclosed herein), which can also
act as a barrier between the product volumes. In any embodiment of
article and/or flexible container (self-supporting only or stand
up) disclosed herein, a wall that separates product volumes can be
configured as a frangible wall, which can be broken open through
application of outside forces (e.g. by an end user squeezing and/or
compressing the outside portions of the container that are
proximate to the frangible wall), to allow fluent products from
those (previously separated) product volumes to mix together.
[0250] In embodiments with multiple product volumes, any of the
product volumes and any of the mixing volumes can be configured to
include one or more of any fluent product disclosed herein. Various
embodiments of an article of manufacture and/or a flexible
container (self-supporting only or stand up), can be configured
with multiple product volumes wherein each product volume contains
a different fluent product. Following, are examples of a first and
second fluent products, which can be provided (respectively) in
first and second product volumes of a flexible container.
[0251] As a first example, a first fluent product can be a
composition essentially made from a defined group of ingredients
combined in a first apportionment, and a second fluent product can
be a composition essentially made from the same defined group of
ingredients combined in a second apportionment, which differs from
the first apportionment.
[0252] As a second example, a first fluent product can be a
composition essentially made from a defined group of active
ingredients and a first additive, and a second fluent product can
be a composition essentially made from the same defined group of
active ingredients and a second additive, which differs from the
first additive.
[0253] As a third example, a first fluent product can be a first
additive (configured to be combined with a base composition) and a
second fluent product can be a second additive (also configured to
be combined with the same base composition), which differs from the
first additive. In various embodiments, these first and second
additives can be distinguishing additives, which create
compositions that are distinctly different from each other when
they are combined with the base compositions. Distinguishing
additives can create base compositions with distinctly different
appearances, fragrances, flavors, etc.
[0254] As a fourth example, a first fluent product can be a base
composition and a second fluent product can be an additive
configured to be combined with the base composition.
[0255] As a fifth example, a first fluent product and a second
fluent product can be co-reactive with each other.
[0256] Following are other various embodiments for first and second
fluent products. A first fluent product and a second fluent product
can each be a grooming composition, such as a depilatory and an
aftershave. A first fluent product and a second fluent product can
each be a beauty care composition, such as a shampoo and a
conditioner. A first fluent product and a second fluent product can
each be a personal care composition, such as a deodorant and an
antiperspirant. A first fluent product and a second fluent product
can each be a personal care composition, such as a deodorant and an
antiperspirant. A first fluent product and a second fluent product
can each be a cosmetics composition, such as a compositions used in
different steps of a multi-step application process. A first fluent
product and a second fluent product can each be a fabric care
composition, such as a detergent and a fabric softener. A first
fluent product and a second fluent product can each be an oral care
composition, such as a toothpaste and a mouthwash. A first fluent
product and a second fluent product can each be a dish care
composition, such as a dish soap and rinse aid. A first fluent
product and a second fluent product can each be a medicament or a
pharmaceutical, such as a pharmaceutical intended for daytime use,
and a pharmaceutical intended for nighttime use. A first fluent
product and a second fluent product can each be different
fragrances, different foods, different beverages, etc.
[0257] In embodiments with multiple product volumes, any of the
product volumes and any of the mixing volumes can be configured
with any number of any kind of dispenser configured in any manner
disclosed herein. Various embodiments of an article of manufacture
and/or a flexible container (self-supporting only or stand up), can
be configured with one or more product volumes and/or one or more
mixing volumes, wherein such a volume includes only one, or more
than one dispenser. Various embodiments of an article of
manufacture and/or a flexible container (self-supporting only or
stand up), can be configured, wherein the article and/or the
container includes only one, or more than one dispenser. In various
embodiments of an article of manufacture and/or a flexible
container (self-supporting only or stand up), different product
volumes can have dispensers having different flow rates. For
example, different product volumes can have dispensers with flow
rates that are sized for the different fluent products in those
product volumes, with differences based on various factors such as
product viscosity, size of dose, or expected rate of use
(independently and/or in combination).
[0258] FIGS. 15A-39B illustrate embodiments of stand up flexible
containers, which are configured with structural support frames and
multiple product volumes. FIGS. 15A-39B illustrate embodiments of
stand up flexible containers having structural support frames that
each have an overall shape like a frustum, such as in the
embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2D. Alternatively, any of the embodiments of
FIGS. 15A-39B can have a structural support frame that has an
overall shape configured according to any of the embodiments
disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 3A-8D, and any
of their alternate embodiments. Any of the elements (e.g.
structural support frames, structural support members, panels,
dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS. 15A-39B, can be
configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 15A-39B illustrates a
container with a particular number of product volumes and
dispensers, in various embodiments, each container can include
various numbers of product volumes and various numbers of
dispensers, each configured according to any embodiment described
herein. The embodiments of FIGS. 15A-39B include nonstructural
panels, disposed between the structural support members that form
their structural support frames (as described herein), and part,
parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or
nearly all, or all of each of the panels in the embodiments of
FIGS. 15A-39B is suitable to display any kind of indicia, and to be
configured in any way described herein. Throughout FIGS. 15A-39B,
portions of panels are illustrated as broken away, in order to show
product volumes. For clarity, not all structural details of these
flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 15A-39B, however any of the
embodiments of FIGS. 15A-39B can be configured to include any
structure or feature for flexible containers, disclosed herein. For
example, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 15A-39B can be configured
to include any kind of base structure disclosed herein.
[0259] FIG. 15A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 1500 having a structural support frame
1540 and two product volumes 1550-1 and 1550-2 disposed side by
side, separated by a vertical wall 1555, with dispensers 1560-1 and
1560-2 on the top (or alternatively, on the bottom) of the
container 1500. The dispenser 1560-1 is in fluid communication with
the product volume 1550-1 and the dispenser 1560-2 is in fluid
communication with the product volume 1550-2. FIG. 15B illustrates
a side view of the stand up flexible container 1500 of FIG.
15A.
[0260] FIG. 16A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 1600 having a structural support frame
1640 and three product volumes 1650-1, 1650-2, and 1650-3 disposed
side by side, separated by vertical walls 1655-1 and 1655-2, with
dispensers 1660-1, 1660-2, and 1660-3 on the top (or alternatively,
on the bottom) of the container 1600. The dispenser 1660-1 is in
fluid communication with the product volume 1650-1, the dispenser
1660-2 is in fluid communication with the product volume 1650-2,
and the dispenser 1660-3 is in fluid communication with the product
volume 1650-3. FIG. 16B illustrates a side view of the stand up
flexible container 1600 of FIG. 16A.
[0261] FIG. 17A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 1700 having a structural support frame
1740 and two product volumes 1750-1 and 1750-2 disposed side by
side, separated by a vertical wall 1755, with dispensers 1760-1 and
1760-2 on the front (or alternatively, at other illustrated
locations on the front or on the back) of the container 1700. The
dispenser 1760-1 is in fluid communication with the product volume
1750-1 and the dispenser 1760-2 is in fluid communication with the
product volume 1750-2. FIG. 17B illustrates a side view of the
stand up flexible container 1700 of FIG. 17A.
[0262] FIG. 18A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 1800 having a structural support frame
1840 and two product volumes 1850-1 and 1850-2 disposed side by
side, separated by a vertical wall 1855, with dispensers 1860-1 and
1860-2 on the sides of the container 1800 (alternatively, at any
other illustrated location on the sides). The dispenser 1860-1 is
in fluid communication with the product volume 1850-1 and the
dispenser 1860-2 is in fluid communication with the product volume
1850-2. FIG. 18B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container 1800 of FIG. 18A.
[0263] FIG. 19A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 1900 having a structural support frame
1940 and two product volumes 1950-1 and 1950-2 disposed side by
side, separated by an angled wall 1955, with dispensers 1960-1 and
1960-2 on the sides of the container 1900 (alternatively, at any
other illustrated location on the sides). The dispenser 1960-1 is
in fluid communication with the product volume 1950-1 and the
dispenser 1960-2 is in fluid communication with the product volume
1950-2. FIG. 19B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container 1900 of FIG. 19A.
[0264] FIG. 20A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2000 having a structural support frame
2040 and two product volumes 2050-1 and 2050-2 disposed side by
side, separated by a vertical wall 2055, with a parallel dispenser
2060 on the top (or alternatively, on the bottom) of the container
2000. The parallel dispenser 2060 is in fluid communication with
the product volume 2050-1 and with the product volume 2050-2. FIG.
20B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container 2000
of FIG. 20A.
[0265] FIG. 21A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2100 having a structural support frame
2140 and two product volumes 2150-1 and 2150-2 disposed side by
side, separated by a vertical wall 2155, with a parallel dispenser
2160 on the front (or alternatively, at other illustrated locations
on the front or on the back) of the container 2100. The parallel
dispenser 2160 is in fluid communication with the product volume
2150-1 and with the product volume 2150-2. FIG. 21B illustrates a
side view of the stand up flexible container 2100 of FIG. 21A.
[0266] FIG. 22A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2200 having a structural support frame
2240 and two product volumes 2250-1 and 2250-2 disposed side by
side, separated by a vertical wall 2255, with a mixing dispenser
2260 on the top (or alternatively, on the bottom) of the container
2200. The mixing dispenser 2260 is in fluid communication with the
product volume 2250-1 and with the product volume 2250-2. FIG. 22B
illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container 2200 of
FIG. 22A.
[0267] FIG. 23A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2300 having a structural support frame
2340 and two product volumes 2350-1 and 2350-2 disposed side by
side, separated by a vertical wall 2355, mixing valves 2356-1 and
2356-2 and a mixing volume 2357, and with a dispenser 2360 on the
top (or alternatively, on the bottom) of the container 2300. The
mixing valve 2356-1 allows and controls fluid communication between
with the product volume 2350-1 and the mixing volume 2357 and the
mixing valve 2356-2 allows and controls fluid communication between
with the product volume 2350-2 and the mixing volume 2357. In some
embodiments, a mixing valve also can meter the rate of fluid
communication between a product volume and a mixing volume. The
dispenser 2360 is in fluid communication with the mixing volume
2357. FIG. 23B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container 2300 of FIG. 23A.
[0268] FIG. 24A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2400 having a structural support frame
2440 and two product volumes 2450-1 and 2450-2 disposed front to
back, separated by a vertical wall 2455, with dispensers 2460-1 and
2460-2 on the top (or alternatively, on the bottom) of the
container 2400. The dispenser 2460-1 is in fluid communication with
the product volume 2450-1 and the dispenser 2460-2 is in fluid
communication with the product volume 2450-2. FIG. 24B illustrates
a side view of the stand up flexible container 2400 of FIG.
24A.
[0269] FIG. 25A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2500 having a structural support frame
2540 and two product volumes 2550-1 and 2550-2 disposed front to
back, separated by a vertical wall 2555, with dispensers 2560-ion
the front and the back of the container 2500 (or alternatively, at
other illustrated locations on the front or on the back). The
dispenser 2560-1 is in fluid communication with the product volume
2550-1 and the dispenser 2560-2 is in fluid communication with the
product volume 2550-2. FIG. 25B illustrates a side view of the
stand up flexible container 2500 of FIG. 25A.
[0270] FIG. 26A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2600 having a structural support frame
2640 and two product volumes 2650-1 and 2650-2 disposed front to
back, separated by an angled wall 2655, with dispensers 2660-1 and
2660-2 on the front and the back of the container 2600 (or
alternatively, at other illustrated locations on the front or on
the back). The dispenser 2660-1 is in fluid communication with the
product volume 2650-1 and the dispenser 2660-2 is in fluid
communication with the product volume 2650-2. FIG. 26B illustrates
a side view of the stand up flexible container 2600 of FIG.
26A.
[0271] FIG. 27A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2700 having a structural support frame
2740 and two product volumes 2750-1 and 2750-2 disposed front to
back, separated by a vertical wall 2755, with dispensers 2760-1 and
2760-2 on the sides of the container 2700 (alternatively, at any
other illustrated location on the sides). The dispenser 2760-1 is
in fluid communication with the product volume 2750-1 and the
dispenser 2760-2 is in fluid communication with the product volume
2750-2. FIG. 27B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container 2700 of FIG. 27A.
[0272] FIG. 28A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2800 having a structural support frame
2840 and two product volumes 2850-1 and 2850-2 disposed front to
back, separated by a vertical wall 2855, with a parallel dispenser
2860 on the top (or alternatively, on the bottom) of the container
2800. The parallel dispenser 2860 is in fluid communication with
the product volume 2850-1 and with the product volume 2850-2. FIG.
28B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container 2800
of FIG. 28A.
[0273] FIG. 29A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 2900 having a structural support frame
2940 and three product volumes 2950-1, 2950-2, and 2950-3 disposed
front to back, separated by vertical walls 2955-1 and 2955-2, with
a parallel dispenser 2690 on the top (or alternatively, on the
bottom) of the container 2900. The parallel dispenser 2960 is in
fluid communication with the product volume 2950-1, with the
product volume 2950-2, and with the product volume 2950-2. FIG. 29B
illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container 2900 of
FIG. 29A.
[0274] FIG. 30A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3000 having a structural support frame
3040 and two product volumes 3050-1 and 3050-2 disposed front to
back, separated by a vertical wall 3055, and with a parallel
dispenser 3060 on the side of the container 3000 (alternatively, at
any other illustrated location on the sides). The parallel
dispenser 3060 is in fluid communication with the product volume
3050-1 and with the product volume 3050-2. FIG. 30B illustrates a
side view of the stand up flexible container 3000 of FIG. 30A.
[0275] FIG. 31A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3100 having a structural support frame
3140 and two product volumes 3150-1 and 3150-2 disposed front to
back, separated by a vertical wall 3155, and with a mixing
dispenser 3160 on the top (or alternatively, on the bottom) of the
container 3100. The mixing dispenser 3160 is in fluid communication
with the product volume 3150-1 and with the product volume 3150-2.
FIG. 31B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container
3100 of FIG. 31A.
[0276] FIG. 32A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3200 having a structural support frame
3240 and two product volumes 3250-1 and 3250-2 disposed front to
back, separated by a vertical wall 3255, mixing valves 3256-1 and
3256-2 and a mixing volume 3257, and with dispensers 3260 on the
top (or alternatively, on the bottom) of the container 3200. The
mixing valve 3256-1 allows and controls fluid communication between
with the product volume 3250-1 and the mixing volume 3257 and the
mixing valve 3256-2 allows and controls fluid communication between
with the product volume 3250-2 and the mixing volume 3257. The
dispenser 3260 is in fluid communication with the mixing volume
3257. FIG. 32B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container 3200 of FIG. 32A.
[0277] FIG. 33A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3300 having a structural support frame
3340 and two product volumes 3350-1 and 3350-2 disposed top to
bottom, separated by a horizontal wall 3355, and with dispensers
3360-1 and 3360-2 on the side of the container 3300 (alternatively,
at other illustrated locations on the other side). The dispenser
3360-1 is in fluid communication with the product volume 3350-1 and
the dispenser 3360-2 is in fluid communication with the product
volume 3350-2. FIG. 33B illustrates a side view of the stand up
flexible container 3300 of FIG. 33A.
[0278] FIG. 34A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3400 having a structural support frame
3440 and two product volumes 3450-1 and 3450-2 disposed top to
bottom, separated by an angled wall 3455, and with dispensers
3460-1 and 3460-2 on the side of the container 3400 (alternatively,
at other illustrated locations on the other side). The dispenser
3460-1 is in fluid communication with the product volume 3450-1 and
the dispenser 3460-2 is in fluid communication with the product
volume 3450-2. FIG. 34B illustrates a side view of the stand up
flexible container 3400 of FIG. 34A.
[0279] FIG. 35A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3500 having a structural support frame
3540 and three product volumes 3550-1, 3550-2, and 3550-3 disposed
top to bottom, separated by horizontal walls 3555-1 and 3555-2, and
with dispensers 3560-1, 3560-2, and 3560-3 on the sides of the
container 3500 (alternatively, at other illustrated locations on
the other side). The dispenser 3560-1 is in fluid communication
with the product volume 3550-1, the dispenser 3560-2 is in fluid
communication with the product volume 3550-2, and the dispenser
3560-3 is in fluid communication with the product volume 3550-3.
FIG. 35B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container
3500 of FIG. 35A.
[0280] FIG. 36A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3600 having a structural support frame
3640 and two product volumes 3450-1 and 3450-2 disposed top to
bottom, separated by a horizontal wall 3655, and with a parallel
dispenser 3660 on the side of the container 3600 (alternatively, at
other illustrated location on the other side). The parallel
dispenser 3660 is in fluid communication with the product volume
3650-1 and with the product volume 3550-2. FIG. 36B illustrates a
side view of the stand up flexible container 3600 of FIG. 36A.
[0281] FIG. 37A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3700 having a structural support frame
3740 and two product volumes 3750-1 and 3750-2 disposed top to
bottom, separated by a horizontal wall 3755, and with a parallel
dispenser 3760 on the front of the container 3700 (or
alternatively, at other illustrated locations on the front or on
the back). The parallel dispenser 3760 is in fluid communication
with the product volume 3750-1 and with the product volume 3750-2.
FIG. 37B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container
3700 of FIG. 37A.
[0282] FIG. 38A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3800 having a structural support frame
3840 and two product volumes 3850-1 and 3850-2 disposed top to
bottom, separated by a horizontal wall 3855, and with a mixing
dispenser 3860 on the side of the container 3800 (alternatively, at
other illustrated location on the other side). The mixing dispenser
3860 is in fluid communication with the product volume 3850-1 and
with the product volume 3850-2. FIG. 38B illustrates a side view of
the stand up flexible container 3800 of FIG. 38A.
[0283] FIG. 39A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a
stand up flexible container 3900 having a structural support frame
3940 and two product volumes 3950-1 and 3950-2 disposed top to
bottom, separated by a horizontal wall 3955, mixing valves 3956-1
and 3956-3 and a mixing volume 3957, and a dispenser 3960 on the
side of the container 3900. The mixing valve 3956-1 allows and
controls fluid communication between with the product volume 3950-1
and the mixing volume 3957 and the mixing valve 3956-2 allows and
controls fluid communication between with the product volume 3950-2
and the mixing volume 3957. The dispenser 3960 is in fluid
communication with the mixing volume 3957. FIG. 39B illustrates a
side view of the stand up flexible container 3900 of FIG. 39A.
[0284] FIGS. 40-45 illustrate embodiments of self-supporting
flexible containers, which are not stand up containers, but which
are configured with structural support frames and multiple product
volumes. FIGS. 40-45 illustrate embodiments of self-supporting
flexible containers having an overall shape like a rectangle, a
square, or squares, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B.
Alternatively, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 40-45 can have a
structural support frame that has an overall shape configured
according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including the
embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B, and any of their alternate
embodiments. Any of the elements (e.g. structural support frames,
structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the
embodiments of FIGS. 40-45, can be configured according to any of
the embodiments disclosed herein. While each of the embodiments of
FIGS. 40-45 illustrates a container with a particular number of
product volumes and dispensers, in various embodiments, each
container can include various numbers of product volumes and
various numbers of dispensers, each configured according to any
embodiment described herein. FIGS. 40-45 illustrate exemplary
additional/alternate locations for dispenser with phantom line
outlines. The embodiments of FIGS. 40-45 include nonstructural
panels, disposed between the structural support members that form
their structural support frames (as described herein), and part,
parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or
nearly all, or all of each of the panels in the embodiments of
FIGS. 40-45 is suitable to display any kind of indicia, and to be
configured in any way described herein. For clarity, not all
structural details of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS.
40-45; however any of the embodiments of FIGS. 40-45 can be
configured to include any structure or feature for flexible
containers, disclosed herein.
[0285] In particular, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 40-45 can be
configured to include parallel dispensers, mixing dispensers,
walls, and/or mixing volumes, as disclosed herein in relation to
the embodiments of FIGS. 15A-39B. In other words, regardless of
differences in overall shape (e.g. resulting from the geometries of
the structural support frames) and regardless of differences in
stand up (e.g. each of the embodiments of FIGS. 15A-39B can be laid
on its back to simulate a self-supporting flexible container that
is not a stand up container), any of the features of parallel
dispensers, mixing dispensers, walls, and/or mixing volumes can be
reapplied to any of the embodiments of FIGS. 40-45, as will be
understood by one of skill in the art.
[0286] FIG. 40 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container 4000 having a structural support
frame 4040 and two product volumes 4050-1 and 4050-2 disposed side
by side, adjacent to each other, separated by a seal 4071, wherein
the one structural support frame 4040 supports both product volumes
4050-1 and 4050-2, and there is a dispenser 4060-1 and 4060-2 for
each of the product volumes 4050-1 and 4050-2. The seal 4071
extends linearly over the entire container 4000 from its front to
its back and divides both the product volume space as well as the
structural support members that form the structural support frame
4040. The seal 4071 also separates the top of the container 4000
into top panels 4080-t1 and 4080-t2. The structural support members
of the structural support frame 4040 surround the top panels
4080-t1 and 4080-t2, as they are disposed together, side by side.
Portions of the top panels 4080-t1 and 4080-t2 are illustrated as
broken away, in order to show the product volumes 4050-1 and
4050-2. The product volume 4050-1 is configured to dispense fluent
product through a flow channel 4059-1 and a dispenser 4060-1 in the
front. The product volume 4050-2 is configured to dispense fluent
product through a flow channel 4059-2 and a dispenser 4060-2 in the
front. However, in various embodiments, either or both of the
dispensers 4060-1 and 4060-2 can be disposed in alternate locations
(as illustrated by the smaller phantom line outlines) or even
combined into a parallel dispenser or a mixing dispenser (as
illustrated by the larger phantom line outlines).
[0287] In alternative embodiments, the seal 4071 can be constructed
in different ways, resulting in various alternate versions of the
container 4000. As a first example, the seal 4071 could have a
lesser extent, dividing the product volume space, but not extending
over the structural support members; thus leaving the surrounding
structural support members undivided. As a second example, the seal
4071 could have a different size and/or shape, thus resulting in
product volumes and/or structural support members of different
sizes or shapes. As a third example, more than one seal could be
used, which could separate the container 4000 into additional
product volumes and/or additional structural support members. These
alternative constructions of seals can also be combined to create
additional alternate versions of the container 4000.
[0288] FIG. 41 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container 4100 having a structural support
frame 4140 and two product volumes 4150-1 and 4150-2 disposed side
by side, adjacent to each other, wherein the one structural support
frame 4140 supports both product volumes 4150-1 and 4150-2, and
there is a dispenser 4160-1 and 4160-2 for each of the product
volumes 4150-1 and 4150-2. The product volumes 4150-1 and 4150-2
are separated by a wall 4155 that extends between the product
volumes 4150-1 and 4150-2 from front to back. Structural support
members of the structural support frame 4140 surround a top panel
4180-t1, and structural support members of the structural support
frame 4140 separately surround a top panel 4180-t2. Portions of the
top panels 4180-t1 and 4180-t2 are illustrated as broken away, in
order to show the product volumes 4150-1 and 4150-2. The product
volume 4150-1 is configured to dispense fluent product through a
flow channel 4159-1 and a dispenser 4160-1 in the front. The
product volume 4150-2 is configured to dispense fluent product
through a flow channel 4159-2 and a dispenser 4160-2 in the front.
However, in various embodiments, either or both of the dispensers
4160-1 and 4160-2 can be disposed in alternate locations (as
illustrated by the smaller phantom line outlines) or even combined
into a parallel dispenser or a mixing dispenser (as illustrated by
the larger phantom line outlines).
[0289] FIG. 42 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container 4200 having a structural support
frame 4240 and two product volumes 4250-1 and 4250-2 disposed side
by side, spaced apart from each other, wherein the one structural
support frame 4240 supports both of the product volumes 4250-1 and
4250-2, and there is a dispenser 4260-1 and 4260-2 for each of the
product volumes 4250-1 and 4250-2. The product volumes 4250-1 and
4250-2 are spaced apart from each other by a joining region 4272
that extends from left to right across the front of the container
4200, and includes a portion of the structural support frame 4240.
The joining region 4272 can serve as a handle for the container
4200. In various embodiments, a joining region can be disposed in
various other locations (e.g. the middle or the back) in a flexible
container and/or more than one joining region can be used. The
joining region 4272 also includes an optional hole 4273 for hanging
the flexible container 4200. Structural support members of the
structural support frame 4240 surround a top panel 4280-t1, and
structural support members of the structural support frame 4240
separately surround a top panel 4280-t2. Portions of the top panels
4280-t1 and 4280-t2 are illustrated as broken away, in order to
show the product volumes 4250-1 and 4250-2. The product volume
4250-1 is configured to dispense fluent product through a flow
channel 4259-1 and a dispenser 4260-1 in the front. The product
volume 4250-2 is configured to dispense fluent product through a
flow channel 4259-2 and a dispenser 4260-2 in the front. However,
in various embodiments, either or both of the dispensers 4260-1 and
4260-2 can be disposed in alternate locations (as illustrated by
the phantom line outlines).
[0290] FIG. 43 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an
article of manufacture 4300 having two self-supporting flexible
containers 4300-1 and 4300-2, disposed side by side, wherein each
of the flexible containers 4300-1 and 4300-2 has a separate
structural support frame 4340-1 and 4340-2 that supports a product
volume 4350-1 and 4350-2 and has a dispenser 4360-1 and 4360-2, and
the flexible containers 4300-1 and 4300-2 are (permanently or
detachably) directly connected by a connection 4374 along adjacent
sides. In the flexible container 4300-1, structural support members
of the structural support frame 4340-1 surround a top panel
4380-t1, and in the flexible container 4300-1, structural support
members of the structural support frame 4340-2 separately surround
a top panel 4380-t2. Portions of the top panels 4380-t1 and 4380-t2
are illustrated as broken away, in order to show the product
volumes 4350-1 and 4350-2. The product volume 4350-1 is configured
to dispense fluent product through a flow channel 4359-1 and a
dispenser 4360-1 in the front. The product volume 4350-2 is
configured to dispense fluent product through a flow channel 4359-2
and a dispenser 4360-2 in the front. In the embodiment of FIG. 43,
the flexible containers 4300-1 and 4300-2 are directly connected by
the connection 4374 along substantially all of their sides.
However, in various embodiments, the flexible containers 4300-1 and
4300-2 can be connected along part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
either or both of their sides, fronts, and/or backs. Any number of
self-supporting flexible containers can be connected in these ways,
in linear arrays, in radial arrays, or in any pattern or
configuration known in the art.
[0291] FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an
article of manufacture 4400 having two self-supporting flexible
containers 4400-1 and 4400-2, disposed side by side, wherein each
of the flexible containers 4400-1 and 4400-2 has a separate
structural support frame 4440-1 and 4440-2 that supports a product
volume 4450-1 and 4450-2 and has a dispenser 4460-1 and 4460-2, and
the flexible containers 4400-1 and 4400-2 are detachably joined
together along adjacent sides by a joining region 4472. The joining
region 4472 can be made of one or more rigid and/or flexible
materials. In the embodiment of FIG. 44, the joining region 4474
does not include a portion of a structural support frame. The
joining region 4472 includes a line of weakness 4474 that extends
through the joining region 4472 from front to back, and which
allows the flexible containers 4400-1 and 4400-2 to become detached
from each other. However, in various embodiments, the joining
region may not include a line of weakness; the flexible containers
4400-1 and 4400-2 may be permanently attached to each other. The
product volume 4450-1 is configured to dispense fluent product
through a flow channel 4459-1 and a dispenser 4460-1 in the front.
The product volume 4450-2 is configured to dispense fluent product
through a flow channel 4459-2 and a dispenser 4460-2 in the front.
In the embodiment of FIG. 44, the flexible containers 4400-1 and
4400-2 are joined to the joining region 4472 along substantially
all of their sides. However, in various embodiments, the flexible
containers 4400-1 and 4400-2 can be joined to one or more joining
regions along part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of either or both of their
sides, fronts, and/or backs. Any number of self-supporting flexible
containers can be connected in these ways, in linear arrays, in
radial arrays, or in any pattern or configuration known in the
art.
[0292] FIG. 45 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an
article of manufacture 4500 having three self-supporting flexible
containers 4500-1, 4500-2, and 4500-3, disposed face to face on top
of each other, wherein each of the flexible containers 4500-1,
4500-2, and 4500-3 has a separate structural support frame 4540-1,
4540-2, and 4540-3 that supports a product volume 4550-1, 4550-2,
and 4550-3 and has a dispenser 4560-1, 4560-2, and 4560-3, and the
flexible containers 4500-1, 4500-2, and 4500-3 are directly and
permanently connected by connections 4574-1 and 4574-2. However, in
various embodiments, flexible containers 4500-1, 4500-2, and 4500-3
may not be permanently attached to each other, but may be
detachably connected and/or joined together. For each of the
flexible containers 4500-1, 4500-2, and 4500-3, the elements can be
configured in the same manner as like-numbered elements of the
self-supporting flexible container 900 of FIGS. 9A-9B. In the
embodiment of FIG. 45, the flexible containers 4500-1, 4500-2, and
4500-3 are vertically aligned and connected together across
substantially all of their tops and/or bottoms. However, in various
embodiments, the flexible containers 4500-1, 4500-2, and 4500-3 may
not be vertically aligned and can be connected and/or joined along
part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially
all, or nearly all, or all of their tops and/or bottoms, including
the tops and/or bottoms of their structural support frames 4540-1,
4540-2, and 4540-3 and/or their top and bottom panels. Any number
of self-supporting flexible containers can be connected in these
ways, in linear arrays, in radial arrays, or in any pattern or
configuration known in the art.
[0293] Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments disclosed
herein can be combined with part, parts, or all of other
embodiments known in the art of flexible containers, including
those described below.
[0294] Embodiments of the present disclosure can use any and all
embodiments of materials, structures, and/or features for flexible
containers, as well as any and all methods of making and/or using
such flexible containers, as disclosed in the following US
provisional patent applications: (1) application 61/643,813 filed
May 7, 2012, entitled "Film Based Containers" (applicant's case
12464P); (2) application 61/643,823 filed May 7, 2012, entitled
"Film Based Containers" (applicant's case 12465P); (3) application
61/676,042 filed Jul. 26, 2012, entitled "Film Based Container
Having a Decoration Panel" (applicant's case 12559P); (4)
application 61/727,961 filed Nov. 19, 2012, entitled "Containers
Made from Flexible Material" (applicant's case 12559P2); and (5)
application 61/680,045 filed Aug. 6, 2012, entitled "Methods of
Making Film Based Containers" (applicant's case 12579P); each of
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0295] Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments disclosed
herein also can be combined with part, parts, or all of other
embodiments known in the art of containers for fluent products, so
long as those embodiments can be applied to flexible containers, as
disclosed herein. For example, in various embodiments, a flexible
container can include a vertically oriented transparent strip,
disposed on a portion of the container that overlays the product
volume, and configured to show the level of the fluent product in
the product volume.
[0296] 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".
[0297] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or patent publication, is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or
otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission
that it is prior art with respect to any document disclosed or
claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any
other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any
such embodiment. Further, 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.
[0298] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be understood that various other
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although
various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described
herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is
therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes
and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
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