U.S. patent application number 14/343354 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for flexible package container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Lionel Austin, Theodoor Cornelis Oostwouder. Invention is credited to Lionel Austin, Theodoor Cornelis Oostwouder.
Application Number | 20140224697 14/343354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44863279 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140224697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oostwouder; Theodoor Cornelis ;
et al. |
August 14, 2014 |
FLEXIBLE PACKAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A flexible packaging container is provided. The container is
formed of a first flexible film. The container comprises a cavity
for receiving a dispensable product, a first sidewall and a second
sidewall opposite the first sidewall. The container also comprises
at least one strap formed of a second flexible film, the strap
located within the cavity. The strap has a first end connected to
the first sidewall and a second end connected to the second
sidewall.
Inventors: |
Oostwouder; Theodoor Cornelis;
(Breda, NL) ; Austin; Lionel; (Lawrence,
KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oostwouder; Theodoor Cornelis
Austin; Lionel |
Breda
Lawrence |
KS |
NL
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Topeka
KS
|
Family ID: |
44863279 |
Appl. No.: |
14/343354 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
October 19, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2011/056828 |
371 Date: |
March 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61533534 |
Sep 12, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 ;
383/119; 383/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/06 20130101;
B65D 31/12 20130101; B65D 33/02 20130101; B65D 33/2591
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 ;
383/119; 383/12 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/02 20060101
B65D033/02; B65D 33/06 20060101 B65D033/06 |
Claims
1. A flexible packaging container comprising: a container formed of
a first flexible film, the container comprising a cavity for
receiving a dispensable product, a first sidewall and a second
sidewall opposite the first sidewall; and at least one strap formed
of a second flexible film, the strap located within the cavity and
having a first end connected to the first sidewall and a second end
connected to the second sidewall.
2. The flexible packaging container according to claim 1 wherein
the first flexible film is a first plastic film and the second
flexible film is a second plastic film.
3. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
1 to 2 wherein the first flexible film comprises a layer of a
heat-weldable thermoplastic.
4. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
1 to 3 wherein the second flexible film comprises a layer of a
heat-weldable thermoplastic, the first end of the strap heat welded
to the first sidewall and the second end of the strap heat welded
to the second sidewall.
5. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
1 to 4 wherein the strap maintains a predetermined distance D
between the first and second sidewalls to prevent bulging of the
container.
6. The flexible packaging container according to claim 5 wherein
the strap is an elongated strip having a strap width W.sub.S,
wherein a ratio of the strap width W.sub.S to the distance D is
greater than 1:2.
7. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
1 to 6 wherein each of the first and second flexible films is a
multi-layer film.
8. The flexible packaging container according to claim 6 wherein
each of the first and second flexible films comprise a polyester
layer and a polyethylene layer.
9. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
1 to 8 wherein the first sidewall comprises a first central region
and the second sidewall comprises a second central region, the
first end of the strap connected to the first central region and
the second end of the strap connected to the second central
region.
10. The flexible packaging container according to claim 9 wherein
at least one of the first and second central regions comprises a
product indicia on an outer surface of the container.
11. The flexible packaging container according to claim 10 wherein
both of the first and second central regions comprises a product
indicia on the outer surface of the container.
12. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
1 to 11 wherein the container has an ashlars' block shape having a
container length L.sub.C, a container height H.sub.C and a
container depth D.sub.C.
13. The flexible packaging container according to claim 12 wherein
a ratio of the container length L.sub.C to the container height
H.sub.C is in a range of 1.2:1 to 2.5:1 and a ratio of the
container length L.sub.C to the container depth D.sub.C is in a
range of 1.5:1 to 3.0:1.
14. The flexible packaging container according to claim 13 wherein
the first and second sidewalls extend the container length L.sub.C
and the container height H.sub.C.
15. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
1 to 14 further comprising a first handle extending from a first
top edge of the first sidewall and a second handle extending from a
second top edge of the second sidewall, the first and second
handles aligned with one another.
16. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
1 to 15 wherein the container further comprises a re-sealable
opening for dispensing the dispensable product from the cavity.
17. A flexible packaging container comprising: a flexible container
comprising: a cavity for receiving a dispensable product; a first
sidewall having a first central region; and a second sidewall
having a second central region opposite the first sidewall; at
least one flexible strap located within the cavity and having a
first end connected to the first central region of the first
sidewall and a second end connected to the second central region of
the second sidewall; and a first product indicia on an outer
surface of the container in at least one of the first and second
central regions.
18. The flexible packaging container according to claim 17 further
comprising a second product indicia on the outer surface of the
container in the other one of the first and second central
regions.
19. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
17 to 18 wherein the flexible container is formed of a first
flexible film and the flexible strap is formed of a second flexible
film.
20. The flexible packaging container according to claim 19 wherein
the first flexible film comprises an inner layer formed of a
heat-weldable thermoplastic and the second flexible film comprises
a layer of a heat-weldable thermoplastic, the first end of the
flexible strap heat welded to the first sidewall and the second end
of the flexible strap heat welded to the second sidewall.
21. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
17 to 20 wherein the first product indicia comprises a logo.
22. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
17 to 21 wherein the flexible container has an ashlars' block shape
having a container length L.sub.C, a container height H.sub.C and a
container depth D.sub.C.
23. The flexible packaging container according to claim 22 wherein
a ratio of the container length L.sub.C to the container height
H.sub.C is in a range of 1.2:1 to 2.5:1 and a ratio of the
container length L.sub.C to the container depth D.sub.C is in a
range of 1.5:1 to 3.0:1.
24. The flexible packaging container according to claim 23 wherein
the first and second sidewalls extend the container length L.sub.C
and the container height H.sub.C.
25. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
17 to 24 wherein the strap maintains a predetermined distance D
between the first and second sidewalls to prevent bulging of the
container, and wherein the strap is an elongated strip having a
strap width W.sub.S, wherein a ratio of the strap width W.sub.S to
the distance D is greater than 1:2.
26. The flexible packaging container according to claim 25 wherein
a ratio of the strap width W.sub.S to the distance D is in a range
of 1:4 to 1:10.
27. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
17 to 26 further comprising a first handle extending from a first
top edge of the first sidewall and a second handle extending from a
second top edge of the second sidewall, the first and second
handles aligned with one another.
28. A flexible packaging container comprising: a flexible
container, the flexible container comprising a cavity for receiving
a dispensable product, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall
opposite the first sidewall; at least one flexible strap located
within the cavity and having a first end connected to the first
sidewall and a second end connected to the second sidewall; wherein
the flexible container has a block shape having a container length
L.sub.C, a container height H.sub.C and a container depth D.sub.C,
a ratio of the container length L.sub.C to the container height
H.sub.C being greater than or equal to 1.2:1 and a ratio of the
container length L.sub.C to the container depth D.sub.C being
greater than or equal to 1.5:1; and wherein the first and second
sidewalls extend the container length L.sub.C and the container
height H.sub.C.
29. The flexible packaging container according to claim 28 wherein
the ratio of the container length L.sub.C to the container height
H.sub.C is in a range of 1.2:1 to 2.5:1 and the ratio of the
container length L.sub.C to the container depth D.sub.C is in a
range of to 1.5:1 to 3.0:1
30. The flexible packaging container according to claim 28 wherein
the ratio of the container length L.sub.C to the container height
H.sub.C is in a range of 1.2:1 to 1.7:1 and the ratio of the
container length L.sub.C to the container depth D.sub.C is in a
range of 1.7:1 to 2.8:1
31. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
28 to 30 wherein the flexible container is formed of a first
flexible film and the flexible strap is formed of a second flexible
film.
32. The flexible packaging container according to claim 31 wherein
the first flexible film is a first plastic film and the second
flexible film is a second plastic film.
33. The flexible packaging container according to any one of claims
28 to 32 wherein the first sidewall comprises a first central
region and the second sidewall comprises a second central region,
the first end of the flexible strap connect to the first central
region and the second end of the flexible strap connected to the
second central region.
34. The flexible packaging container according to claim 33 further
comprising a first product indicia on an outer surface of the
container in at least one of the first and second central regions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/533,534, filed on Sep. 12, 2011. The disclosure
of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to flexible
packaging containers, and specifically to flexible packaging
containers having a reinforcement structure that assists in
preventing deformation of the flexible packaging containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Flexible packaging containers are commonly used for
handling, storage, transportation and display of dispensable
products. It is typically undesirable or not possible to completely
fill a flexible packaging container. Thus, these flexible packaging
containers tend to bulge or create variable shaped forms due to the
formation of the dispensable product contained therein and the
particular orientation at which the flexible packaging container is
maintained. This bulging typically results in the flexible
packaging container having rounded corners and sides which are not
straight, which in turn results in the flexible packaging
containers being more difficult to handle, store and display.
Moreover, the bulging and/or deformation of such flexible packaging
containers makes it difficult to stack these flexible packaging
containers in stores for retail display and/or shipping.
[0004] Thus, there is a need for a flexible packaging container
that is easy to manufacture and yet incorporates an efficient
support system for assisting in maintaining the shape of the
container, even during stacking. Furthermore, there is a desire for
a flexible packaging container that has an easy pour system.
Additionally, there is a desire for a flexible packaging container
that can be positioned up-right on a display shelf so that the main
surface of the container having product indicia faces towards the
consumer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a flexible
packaging container that is easy to handle, has a compact design
and is simple to remove its contents. Other embodiments of the
present invention provide a flexible packaging container that has a
logo that is in a readable orientation during carrying/display and
does not collapse. Advantageously, such flexible packaging
containers provide improved brand recognition and a flexible
packaging container that can be efficiently packed for storage,
transportation and/or display.
[0006] In one embodiment, the invention can be a flexible packaging
container comprising: a container formed of a first flexible film,
the container comprising a cavity for receiving a dispensable
product, a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first
sidewall; and at least one strap formed of a second flexible film,
the strap located within the cavity and having a first end
connected to the first sidewall and a second end connected to the
second sidewall.
[0007] In another embodiment, the invention can be a flexible
packaging container comprising: a flexible container comprising: a
cavity for receiving a dispensable product; a first sidewall having
a first central region; and a second sidewall having a second
central region opposite the first sidewall; at least one flexible
strap located within the cavity and having a first end connected to
the first central region of the first sidewall and a second end
connected to the second central region of the second sidewall; and
a first product indicia on an outer surface of the container in at
least one of the first and second central regions.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a flexible
packaging container comprising: a flexible container, the flexible
container comprising a cavity for receiving a dispensable product,
a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first
sidewall; at least one flexible strap located within the cavity and
having a first end connected to the first sidewall and a second end
connected to the second sidewall; wherein the flexible container
has a block shape having a container length L.sub.C, a container
height H.sub.C and a container depth Dc, a ratio of the container
length L.sub.C to the container height H.sub.C being greater than
or equal to 1.2:1 and a ratio of the container length L.sub.C to
the container depth D.sub.C being greater than or equal to 1.5:1;
and wherein the first and second sidewalls extend the container
length L.sub.C and the container height H.sub.C.
[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible packaging
container in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the flexible packaging container
of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top view of the flexible packaging container of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the flexible packaging container
of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the flexible packaging
container of FIG. 1 with a portion removed to illustrate a strap
located within a cavity of the container; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of
FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0018] The description of illustrative embodiments according to
principles of the present invention is intended to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description. In the
description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any
reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for
convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit
the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower,"
"upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down,"
"top" and "bottom" as well as derivative thereof (e.g.,
"horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed
to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the
drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience
of description only and do not require that the apparatus be
constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless
explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed,"
"connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the
features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference
to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention
expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments
illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features
that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the
scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended
hereto.
[0019] Referring first to FIGS. 1-4 concurrently, a flexible
packaging container 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention will be described. The flexible packaging
container 1000 generally comprises a container 100 and a strap 200
(FIGS. 5 and 6). The container 100 comprises a first sidewall 101,
a second sidewall 102, a third sidewall 103, a fourth sidewall 104,
a bottom wall 105 and a top wall 106. The first, second, third and
fourth sidewalls 101-104, the bottom wall 105 and the top wall 106
collectively define the structure of the container 100 and an
internal cavity 110 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The first and second
sidewalls 101, 102 are positioned opposite one another relative to
the cavity 110 and the third and fourth sidewalls 103, 104 are
positioned opposite one another relative to the cavity 110. The
bottom wall 105 forms a floor of the container 100 and the top wall
106 forms a roof of the container 100. The container 100 comprises
a longitudinal axis A-A extending along its length.
[0020] The first sidewall 101 transitions into the third sidewall
103 at an edge 111, into the bottom wall 105 at an edge 112 and
into the top wall 106 at an edge 114. The third sidewall 103
transitions into the second sidewall 102 at an edge 113, into the
bottom wall 105 at an edge 115 and into the top wall 106 at an edge
116. The second sidewall 102 transitions into the fourth sidewall
104 at an edge 117, into the bottom wall 105 at an edge 118 and
into the top wall 106 at an edge 119. The fourth sidewall 104
transitions into the bottom wall 105 at an edge 120, into the top
wall 106 at an edge 121 and into the first sidewall 101 at an edge
122.
[0021] In some embodiments, the entire container 100 is formed from
a single unitary sheet and connected at only one of the edges. In
such an embodiment, each of the edges 111-122 is merely a crease
line or transition point between each of the sidewalls, top wall
and bottom wall 101-106. However, in certain other embodiments each
of the sidewalls, top wall and bottom wall 101-106 are separately
formed and connected during a later stage of the manufacturing
process. In such an embodiment, the edges 111-121 are the location
at which the sidewalls, top wall and bottom wall 101-106 are
connected. Regardless of how the container 100 is formed, in
certain embodiments it forms an ashlars' block shape.
[0022] The container 100 is able to be positioned in an upright
manner such that the container 100 can maintain its structure and
shape with the bottom wall or floor 105 positioned adjacent to a
flat surface. Thus, the container 100 can be displayed in a retail
store such that at least one of its sidewalls 101-104 faces outward
towards a consumer. This can be advantageous when one of the
sidewalls 101-104 comprises a product indicia that is desired to be
viewable by the consumer as will be described in more detail below.
Furthermore, as will be understood from the description below, the
container 100 comprises a relatively small depth (relative to the
height and length) thus allowing several of the containers 100 to
be displayed upright and aligned on a shelf in a back-to-front
manner.
[0023] The container 100 is suitable for containing any type of
dispensable product therein. In certain embodiments, the
dispensable product is a granular product such as a dry cat or dog
food. Thus, in some embodiments the invention described herein is a
combination of the flexible packaging container 1000 and a granular
or dry dog or cat food contained therein. However, where not
explicitly recited in the claims, the invention is not to be so
limited and the container 100 can contain any type of dispensable
or flowable product therein.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6 concurrently, the top wall 106
of the container 100 comprises a closure mechanism 130 that is
movable between a closed position whereby access to the cavity 110
through the top wall 106 is prohibited and an open position (not
illustrated) whereby a re-sealable opening 136 is formed in the top
wall 106 that provides a passageway into the cavity 110. Thus, the
container 100 comprises the re-sealable opening 136 for dispensing
the dispensable product from the cavity 110 when the closure
mechanism 130 is in the open position.
[0025] In the exemplified embodiment, the closure mechanism 130 is
illustrated as a slider 131. Thus, the top wall 106 includes two
strips 132a, 132b extending upwardly therefrom that are interlocked
together in the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A when the
closure mechanism 130 is in the closed state. The strips 132a, 132b
comprise connecting lugs (not illustrated) made of a plastic
material. When the slider 131 is slid along the strips 132a, 132b
in a first longitudinal direction the connecting lugs of the strips
132 become interlocked to one another, thereby sealing the strips
132a, 132b together and prohibiting access to the cavity 110. When
the slider 131 is slid along the strips 132a, 132b in a second
longitudinal direction opposite the first longitudinal direction,
the connecting lugs of the strips 132a, 132b become unlocked
thereby permitting access into the cavity 110 through the
re-sealable opening 136 in the top wall 106. Of course, the
invention is not limited to the particular closure mechanism 130
exemplified and in other embodiments the closure mechanism may be
achieved by adhesion, hook-and-loop, snaps, fasteners, buttons or
the like. The closure mechanism 130 is able to be opened completely
or partially as may be desired for scooping the product from the
container 100 or pouring the product from the container 100,
respectively.
[0026] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 concurrently, the container 100
also comprises a first handle 134 extending from the edge 113
between the first sidewall 101 and the top wall 106 and a second
handle 135 extending from the edge 119 between the second sidewall
102 and the top wall 106. The edge 113 can be considered the first
top edge of the first sidewall 101 and the edge 119 may be
considered the second top edge of the second sidewall 102.
[0027] In the exemplified embodiment the first and second handles
134, 135 are transversely aligned with one another along the
longitudinal axis A-A for easy gripping of both handles 134, 135
simultaneously. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, the
first and second handles 134, 135 are transversely aligned at a
central region along the longitudinal axis A-A such that each of
the handles 134, 135 is equally spaced from the third and fourth
sidewalls 103, 104.
[0028] The first handle 134 comprises an aperture 136 and the
second handle 135 comprises an aperture 137. The apertures 136, 137
enable a user to easily hold and carry the container 100 by
gripping the handles 134, 135 via insertion of their hand and/or
fingers into the apertures 136, 147. Of course, the invention is
not to be limited by the particular location of the handles 134,
135 and they may extend from edges other than those particularly
described above or be unaligned in other embodiments. Furthermore,
in still other embodiments the container 100 may only comprise a
single handle connected to and extending between the edges 116, 121
or the edges 113, 119 or the handle may be completely omitted.
[0029] When it is desired for a user to pour out the dispensable
product from the cavity 110 of the container 100, the user need
only grip the handles 134, 135 and expose a portion of the
resealable opening 136 by moving the slider 131 in the first
longitudinal direction. Once partially opened, the user can tilt
the container 100 and the dispensable product will be dispensed
from the cavity 110 and through the re-sealable opening 136.
Alternatively, the re-sealable opening 136 can be fully opened and
the dispensable product scooped out of the cavity 110. The
structure of the container 100 significantly simplifies the
dispensing relative to conventional containers, particularly dog
and cat food packaging containers.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 only, the container 100 will be
described in more detail. The first sidewall 101 comprises a first
central region 140 and the second sidewall 102 comprises a second
central region (not illustrated). Although the second central
region is not illustrated, it should be understood that it occupies
the same spatial region of the second sidewall 102 as the first
central region 140 occupies on the first sidewall 101. Thus, the
first central region 140 is transversely aligned with the second
central region. The first central region 140 is a region on the
first sidewall 101 that is equidistant from the edges 112, 113 and
equidistant from the edges 111, 122. However, the exact dimensions
of the first central region 140 are not limiting of the present
invention and thus the central region 140 can be larger or smaller
than exemplified and depicted herein. Furthermore, it should be
understood that in certain other embodiments the first central
region 140 may be slightly offset from center and thus the exact
location of the central region 140 is not limiting of the present
invention.
[0031] In the exemplified embodiment, the first central region 140
comprises product indicia 141 on an outer surface 142 of the
container 100, and more particularly on the outer surface 142 of
the first sidewall 101. In the exemplified embodiment, the product
indicia 141 is a logo, such as the logo of a manufacturer of the
container 100 and the dispensable product contained therein.
However, the invention is not to be so limited and the product
indicia 141 can be any other type of information desired to be
displayed on the outer surface 142 of the container 100, such as,
for example without limitation, product information, bar codes,
product directions or instructions and the like.
[0032] In certain embodiments, only one of the first central region
140 and the second central region will comprise the product indicia
141 thereon. However, in other embodiments both of the first
central region 140 and the second central region will comprise the
product indicia 141, 143 (see FIG. 6).
[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 concurrently, the dimensions of
an exemplified embodiment of the container 100 will be described.
As described above, in the exemplified embodiment the container 100
comprises a block shape. In one specific embodiment, the container
100 is an ashlar's block shape. Thus, the container 100 has a
length L.sub.C, a height H.sub.C and a depth D.sub.C. The first and
second sidewalls 101, 102 extend along and define the container
length L.sub.C and the container height H.sub.C whereas the third
and fourth sidewalls 103, 104 extend along and define the container
depth D.sub.C and the container height H.sub.C. In one specific
embodiment, the length L.sub.C is in a range of between 250 mm and
500 mm, the height H.sub.C is in a range of between 200 mm and 400
mm, and the depth D.sub.C is in a range of between 90 mm and 300
mm. In certain embodiments, a ratio of the length L.sub.C to the
height H.sub.C is greater than or equal to 1.2:1, more preferably
in a range of 1.2:1 to 2.5:1, and even more preferably in a range
of 1.2:1 to 1.7:1. Furthermore, in certain embodiments a ratio of
the length L.sub.C to the depth D.sub.C is greater than or equal to
1.5:1, more preferably in a range of 1.5:1 to 3.0:1, and even more
preferably in a range of 1.7:1 to 2.8:1.
[0034] Exemplary length L.sub.C, height H.sub.C and depth D.sub.C
measurements of various preferred containers configured to contain
varying weights of the dispensable product are provided in Table 1
below. Moreover, Table 1 also provides the relevant length L.sub.C
to height H.sub.C ratios and length L.sub.C to depth D.sub.C ratios
for the containers.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Weight of Dispensable Length Height Depth
Product (Kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) Length:Height Length:Depth 3.5 300 240
110 1.2 2.7 5 300 240 130 1.2 2.3 5 300 240 150 1.2 2.0 7.5 400 240
160 1.7 2.5 10 400 240 180 1.7 2.2 10 400 240 230 1.7 1.7 12 400
290 220 1.4 1.8 16 490 290 250 1.7 2.0
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the details of the cavity 110 of
the container 100 and the materials that form the flexible
packaging container 1000 will be described. The flexible packaging
container 1000 comprises the strap 200 located within the cavity
110. In certain embodiments, the strap 200 may be a flexible strap
such that it is formed of a flexible material as will be described
in more detail below. More specifically, the strap 200 has a first
end 201 affixed or connected to the first sidewall 101 and a second
end 202 affixed or connected to the second sidewall 102. In the
exemplified embodiment, the first end 201 of the strap 200 is
connected to the first sidewall 101 in the first central region 140
and the second end 202 of the strap 200 is connected to the second
sidewall 102 in the second central region. Thus, when there is
product indicia 141 in the first central region and product indicia
143 in the second central region, the strap 200 is connected to the
first and second sidewalls 101, 102 in a region that contains the
product indicia 141, 143. It should be noted that in certain
alternate embodiments of the invention, a plurality of the straps
200 can be incorporated into the container 100 as described herein.
In one such embodiment, the plurality of straps 200 can be arranged
in a substantially parallel alignment. In another embodiment, the
plurality of straps 200 can be arranged in a diverging alignment
and/or crisscross alignment
[0036] The strap 200 is an elongated strip of material having a
width W.sub.S. In some embodiments, the strap 200 may be 12 mm to
105 mm in width and may be formed by an 8-25 micron polyester
laminated to a 50-190 micron polyethylene. By virtue of its
attachment to the first and second sidewalls 101, 102, the strap
200 maintains the flexible packaging container 1000 in a particular
structural formation such that bulging and deformation of the
flexible packaging container 1000 is prevented. Specifically, the
strap 200 maintains the first and second sidewalls 101, 102 spaced
from one another at a predetermined distance D between 70 mm to 360
mm, thereby preventing such bulging and/or deformation. In one
embodiment, a ratio of the strap width W.sub.S to the distance D is
greater than 1:2. More specifically, a ratio of the strap width
W.sub.S to the distance D is in a range of 1:2 to 1:30, and more
preferably in a range of 1:4 to 1:10.
[0037] In other words, the strap 200 prevents the first and second
sidewalls 101, 102 from bulging such that the predetermined
distance D will not increase. Thus, if the flexible packaging
container 1000 without the strap is filled with a dispensing
product and an object having a weight is placed on top of the
flexible packaging container 1000, the dispensing product will push
against the first and second sidewalls 101, 102, thereby creating a
bulge. However, the strap 200 prevents such a bulge by maintaining
the predetermined distance D between the first and second sidewalls
101, 102. The strap 200 is particularly useful in embodiments that
have the product indicia 141, 143. Specifically, in embodiments
that have the product indicia 141, 143, bulging of the first and
second sidewalls 101, 102 will result in a visual distortion of the
product indicia 141, 143. However, because the strap 200 prevents
such bulging of the first and second sidewalls 101, 102, the
product indicia 141, 143 are prevented from distortion. This
enhances a consumer's ability to recognize the flexible packaging
container 1000 based on the product indicia 141, 143. This consumer
recognition is further enhanced by the flexible packaging container
1000 being positioned for display in the manner described above
such that the first and second sidewalls 101, 102 having the
product indicia 141, 143 thereon are faced towards the
consumer.
[0038] In the exemplified embodiment, the container 100 of the
flexible packaging container 1000 is formed of a first flexible
film 160 and the strap 200 of the flexible packaging container 1000
is formed of a second flexible film 260. In certain embodiments,
the first flexible film 160 is a first plastic film and the second
flexible film 260 is a second plastic film.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the first and second flexible films
160, 260 are multi-layer films. In such embodiments, the first
flexible film 160 comprises an inner layer 161 and an outer layer
162. The inner layer 161 is affixed to the outer layer 162 such
that there is no spacing or gaps between the inner and outer layers
161, 162. In certain embodiments, the inner layer 161 is a
heat-weldable thermoplastic 161, such as polyethylene. Furthermore,
in certain embodiments the outer layer 162 is formed of polyester.
Of course, the inner and outer layers 161, 162 can be formed of
other materials in alternative embodiments.
[0040] Similarly, the second flexible film 260 comprises an inner
layer 261 and an outer layer 262. The inner layer 261 is affixed to
the outer layer 262 such that there is no spacing or gaps between
the inner and outer layers 261, 262. In certain embodiments, the
inner layer 261 is a heat-weldable thermoplastic, such as
polyethylene. Furthermore, in certain embodiments the outer layer
262 is formed of polyester. Of course, the inner and outer layers
161, 162 can be formed of other materials in alternative
embodiments.
[0041] In embodiments where the inner layer 161 of the first
flexible film 160 and the inner layer 261 of the second flexible
film are formed of a heat-weldable thermoplastic, the first end 201
of the strap 200 is heat welded to the first sidewall 101 and the
second end 202 of the strap 200 is heat welded to the second
sidewall 102. The inner layer of heat-weldable thermoplastic 161 of
the first flexible film 160 is in contact with the inner layer of
heat-weldable thermoplastic 261 of the second flexible film,
thereby enhancing the connection between the first and second walls
101, 102 and the strap 200.
[0042] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the product indicia 141 is affixed
to and/or extends outwardly from the outer layer 162 of the first
flexible film 160. In some embodiments, the product indicia 141 can
be a print layer that is adhered or otherwise affixed to the outer
layer 162 of the first flexible film 160. Alternatively, the
product indicia 141 can be a print that is integrally formed onto
or into the outer layer 162 of the first flexible film 160 rather
than being a separate layer. In such an embodiment, the product
indicia 141 is merely imprinted directly into the outer layer 162
of the first flexible film 160. In other embodiments, the product
indicia 141 can be an embossing or debossing in or extending from
the outer layer 162 of the first flexible film 160.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the handles 134,
135 are integrally formed with the outer layer 162 of the first
flexible material 160. However, the invention is not to be so
limited and in other embodiments, particularly where the outer
layer 162 is formed of polyester, the handles 134, 135 may be glued
onto the container 100 by an adhesive. Furthermore, in still other
embodiments the handles 134, 135 can be formed of a heat-weldable
thermoplastic so that the handles 134, 135 can be heat-welded to
the container 100 in a similar manner to that described above with
regard to the strap 200.
[0044] The invention is not limited to the container 100 and strap
200 being formed of the materials described herein in all
embodiments. In certain other embodiments, the container 100 and
the strap 200 can be formed of materials other than polyester and
polyethylene. Furthermore, the first flexible film 160 of the
container 100 and the second flexible film 260 of the strap 200 can
be a multi-layer film having more than the two layers exemplified,
or they can each be a single layer film. In other embodiments, one
of the first and second flexible films 160, 260 can be a single
layer film while the other is a multi-layer film. In other words,
the first and second flexible films 160, 260 are not to be
particularly limited and they can be materials other than those
described herein. Thus, the first and second films 160, 260 may
consist of different layers of plastic and/or metal materials in
order to meet different requirements in terms of resistance to
humidity, water vapour resistance, aroma density, tensile strength
and the like.
[0045] While in the exemplified embodiment, only one strap 200 is
connected to the container 100 as described above, in alternate
embodiments, a plurality of the straps 200 can be connected to and
extend between the first and second sidewalls 101, 102 as described
above. In one such alternate embodiment, the plurality of straps
200 may extend between the first and second sidewalls 101, 102 in a
spaced-apart arrangement wherein the plurality of straps 200 are
either parallel and/or angled relative to one another.
[0046] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for
describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value
within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In
addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a
definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference,
the present disclosure controls.
[0047] While the foregoing description and drawings represent the
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be
understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In
particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the
present invention may be embodied in other specific forms,
structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other
elements, materials, and components, without departing from the
spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art
will appreciate that the invention may be used with many
modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes,
materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of
the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific
environments and operative requirements without departing from the
principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed
embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing
description or embodiments.
* * * * *