U.S. patent application number 14/534201 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-07 for containers having a product volume and a stand-off structure coupled thereto.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Charles Berg, JR., Ken McGuire, Scott Stanley.
Application Number | 20150122842 14/534201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52004058 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150122842 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berg, JR.; Charles ; et
al. |
May 7, 2015 |
CONTAINERS HAVING A PRODUCT VOLUME AND A STAND-OFF STRUCTURE
COUPLED THERETO
Abstract
Various containers are provided that have a product volume and
one or more standoff structures coupled to the product volume. The
standoff structures are configured to protect the product volume.
The standoff structures may, for example, prevent damage (e.g.,
denting, rupture, scuffing, etc.) to the product volume, such as to
indicia or information disposed on the product volume, that occurs
when, for example, the container is dropped, falls, is placed into
contact with another object, or is placed into a confined
structure.
Inventors: |
Berg, JR.; Charles;
(Hamilton, OH) ; Stanley; Scott; (Mason, OH)
; McGuire; Ken; (Montgomery, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52004058 |
Appl. No.: |
14/534201 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61900501 |
Nov 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/566 20130101;
B65D 75/5877 20130101; B65D 61/00 20130101; B65D 75/5866 20130101;
B65D 75/5883 20130101; B65D 75/008 20130101; B65D 2205/02 20130101;
B65D 75/54 20130101; B65D 75/20 20130101; B65D 31/16 20130101; B65D
81/03 20130101; B65D 75/525 20130101; B65D 35/24 20130101; B65D
33/02 20130101; B65D 33/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/173 |
International
Class: |
B65D 61/00 20060101
B65D061/00; B65D 35/24 20060101 B65D035/24 |
Claims
1. A flexible container, comprising: a self-supporting product
volume defined by at least one side; a standoff structure coupled
to and co-facial with the at least one side of the self-supporting
product volume, wherein the at least one side of the
self-supporting product volume to which the standoff structure is
coupled is at least partially free of the standoff structure; and a
bottom arranged to contact a horizontal support surface.
2. The container of claim 1, further comprising an external frame
coupled to the self-supporting product volume at one or more
locations, the external frame comprising the standoff
structure.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure is
coupled to and co-facial with a top of the self-supporting product
volume.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure is
coupled to and co-facial with a bottom of the self-supporting
product volume.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the
product volume includes a decoration area for indicia.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the standoff structure at
least partially surrounds the decoration area.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the
self-supporting product volume to which the standoff structure is
located is at least 50% free of the standoff structure.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the
self-supporting product volume to which the standoff structure is
located at least 70% free of the standoff structure.
9. The container of claim 1, further comprising a dispenser
configured to dispense product and a fluid dispensing path in fluid
communication with the dispenser and an interior of the
self-supporting product volume.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure is
made of a flexible material.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure
extends prominently outward from of an exterior of the
self-supporting product volume.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure is
integrally attached to at least a portion of the at least one side
of the self-supporting product volume.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure
comprises a fluid-expandable standoff structure.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein a gap exists between at least
a portion of the standoff structure and a portion of the at least
one side of the self-supporting product volume to which the
standoff structure is coupled, such that the standoff structure
provides a gripping surface for the container.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a
plurality of standoff structures coupled to and co-facial with one
side of the self-supporting product volume.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein the self-supporting product
volume is defined by at least first and second contiguous sides,
and wherein the container comprises a plurality of standoff
structures, a first of the standoff structures being coupled to and
co-facial with the first side of the self-supporting product volume
and a second of the standoff structures being coupled to and
co-facial with the second side of the self-supporting product
volume.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the self-supporting product
volume is at least partially defined by first and second opposing
sides, and wherein the container comprises a plurality of standoff
structures, a first of the standoff structures being coupled to and
co-facial with the first side of the self-supporting product volume
and a second of the standoff structures being coupled to and
co-facial with the second side of the self-supporting product
volume.
18. The container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
holes disposed through the standoff structure.
19. The container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
recesses disposed in the standoff structure.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to containers, and
in particular, to auxiliary structures employed in conjunction with
containers made from flexible material, as well as auxiliary
structures employed in conjunction with containers made from rigid
or semi-rigid materials.
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. These external forces
can, for example, be constant forces, variable forces, impact
forces, or other forces. For example, the external forces can
include the force of gravity, an applied force (applied by, for
example, a person or object), and/or a frictional force. 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, damage to the container, damage to the contents of
the container, and/or damage to the decoration of the container
when decorated.
[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 (e.g., a
handle integrally formed with the product volume and/or a handle
coupled to the product volume) 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. 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, damage to the container, damage to
the contents of the container, and/or damage to the decoration of
the container when decorated. Further, these containers can be
configured with structures that allow them to be distributed,
displayed and put into use, as intended, without failure, damage to
the container, damage to the contents of the container, and/or
damage to the decoration of the container when decorated.
[0013] In particular, the present disclosure describes various
embodiments of containers having a product volume and one or more
standoff structures coupled to the product volume. The product
volume can, in some examples, be a self-supporting product volume.
The standoff structures are configured to protect at least exterior
surface of the product volume. The standoff structures may, for
example, help protect or cushion the product volume and/or the
contents thereof. The standoff structures may, as another example,
prevent damage (e.g., denting, rupture, obscuring, and scuffing,
etc.) to the product volume, to the contents of the product volume,
and/or to indicia or information disposed on the product volume,
that occurs when, for example, the container is dropped, falls, is
placed or otherwise comes into contact with another object, or is
placed into a confined structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a stand
up flexible container.
[0015] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A, including
an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0019] FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A, including
an internal structural support frame.
[0020] FIG. 1G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A, including
an external structural support frame.
[0021] 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.
[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
2A.
[0023] FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
2A.
[0024] FIG. 2D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 2A.
[0025] FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 2A, including
an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0026] FIG. 2F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A, including
an internal structural support frame.
[0027] FIG. 2G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 2A, including
an external structural support frame.
[0028] 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.
[0029] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
3A.
[0030] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
3A.
[0031] FIG. 3D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 3A.
[0032] FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 3A, including
an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0033] FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 3A, including
an internal structural support frame.
[0034] FIG. 3G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 3A, including
an external structural support frame.
[0035] 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.
[0036] FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
4A.
[0037] FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
4A.
[0038] FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 4A.
[0039] FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 4A, including
an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0040] FIG. 4F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 4A, including
an internal structural support frame.
[0041] FIG. 4G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 4A, including
an external structural support frame.
[0042] 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.
[0043] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
5A.
[0044] FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
5A.
[0045] FIG. 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 5A.
[0046] FIG. 5E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 5A, including
an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0047] FIG. 5F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 5A, including
an internal structural support frame.
[0048] FIG. 5G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 5A, including
an external structural support frame.
[0049] 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.
[0050] FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
6A.
[0051] FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
6A.
[0052] FIG. 6D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 6A.
[0053] FIG. 6E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 6A, including
an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0054] FIG. 6F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 6A, including
an internal structural support frame.
[0055] FIG. 6G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 6A, including
an external structural support frame.
[0056] 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.
[0057] FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
7A.
[0058] FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
7A.
[0059] FIG. 7D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 7A.
[0060] FIG. 7E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 7A, including
an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0061] FIG. 7F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 7A, including
an internal structural support frame.
[0062] FIG. 7G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 7A, including
an external structural support frame.
[0063] 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.
[0064] FIG. 8B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
8A.
[0065] FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
8A.
[0066] FIG. 8D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 8A.
[0067] FIG. 8E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 8A, including
an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0068] FIG. 8F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 8A, including
an internal structural support frame.
[0069] FIG. 8G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 8A, including
an external structural support frame.
[0070] FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
square.
[0071] FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of
FIG. 9A.
[0072] FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 9A,
including an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0073] FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 9A,
including an internal structural support frame.
[0074] FIG. 9E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 9A,
including an external structural support frame.
[0075] FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
triangle.
[0076] FIG. 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible container
of FIG. 10A.
[0077] FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A,
including an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0078] FIG. 10D illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A,
including an internal structural support frame.
[0079] FIG. 10E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A,
including an external structural support frame.
[0080] FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
circle.
[0081] FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container
of FIG. 11A.
[0082] FIG. 11C illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A,
including an asymmetric structural support frame.
[0083] FIG. 11D illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A,
including an internal structural support frame.
[0084] FIG. 11E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A,
including an external structural support frame.
[0085] FIG. 12A illustrates an isometric view of push-pull type
dispenser.
[0086] FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a
flip-top cap.
[0087] FIG. 12C illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a
screw-on cap.
[0088] FIG. 12D illustrates an isometric view of rotatable type
dispenser.
[0089] FIG. 12E illustrates an isometric view of nozzle type
dispenser with a cap.
[0090] FIG. 13A illustrates an isometric view of straw
dispenser.
[0091] FIG. 13B illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser
with a lid.
[0092] FIG. 13C illustrates an isometric view of flip up straw
dispenser.
[0093] FIG. 13D illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser
with bite valve.
[0094] FIG. 14A illustrates an isometric view of pump type
dispenser.
[0095] FIG. 14B illustrates an isometric view of pump spray type
dispenser.
[0096] FIG. 14C illustrates an isometric view of trigger spray type
dispenser.
[0097] FIG. 15A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a
flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a
standoff structure coupled thereto.
[0098] FIG. 15B illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and
a standoff structure coupled thereto.
[0099] FIG. 15C illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and
a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto.
[0100] FIG. 15D illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a
flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a
plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto, the product
volume having an overall pyramidal shape like a trigonal prism.
[0101] FIG. 15E illustrates a perspective view of another
embodiment of a flexible container having a cylindrically-shaped
self-supporting product volume and a plurality of standoff
structures coupled thereto.
[0102] FIG. 15F illustrates a perspective view of another
embodiment of a flexible container having a cuboid-shaped
self-supporting product volume and a plurality of standoff
structures coupled thereto.
[0103] FIG. 15G illustrates a perspective view of another
embodiment of a flexible container having a triangularly-shaped
self-supporting product volume and a plurality of standoff
structures coupled thereto.
[0104] FIG. 15H illustrates a perspective view of another
embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product
volume and a standoff structure coupled thereto.
[0105] FIG. 15I illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of a flexible container having a self-supporting and pressurized
product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled
thereto.
[0106] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and
indicia printed thereon, the indicia configured to provide an
appearance that a plurality of standoff structures are coupled to
the product volume.
[0107] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a method or process for
preventing damage to a container.
[0108] FIGS. 18A-18L illustrate various embodiments of first
product containers having a product volume and a plurality of
standoff structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or
nest with standoff structures of corresponding second product
containers.
[0109] FIGS. 19A-19L illustrate various embodiments of first
product containers having a product volume and a plurality of
standoff structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or
nest with standoff structures of corresponding second product
containers.
[0110] FIGS. 20A-20L illustrate various embodiments of first
product containers having a product volume and a plurality of
standoff structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or
nest with standoff structures of corresponding second product
containers.
[0111] FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate another embodiment of a product
container having a product volume and a plurality of standoff
structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with
standoff structures of another product container arranged in a
different orientation.
[0112] FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and
a standoff structure coupled thereto.
[0113] FIG. 23 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and
a standoff structure coupled thereto.
[0114] FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of at least one
standoff structure coupled to the top of a container and the middle
and bottom of the container are free of standoff structures.
[0115] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of at least one
standoff structure coupled to the top of a container and the middle
and bottom of the container are free of standoff structures.
[0116] FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of different standoff
structure constructions with a closed container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0117] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of
containers made from flexible material as well as containers made
of rigid or semi-rigid materials. Containers are made from flexible
material can be less expensive to make, can use less material, and
can be easier to decorate, when compared with conventional rigid
containers, but the auxiliary container structure of the present
disclosure that is beneficial for use in conjunction with
containers made of flexible material may also be beneficial for use
in conjunction with containers made of rigid or semi-rigid
material. As to containers made from flexible material, 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.
Alternatively, any embodiment of flexible containers, as described
herein, can be configured to dispense fluent products by pouring
the fluent products out of its product volume.
[0118] Even though certain of 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, damage to the container, and/or damage to the contents of
the container, and/or damage to the decoration of the container
when decorated. 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, damage to the container, and/or
damage to the contents of the container and/or damage to the
decoration of the container when decorated.
[0119] 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%).
[0120] 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%.
[0121] 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%).
[0122] 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.
[0123] As used herein, when referring to a 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%. In some embodiments, the
bottom can include one or more auxiliary structures, such as one or
more legs, cups, gussets, pouches, pedestals, feet, bases, standoff
structures, seams, and/or other extensions, coupled to (e.g.,
integral with, separately formed and then at least partially joined
thereto) the container. The one or more auxiliary structures can be
made of rigid materials or made from one or more flexible
materials.
[0124] As used herein, the term "bottom face" refers to a portion
of the bottom of the container that is arranged to at least
partially contact a horizontal support surface. The bottom face can
at least partially contact the support surface when, for example,
the container is standing upright on the support surface. In some
embodiments, the bottom face can include a support surface
contacting portion and a portion that is in facing relationship,
but not in contact with the horizontal support surface. In other
embodiments, substantially the entirety of the bottom face can
contact the horizontal support surface. In the embodiments in which
the bottom includes one or more extensions, the bottom face refers
to the portion of the one or more auxiliary structures that at
least partially contact the horizontal support surface.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] As used herein, the term "coupled to" refers to an
"indirect" connection between elements or a "direct" connection
between elements.
[0129] As used herein, the term "decoration area" refers to a
portion of the surface of the container that includes "indicia,"
such as one or more characters, graphics, branding, surface
elements, or other visual elements, in any combination. The
decoration area can be located on a surface of the product volume,
a surface of one or more standoff structures, or a combination
thereof. The decoration area may be viewable through a portion of
the surface of the container and can be located on a surface of the
product volume. The indicia may be located on the outward or
external surface of the flexible material of the product volume
and/or the standoff structures, embedded or sandwiched within the
flexible material, on the inward or interior surface of the
flexible material of product volume and/or the standoff structures,
or may be located on another surface or flexible material where the
decoration area is positioned between the another surface or
flexible material and the viewer located external to the decoration
area.
[0130] The decoration area can consist of a decoration area viewing
portion that has a translucent to a near or fully transparent
visual property which provides a vision pathway from outside the
container into at least a portion of the product volume. Product
located inside the product volume may be visible to a user or
viewer via the pathway. The decoration area and decoration area
viewing portion may include the viewing of indicia while viewing a
portion of the product volume or product located within the product
volume. A container may have a plurality of decoration areas or
decoration area viewing portions.
[0131] 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). The elements can be integrally attached
to or integrally formed with one another or can be separately
formed and then at least partially attached to one another (e.g.,
attached at one point, attached at several points, fully attached
to one another).
[0132] As used herein, when referring to a container, the term
"dispenser" refers to a structure configured to dispense fluent
product(s) from a product 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. 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 spout, a mouth, 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. 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 filling structure(s) in addition
to one or more dispenser(s).
[0133] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[0134] As used herein, when referring to a container, the term
"durable" refers to a container that is reusable more than
non-durable containers.
[0135] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[0136] 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.
[0137] 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.
[0138] 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.
[0139] 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.
[0140] 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.
[0141] 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.
[0142] Any of the embodiments of 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.
[0143] 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 or a standoff structure, after the structural
support volume or the standoff structure is made rigid or more
rigid by one or more expansion materials. An expanded structural
support volume/standoff structure 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, nitrogen or carbon dioxide), 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, dry ice or any
suitable cryogenic fluid or solid (e.g., solid `dry ice` carbon
dioxide, liquid helium, liquid argon, and combinations thereof),
preferably one that has a boiling point or sublimation point at one
atmosphere of pressure such that the previously cryogenic material
is in a gas phase at temperatures above 50 C 75.degree., or 100 C),
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.
[0144] As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a
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.
[0145] As used herein, the term "flat" refers to a surface that is
without significant projections or depressions.
[0146] As used herein, the term "flexible container" refers to a
container configured to have one or more product volumes, wherein
one or more flexible materials form at least a portion of the
overall surface area of the one or more materials that define the
three-dimensional space of the one or more product volumes. For any
of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in
various embodiments, the flexible container can be configured to
have one or more product volumes, 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 0% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of these
values, such as: 10-100%, 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%,
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 includes
a film.
[0147] In some embodiments, the container can include one or more
standoff structures at least partially made of a flexible material
and coupled to a product volume made of a rigid material, such as
injection-molded plastic, or a semi-rigid material, such as a
thin-walled blow molded plastic. In other embodiments, the
container can include one or more standoff structures at least
partially made of a flexible material and coupled to a product
volume at least partially made of a flexible material. In further
embodiments, the container can include one or more standoff
structures made of a non-flexible material and coupled to a product
volume at least partially made of a flexible material.
[0148] For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed
herein, the middle of the flexible container (apart from any fluent
or non-fluent product mass) 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
0% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding
values, such as: 10-100%, 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%,
60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc.
[0149] 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 0% and 100%,
or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as:
10-100%, 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%, 60-100%, or 70-100%,
or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc.
[0150] 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), cavitated or foamed films, elastomers, foamed sheets,
foils, fabrics (including wovens and nonwovens), biosourced
materials, and papers, in any configuration, as separate
material(s) such as single layer or mono-layer, or as layer(s) of a
laminate, or as part(s) of a composite material, in a
micro-layered, bi-layered, or nano-layered 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 all of a flexible material can made of sustainable,
bio-sourced, recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable material.
Part, parts, 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.
[0151] 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).
[0152] As used herein, when referring to a 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, kernels, flakes, gels,
grains, granules, jellies, kibbles, liquids, 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.
[0153] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[0154] As used herein, the term "gap" refers to a space between
standoff structures or a space between a standoff structure and the
product volume to which it is coupled.
[0155] 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.
[0156] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[0157] As used herein, the term "horizontal support surface" refers
to any surface that has a horizontal component and is configured to
support a container thereabove. The horizontal support surface can
be a shelf (e.g., at a grocery store), a ledge (e.g., a shower
ledge), a ground or floor surface, a base (e.g., a rigid base), a
surface of a cart or other carrying means, or any other support
surface. In some embodiments, the support surface has an entirely
horizontal orientation (i.e., it is flat). In other embodiments,
the support can include some depressions, ridges, roller-type or
other bearing surfaces, projections (e.g., bumps of regular or
irregular shapes), and/or pattern spacing, and as used herein, the
term "horizontal" may include inclined angles of not greater than
45.degree., as it is recognized that retail shelving may be
inclined to promote inventory flow to a front-most position in an
effort to improve inventory turnover.
[0158] As used herein, the term "indicia" refers to one or more of
characters, graphics, branding, surface elements (e.g.,
three-dimensional surface elements), or other visual elements, in
any combination. For example, indicia can refer to product
information, such as ingredients, safety information, nutritional
information, ingredients, etc. For any of the embodiments of
containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface
of the container can include one or more indicia of any size,
shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in
any combination. A product volume and/or a standoff structure can
include indicia. The indicia can be associated with any of the
outward or inward facing surfaces of the product volume and/or the
standoff structure.
[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 "integrally formed" refers to a
configuration wherein elements are continuously formed with a
common material (or common materials).
[0161] As used herein, the term "joined" refers to a configuration
wherein elements are formed separately (i.e., not continuously) and
then directly connected or indirectly connected. Elements that are
"joined" are not "integrally formed."
[0162] 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."
[0163] 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.
[0164] 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.
[0165] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[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 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
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 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 "nonstructural panel" refers to flexible material(s) and/or
laminate(s) of flexible material(s) which overlay a product volume
disposed within the flexible container. In various embodiments, for
example, embodiments in which the container includes a structural
support frame, the nonstructural panel does not substantially add
to the self supporting nature of the container. In embodiments in
which the container does not include a structural support frame,
the nonstructural panel may optionally add to the self supporting
nature of the container. In some embodiments, the nonstructural
panel can be the wall or panel of the product volume. In accordance
with embodiments of the disclosure, the flexible container can
include one or more nonstructural panels. In accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure, the container can include a
nonstructural panel in a second portion of the first wall and a
structural support member in a first portion of the first wall.
[0170] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[0171] 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
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.
[0172] 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 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. 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. In some embodiments, a product volume can be a
self-supporting product volume. The product volume can, in some
embodiments, be pressurized or under vacuum, including when the
product volume is closed and contains product.
[0173] As used herein, the term "reclosable" refers to how the
product volume can be opened, such that fluent product(s) within
the product volume can be dispensed, and then closed again, such
that fluent product(s) within the product volume can again be
prevented from escaping the product volume. Any of the product
volumes described herein can be reclosable.
[0174] 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.
[0175] As used herein, when referring to a 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 containers, disclosed
herein, can be configured to be self-supporting.
[0176] As used herein, when referring to a container, the term
"self-supporting product volume" refers to a product volume that
has one or more walls and a bottom, wherein, when the product
volume is resting on a horizontal support surface, in at least one
orientation, the one or more walls and the bottom are configured to
prevent the product volume from collapsing and to give the product
volume an overall height that is significantly greater than the
combined thickness of the materials that form the product volume,
even when the product volume is unfilled with a fluent product. Any
of the embodiments of product volume disclosed herein, can be
configured to be self-supporting. In some embodiments, the
self-supporting product volume can stand up (e.g., the overall
height of the product volume is greater than the width of the
product volume). In other embodiments, the self-supporting product
volume may not be considered as standing up. The self-supporting
product volume can be shaped like a cube, a cuboid, a prism (e.g.,
a triangular prism), a cylinder, a cone, a pyramid (e.g.,
triangular pyramid), a sphere, a tetrahedron, another type of
polyhedron, or some other shape.
[0177] As used herein, when referring to a container, the term
"side" refers to an exterior surface of the product volume or the
standoff structure. A side can refer to the surface that connects
the top and the bottom surfaces of the product volume or the
standoff structure. Additionally or alternatively, a side can refer
to a top or bottom surface of the product volume or the standoff
structure. Thus, any of the containers described herein can include
a front side, left and right sides, a rear side, a top side, a
bottom side, and/or other side. Throughout the present disclosure,
the terms "face" and "panel" may be used interchangeably with
"side."
[0178] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[0179] 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 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."
[0180] As used herein, when referring to a 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 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 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.
[0181] As used herein, when referring to a 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
containers disclosed herein can be configured to be stand up
containers.
[0182] As used herein, when referring to a container, the term
"standoff structure" refers to a projection, protrusion, tab,
volume, chamber, blister, dunnage (e.g., an air bubble) bumper,
fender, or other discrete structural member coupled to a product
volume (e.g., a self-supporting product volume). The standoff
structure can be a fillable space made of one or more flexible
materials, wherein the space can be configured to be at least
partially filled with one or more expansion materials (e.g., one or
more flowable materials). For example, the space can be configured
to be partly or fully filled with one or more expansion materials,
which results in a standoff structure in an expanded state and, in
turn, can create creates increased tension in the one or more
flexible materials. The standoff structure can alternatively be
pressurized with a gas. The standoff structure can alternatively be
a solid structure (i.e., it does not have a fillable space) made of
one or more inflexible (e.g., solid, rigid) materials. One or more
standoff structures associated with a given container may be shaped
or configured to cooperate with one or more standoff structures of
one or more other containers to selectively secure or interlock the
containers to one another, which interconnection may occur with
each of the containers in the same orientation, with the containers
being in opposing or otherwise rotated orientations relative to one
another (such as an upright container next to an inverted
container), or there may be a plurality of containers
interconnected by their respective one or more standoff structures
such that some of the plurality of the containers are in a first
orientation and at least one other of the plurality of containers
is in a second orientation (such as upright-inverted-upright, or
upright-upright-inverted, upright-inverted-upright-inverted,
upright-inverted-inverted-upright,
upright-inverted-inverted-inverted). Instead or in addition, one or
more standoff structures associated with a given container may be
shaped or configured to cooperate with one or more standoff
structures of one or more sidewalls of a carton, tote, package,
bag, wrap, or box containing the container, or with one or more
standoff structures of one or more spacer elements provided in a
carton, tote, package, bag, wrap, or box containing the container,
wherein such spacer elements are provided to separate individual
containers from one another, and/or to separate individual
containers from the wall of a carton, tote, package, bag, wrap, or
box containing the container.
[0183] The standoff structure can be made of one or more of the
same materials as the product volume. In some embodiments, the
standoff structure and the product volume can be made of the same
material(s). The standoff structure can alternatively be made of
one or more different materials than the product volume.
[0184] The standoff structure can be integrally formed with (e.g.,
attached to) the product volume. For example, the standoff
structure and the product volume can, as formed, share a common
material layer (e.g., a film layer). Alternatively, the standoff
structure and the product volume can be separately formed and later
joined together. The standoff structure can, in some embodiments,
be a separate set of elements associated with the container but
connected to the container at only one or more locations, such that
the standoff structure forms an external frame. Standoff structures
can have various shapes and sizes. Part, parts, or all of a
standoff structure can be straight, curved, angled, arcuate,
segmented, or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes.
Part, parts, or all of a standoff structure can have any suitable
cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, elliptical, square,
triangular, star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, or
other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes. A standoff
structure can have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex, or
concave, along part, parts, or all of a length. A standoff
structure can have any suitable cross-sectional area, any suitable
overall width, any suitable overall length, and any suitable
overall height, and can be positioned at any elevation. A standoff
structure can be substantially uniform along part, parts, or all of
its length, cross-section and/or its height, or can vary, in any
way described herein, along part, parts, or all of its length,
cross-section and/or its height. For example, a cross-sectional
area of a standoff structure can increase or decrease along part,
parts, or all of its length and/or its height. As another example,
a height of the standoff structure can vary along part, parts, or
all of the length. Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments of
standoff structure 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 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 in making the
container self-supporting and/or standing upright.
[0186] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[0187] 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.
[0188] 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 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 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.
[0189] 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.
[0190] Structural support members can have various shapes and
sizes. Part, parts, 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 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 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 all of its length, or
can vary, in any way described herein, along part, parts, 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.
[0191] As used herein, when referring to a 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.
[0192] 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.
[0193] 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%).
[0194] As used herein, when referring to a 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 containers disclosed
herein, and, particularly, any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, can be configured to be temporarily reusable, for the
number of refills disclosed herein.
[0195] As used herein, when referring to a container, 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."
[0196] As used herein, when referring to a 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 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%.
[0197] As used herein, when referring to a 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. The term "unexpanded" can also refer to the state of one
or more materials that are configured to be formed into a standoff
structure.
[0198] As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a
container, the term "unfilled" refers to the state of the product
volume when it does not contain a fluent product.
[0199] 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.
[0200] Containers, as described herein, may be used across a
variety of industries for a variety of products. For example, any
embodiment of containers, as described herein, may be used across
the consumer products industry, including any of the following
products, any of which can take any workable fluent product form
described herein or known in the art: baby care products (e.g.
soaps, shampoos, and lotions); beauty care products for cleaning,
treating, beautifying, and/or decorating human or animal hair (e.g.
hair shampoos, hair conditioners, hair dyes, hair colorants, hair
repair products, hair growth products, hair removal products, hair
minimization products, etc.); beauty care products for cleaning,
treating, beautifying, and/or decorating human or animal skin (e.g.
soaps, body washes, body scrubs, facial cleansers, astringents,
sunscreens, sun block lotions, lip balms, cosmetics, skin
conditioners, cold creams, skin moisturizers, antiperspirants,
deodorants, etc.); beauty care products for cleaning, treating,
beautifying, and/or decorating human or animal nails (e.g. nail
polishes, nail polish removers, etc.); grooming products for
cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating human facial
hair (e.g. shaving products, pre-shaving products, after shaving
products, etc.); health care products for cleaning, treating,
beautifying, and/or decorating human or animal oral cavities (e.g.
toothpaste, mouthwash, breath freshening products, anti-plaque
products, tooth whitening products, etc.); health care products for
treating human and/or animal health conditions (e.g. medicines,
medicaments, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, nutraceuticals, nutrient
supplements (for calcium, fiber, etc.), cough treatment products,
cold remedies, lozenges, treatments for respiratory and/or allergy
conditions, pain relievers, sleep aids, gastrointestinal treatment
products (for heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea, irritable bowel
syndrome, etc.), purified water, treated water, etc.); pet care
products for feeding and/or caring for animals (e.g. pet food, pet
vitamins, pet medicines, pet chews, pet treats, etc.); fabric care
products for cleaning, conditioning, refreshing and/or treating
fabrics, clothes and/or laundry (e.g. laundry detergents, fabric
conditioners, fabric dyes, fabric bleaches, etc.); dish care
products for home, commercial, and/or industrial use (e.g. dish
soaps and rinse aids for hand-washing and/or machine washing);
cleaning and/or deodorizing products for home, commercial, and/or
industrial use (e.g. soft surface cleaners, hard surface cleaners,
glass cleaners, ceramic tile cleaners, carpet cleaner, wood
cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, surface disinfectants, kitchen
cleaners, bath cleaners (e.g. sink, toilet, tub, and/or shower
cleaners), appliance cleaning products, appliance treatment
products, car cleaning products, car deodorizing products, air
cleaners, air deodorizers, air disinfectants, etc.), and the
like.
[0201] As further examples, any embodiment of containers, as
described herein, may be used across additional areas of home,
commercial, and/or industrial, building and/or grounds,
construction and/or maintenance, including any of the following
products, any of which can take any workable fluent product form
(e.g. liquid, granular, powdered, etc.) described herein or known
in the art: products for establishing, maintaining, modifying,
treating, and/or improving lawns, gardens, and/or grounds (e.g.
grass seeds, vegetable seeds, plant seeds, birdseed, other kinds of
seeds, plant food, fertilizer, soil nutrients and/or soil
conditions (e.g. nitrogen, phosphate, potash, lime, etc.), soil
sterilants, herbicides, weed preventers, pesticides, pest
repellents, insecticides, insect repellents, etc.); products for
landscaping use (e.g. topsoils, potting soils, general use soils,
mulches, wood chips, tree bark nuggets, sands, natural stones
and/or rocks (e.g. decorative stones, pea gravel, gravel, etc.) of
all kinds, man-made compositions based on stones and rocks (e.g.
paver bases, etc.)); products for starting and/or fueling fires in
grills, fire pits, fireplaces, etc. (e.g. fire logs, fire starting
nuggets, charcoal, lighter fluid, matches, etc.); lighting products
(e.g. light bulbs and light tubes or all kinds including:
incandescents, compact fluorescents, fluorescents, halogens, light
emitting diodes, of all sizes, shapes, and uses); chemical products
for construction, maintenance, remodeling, and/or decorating (e.g.
concretes, cements, mortars, mix colorants, concrete
curers/sealants, concrete protectants, grouts, blacktop sealants,
crack filler/repair products, spackles, joint compounds, primers,
paints, stains, topcoats, sealants, caulks, adhesives, epoxies,
drain cleaning/declogging products, septic treatment products,
etc.); chemical products (e.g. thinners, solvents, and
strippers/removers including alcohols, mineral spirits,
turpentines, linseed oils, etc.); water treatment products (e.g.
water softening products such as salts, bacteriostats, fungicides,
etc.); fasteners of all kinds (e.g. screws, bolts, nuts, washers,
nails, staples, tacks, hangers, pins, pegs, rivets, clips, rings,
and the like, for use with/in/on wood, metal, plastic, concrete,
concrete, etc.); and the like.
[0202] As further examples, any embodiment of containers, as
described herein, may be used across the food and beverage
industry, including any of the following products, any of which can
take any workable fluent product form described herein or known in
the art: foods such as basic ingredients (e.g. grains such as rice,
wheat, corn, beans, and derivative ingredients made from any of
these, as well as nuts, seeds, and legumes, etc.), cooking
ingredients (e.g. sugar, spices such as salt and pepper, cooking
oils, vinegars, tomato pastes, natural and artificial sweeteners,
flavorings, seasonings, etc.), baking ingredients (e.g. baking
powders, starches, shortenings, syrups, food colorings, fillings,
gelatins, chocolate chips and other kinds of chips, frostings,
sprinkles, toppings, etc.), dairy foods (e.g. creams, yogurts, sour
creams, wheys, caseins, etc.), spreads (e.g. jams, jellies, etc.),
sauces (e.g. barbecue sauces, salad dressings, tomato sauces,
etc.), condiments (e.g. ketchups, mustards, relishes, mayonnaises,
etc.), processed foods (noodles and pastas, dry cereals, cereal
mixes, premade mixes, snack chips and snacks and snack mixes of all
kinds, pretzels, crackers, cookies, candies, chocolates of all
kinds, marshmallows, puddings, etc.); beverages such as water,
milks, juices, flavored and/or carbonated beverages (e.g. soda),
sports drinks, coffees, teas, spirits, alcoholic beverages (e.g.
beer, wine, etc.), etc.; and ingredients for making or mixing into
beverages (e.g. coffee beans, ground coffees, cocoas, tea leaves,
dehydrated beverages, powders for making beverages, natural and
artificial sweeteners, flavorings, etc.). Further, prepared foods,
fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, pastas, microwavable and or
frozen foods as well as produce, eggs, milk, and other fresh foods.
Any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein can also be
sterilized (e.g. by treatment with ultraviolet light or
peroxide-based compositions), to make the containers safe for use
in storing food and/or beverage. In any embodiment, the containers
can be configured to be suitable for retort processes.
[0203] As still further examples, any embodiment of containers, as
described herein, may be used across the medical industry, in the
areas of medicines, medical devices, and medical treatment,
including uses for receiving, containing, storing and/or
dispensing, any of the following fluent products, in any form known
in the art: bodily fluids from humans and/or animals (e.g. amniotic
fluid, aqueous humour, vitreous humour, bile, blood, blood plasma,
blood serum, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, cerumen (earwax),
chyle, chime, endolymph (and perilymph), ejaculate, runny feces,
gastric acid, gastric juice, lymph, mucus (including nasal drainage
and phlegm), pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid,
pus, rheum, saliva, sebum (skin oil), semen, sputum, synovial
fluid, tears, sweat, vaginal secretion, vomit, urine, etc.); fluids
for intravenous therapy to human or animal bodies (e.g. volume
expanders (e.g. crystalloids and colloids), blood-based products
including blood substitutes, buffer solutions, liquid-based
medications (which can include pharmaceuticals), parenteral
nutritional formulas (e.g. for intravenous feeding, wherein such
formulas can include salts, glucose, amino acids, lipids,
supplements, nutrients, and/or vitamins); other medicinal fluids
for administering to human or animal bodies (e.g. medicines,
medicaments, nutrients, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, etc.) by
any suitable method of administration (e.g. orally (in solid,
liquid, or pill form), topically, intranasally, by inhalation, or
rectally. Any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein can
also be sterilized (e.g. by treatment with ultraviolet light or
peroxide-based compositions or through an autoclave or retort
process), to make the containers safe for use in sterile medical
environments.
[0204] As even further examples, any embodiment of containers, as
described herein, may be used across any and all industries that
use internal combustion engines (such as the transportation
industry, the power equipment industry, the power generation
industry, etc.), including products for vehicles such as cars,
trucks, automobiles, boats, aircraft, etc., with such containers
useful for receiving, containing, storing, and/or dispensing, any
of the following fluent products, in any form known in the art:
engine oil, engine oil additives, fuel additives, brake fluids,
transmission fluids, engine coolants, power steering fluids,
windshield wiper fluids, products for vehicle care (e.g. for body,
tires, wheels, windows, trims, upholsteries, etc.), as well as
other fluids configured to clean, penetrate, degrease, lubricate,
and/or protect one or more parts of any and all kinds of engines,
power equipment, and/or transportation vehicles.
[0205] Any embodiment of containers, as described herein, can also
be used for receiving, containing, storing, and/or dispensing,
non-fluent products, in any of the following categories: Baby Care
products, including disposable wearable absorbent articles,
diapers, training pants, infant and toddler care wipes, etc. and
the like; Beauty Care products including applicators for applying
compositions to human or animal hair, skin, and/or nails, etc. and
the like; Home Care products including wipes and scrubbers for all
kinds of cleaning applications and the like; Family Care products
including wet or dry bath tissue, facial tissue, disposable
handkerchiefs, disposable towels, wipes, etc. and the like;
Feminine Care products including catamenial pads, incontinence
pads, interlabial pads, panty liners, pessaries, sanitary napkins,
tampons, tampon applicators, wipes, etc. and the like; Health Care
products including oral care products such as oral cleaning
devices, dental floss, flossing devices, toothbrushes, etc. and the
like; Pet Care products including grooming aids, pet training aids,
pet devices, pet toys, etc. and the like; Portable Power products
including electrochemical cells, batteries, battery current
interrupters, battery testers, battery chargers, battery charge
monitoring equipment, battery charge/discharge rate controlling
equipment, "smart" battery electronics, flashlights, etc. and the
like; Small Appliance Products including hair removal appliances
(including, e.g. electric foil shavers for men and women, charging
and/or cleaning stations, electric hair trimmers, electric beard
trimmers, electric epilator devices, cleaning fluid cartridges,
shaving conditioner cartridges, shaving foils, and cutter blocks);
oral care appliances (including, e.g., electric toothbrushes with
accumulator or battery, refill brushheads, interdental cleaners,
tongue cleaners, charging stations, electric oral irrigators, and
irrigator clip on jets); small electric household appliances
(including, e.g., coffee makers, water kettles, handblenders,
handmixers, food processors, steam cookers, juicers, citrus
presses, toasters, coffee or meat grinders, vacuum pumps, irons,
steam pressure stations for irons and in general non electric
attachments therefore, hair care appliances (including, e.g.,
electric hair driers, hairstylers, hair curlers, hair
straighteners, cordless gas heated styler/irons and gas cartridges
therefore, and air filter attachments); personal diagnostic
appliances (including, e.g., blood pressure monitors, ear
thermometers, and lensfilters therefore); clock appliances and
watch appliances (including, e.g., alarm clocks, travel alarm
clocks combined with radios, wall clocks, wristwatches, and pocket
calculators), etc. and the like.
[0206] 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.
[0207] 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.
[0208] 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.
[0209] 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.
[0210] 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.
[0211] 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.
[0212] 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.
[0213] 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.
[0214] 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.
[0215] 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.
[0216] 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.
[0217] 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.
[0218] 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.
[0219] 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.
[0220] 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.
[0221] 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.
[0222] 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.
[0223] 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.
[0224] 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.
[0225] 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.
[0226] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0227] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0228] FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0229] FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective view of a container 100-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 140-1, a first portion of the product volume 150-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 150-1a, and a dispenser
160-1. The embodiment of FIG. 1E is similar to the embodiment of
FIG. 1A with like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except
that the frame 140-1 extends around about half of the container
100-1, directly supporting a first portion of the product volume
150-1b, which is disposed inside of the frame 140-1, and indirectly
supporting a second portion of the product volume 150-1a, which is
disposed outside of the frame 140-1. In various embodiments, any
stand-up flexible container of the present disclosure can be
modified in a similar way, such that: the frame extends around only
part or parts of the container, and/or the frame is asymmetric with
respect to one or more centerlines of the container, and/or part or
parts of one or more product volumes of the container are disposed
outside of the frame, and/or part or parts of one or more product
volumes of the container are indirectly supported by the frame.
[0230] FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of a container 100-2,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A, including an internal structural support
frame 140-2, a product volume 150-2, and a dispenser 160-2. The
embodiment of FIG. 1F is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A with
like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the
frame 140-2 is internal to the product volume 150-2. In various
embodiments, any stand-up flexible container of the present
disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that: part,
parts, or all of the frame (including part, parts, or all of one or
more of any structural support members that form the frame) are
about, approximately, substantially, nearly, or completely enclosed
by one or more product volumes.
[0231] FIG. 1G illustrates a perspective view of a container 100-3,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A, including an external structural support
frame 140-3, a product volume 150-3, and a dispenser 160-3. The
embodiment of FIG. 1G is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A with
like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the
product volume 150-3 is not integrally connected to the frame 140-3
(that is, not simultaneously made from the same web of flexible
materials), but rather the product volume 150-3 is separately made
and then joined to the frame 140-3. The product volume 150-3 can be
joined to the frame in any convenient manner disclosed herein or
known in the art. In the embodiment of FIG. 1G, the product volume
150-3 is disposed within the frame 140-3, but the product volume
150-3 has a reduced size and a somewhat different shape, when
compared with the product volume 150 of FIG. 1A; however, these
differences are made to illustrate the relationship between the
product volume 150-3 and the frame 140-3, and are not required. In
various embodiments, any stand-up flexible container of the present
disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that one or more
the product volumes are not integrally connected to the frame.
[0232] FIGS. 2A-8G illustrate embodiments of stand up flexible
containers having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of
FIGS. 2A-8G can be configured according to any of the embodiments
disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1G. Any of
the elements (e.g. structural support frames, structural support
members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS.
2A-8G, can be configured according to any of the embodiments
disclosed herein. While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G
illustrates a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments,
each container can include multiple dispensers, according to any
embodiment described herein. FIGS. 2A-8G 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-8G is suitable to display any kind of
indicia. Each of the side panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G
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-8G, however any
of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G can be configured to include any
structure or feature for flexible containers, disclosed herein. For
example, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G can be configured to
include any kind of base structure disclosed herein.
[0233] 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.
[0234] FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective view of a container 200-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 200 of FIG. 2A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 240-1, a first portion of the product volume 250-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 250-1a, and a dispenser
260-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E,
except based on the container 200. FIG. 2F illustrates a
perspective view of a container 200-2, which is an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container 200 of FIG. 2A,
including an internal structural support frame 240-2, a product
volume 250-2, and a dispenser 260-2, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 200.
FIG. 2G illustrates a perspective view of a container 200-3, which
is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 200
of FIG. 2A, including an external structural support frame 240-3, a
non-integral product volume 250-3 joined to and disposed within the
frame 240-3, and a dispenser 260-3, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container
200.
[0235] 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.
[0236] FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective view of a container 300-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 300 of FIG. 3A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 340-1, a first portion of the product volume 350-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 350-1a, and a dispenser
360-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E,
except based on the container 300. FIG. 3F illustrates a
perspective view of a container 300-2, which is an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container 300 of FIG. 3A,
including an internal structural support frame 340-2, a product
volume 350-2, and a dispenser 360-2, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 300.
FIG. 3G illustrates a perspective view of a container 300-3, which
is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 300
of FIG. 3A, including an external structural support frame 340-3, a
non-integral product volume 350-3 joined to and disposed within the
frame 340-3, and a dispenser 360-3, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container
300.
[0237] 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.
[0238] FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of a container 400-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 400 of FIG. 4A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 440-1, a first portion of the product volume 450-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 450-1a, and a dispenser
460-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E,
except based on the container 400. FIG. 4F illustrates a
perspective view of a container 400-2, which is an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container 400 of FIG. 4A,
including an internal structural support frame 440-2, a product
volume 450-2, and a dispenser 460-2, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 400.
FIG. 4G illustrates a perspective view of a container 400-3, which
is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 400
of FIG. 4A, including an external structural support frame 440-3, a
non-integral product volume 450-3 joined to and disposed within the
frame 440-3, and a dispenser 460-3, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container
400.
[0239] 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.
[0240] FIG. 5E illustrates a perspective view of a container 500-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 500 of FIG. 5A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 540-1, a first portion of the product volume 550-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 550-1a, and a dispenser
560-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E,
except based on the container 500. FIG. 5F illustrates a
perspective view of a container 500-2, which is an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container 500 of FIG. 5A,
including an internal structural support frame 540-2, a product
volume 550-2, and a dispenser 560-2, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 500.
FIG. 5G illustrates a perspective view of a container 500-3, which
is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 500
of FIG. 5A, including an external structural support frame 540-3, a
non-integral product volume 550-3 joined to and disposed within the
frame 540-3, and a dispenser 560-3, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container
500.
[0241] 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.
[0242] FIG. 6E illustrates a perspective view of a container 600-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 600 of FIG. 6A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 640-1, a first portion of the product volume 650-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 650-1a, and a dispenser
660-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E,
except based on the container 600. FIG. 6F illustrates a
perspective view of a container 600-2, which is an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container 600 of FIG. 6A,
including an internal structural support frame 640-2, a product
volume 650-2, and a dispenser 660-2, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 600.
FIG. 6G illustrates a perspective view of a container 600-3, which
is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 600
of FIG. 6A, including an external structural support frame 640-3, a
non-integral product volume 650-3 joined to and disposed within the
frame 640-3, and a dispenser 660-3, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container
600.
[0243] 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.
[0244] FIG. 7E illustrates a perspective view of a container 700-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 700 of FIG. 7A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 740-1, a first portion of the product volume 750-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 750-1a, and a dispenser
760-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E,
except based on the container 700. FIG. 7F illustrates a
perspective view of a container 700-2, which is an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container 700 of FIG. 7A,
including an internal structural support frame 740-2, a product
volume 750-2, and a dispenser 760-2, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 700.
FIG. 7G illustrates a perspective view of a container 700-3, which
is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 700
of FIG. 7A, including an external structural support frame 740-3, a
non-integral product volume 750-3 joined to and disposed within the
frame 740-3, and a dispenser 760-3, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container
700.
[0245] 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.
[0246] FIG. 8E illustrates a perspective view of a container 800-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 800 of FIG. 8A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 840-1, a first portion of the product volume 850-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 850-1a, and a dispenser
860-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E,
except based on the container 800. FIG. 8F illustrates a
perspective view of a container 800-2, which is an alternative
embodiment of the stand up flexible container 800 of FIG. 8A,
including an internal structural support frame 840-2, a product
volume 850-2, and a dispenser 860-2, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 800.
FIG. 8G illustrates a perspective view of a container 800-3, which
is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 800
of FIG. 8A, including an external structural support frame 840-3, a
non-integral product volume 850-3 joined to and disposed within the
frame 840-3, and a dispenser 860-3, configured in the same manner
as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container
800.
[0247] 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).
[0248] 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.
[0249] 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.
[0250] 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.
[0251] 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.
[0252] 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.
[0253] 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.
[0254] 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.
[0255] 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.
[0256] 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.
[0257] 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.
[0258] FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of a container 900-1,
which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible
container 900 of FIG. 1A, including an asymmetric structural
support frame 940-1, a first portion of the product volume 950-1b,
a second portion of the product volume 950-1a, and a dispenser
960-1. The embodiment of FIG. 9C is similar to the embodiment of
FIG. 9A with like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except
that the frame 940-1 extends around about half of the container
900-1, directly supporting a first portion of the product volume
950-1b, which is disposed inside of the frame 940-1, and indirectly
supporting a second portion of the product volume 950-1a, which is
disposed outside of the frame 940-1. In various embodiments, any
self-supporting flexible container of the present disclosure can be
modified in a similar way, such that: the frame extends around only
part or parts of the container, and/or the frame is asymmetric with
respect to one or more centerlines of the container, and/or part or
parts of one or more product volumes of the container are disposed
outside of the frame, and/or part or parts of one or more product
volumes of the container are indirectly supported by the frame.
[0259] FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective view of a container 900-2,
which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible
container 900 of FIG. 9A, including an internal structural support
frame 940-2, a product volume 950-2, and a dispenser 960-2. The
embodiment of FIG. 9D is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9A with
like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the
frame 940-2 is internal to the product volume 950-2. In various
embodiments, any self-supporting flexible container of the present
disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that: part,
parts, or all of the frame (including part, parts, or all of one or
more of any structural support members that form the frame) are
about, approximately, substantially, nearly, or completely enclosed
by one or more product volumes.
[0260] FIG. 9E illustrates a perspective view of a container 900-3,
which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible
container 900 of FIG. 9A, including an external structural support
frame 940-3, a product volume 950-3, and a dispenser 960-3. The
embodiment of FIG. 9E is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9A with
like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the
product volume 950-3 is not integrally connected to the frame 940-3
(that is, not simultaneously made from the same web of flexible
materials), but rather the product volume 950-3 is separately made
and then joined to the frame 940-3. The product volume 950-3 can be
joined to the frame in any convenient manner disclosed herein or
known in the art. In the embodiment of FIG. 9E, the product volume
950-3 is disposed within the frame 940-3, but the product volume
950-3 has a reduced size and a somewhat different shape, when
compared with the product volume 950 of FIG. 9A; however, these
differences are made to illustrate the relationship between the
product volume 950-3 and the frame 940-3, and are not required. In
various embodiments, any self-supporting flexible container of the
present disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that one
or more the product volumes are not integrally connected to the
frame.
[0261] FIGS. 10A-11E illustrate embodiments of self-supporting
flexible containers (that are not stand up containers) having
various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E can
be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein,
including the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9E. Any of the elements (e.g.
structural support frames, structural support members, panels,
dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E, can be
configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E 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-11E is suitable
to display any kind of indicia. Each of the top and bottom panels
in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E 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-11E, however any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E can be
configured to include any structure or feature for flexible
containers, disclosed herein.
[0262] 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.
[0263] FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of a container
1000-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting
flexible container 1000 of FIG. 10A, including an asymmetric
structural support frame 1040-1, a first portion of the product
volume 1050-1b, a second portion of the product volume 1050-1a, and
a dispenser 1060-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment
of FIG. 9C, except based on the container 1000. FIG. 10D
illustrates a perspective view of a container 1000-2, which is an
alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container
1000 of FIG. 10A, including an internal structural support frame
1040-2, a product volume 1050-2, and a dispenser 1060-2, configured
in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9D, except based on
the container 1000. FIG. 10E illustrates a perspective view of a
container 1000-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the
self-supporting flexible container 1000 of FIG. 10A, including an
external structural support frame 1040-3, a non-integral product
volume 1050-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 1040-3, and a
dispenser 1060-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment
of FIG. 9E, except based on the container 1000.
[0264] 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.
[0265] FIG. 11C illustrates a perspective view of a container
1100-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting
flexible container 1100 of FIG. 11A, including an asymmetric
structural support frame 1140-1, a first portion of the product
volume 1150-1b, a second portion of the product volume 1150-1a, and
a dispenser 1160-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment
of FIG. 9C, except based on the container 1100. FIG. 11D
illustrates a perspective view of a container 1100-2, which is an
alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container
1100 of FIG. 11A, including an internal structural support frame
1140-2, a product volume 1150-2, and a dispenser 1160-2, configured
in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9D, except based on
the container 1100. FIG. 11E illustrates a perspective view of a
container 1100-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the
self-supporting flexible container 1100 of FIG. 11A, including an
external structural support frame 1140-3, a non-integral product
volume 1150-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 1140-3, and a
dispenser 1160-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment
of FIG. 9E, except based on the container 1100.
[0266] 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.
[0267] 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.
[0268] FIGS. 15A-15I and 18A-23L illustrate various embodiments of
containers having a product volume and at least one standoff
structure coupled to a portion of the product volume. The product
volume of each of these containers is generally defined by at least
one side. The at least one standoff structure of each of these
containers is at least partially coupled to and at least partially
co-facial with at least one side of the product volume. In each
embodiment, the at least one side of the product volume to which
the standoff structure is coupled is at least partially free of the
standoff structure. The at least one side of the product volume to
which the at least one standoff structure is coupled can be between
30 and 99% free of the at least one standoff structure. More
specifically, the at least one side of the product volume to which
the at least one standoff structure is coupled can be at least 30%
free, at least 40% free, at least 50% free, at least 60% free, at
least 70% free, at least 80% free, or, in some cases, at least 90%
free of the at least one standoff structure. These containers also
include a bottom that includes a bottom face. At least a portion of
the bottom face is arranged to contact a horizontal support
surface. Each of the at least one standoff structures has a minimum
width of at least 5 mm and is positioned at a minimum elevation,
relative to the horizontal support surface, of at least 3-5 mm.
[0269] So arranged, the at least one standoff structure can protect
the container, particularly the product volume and/or indicia
positioned (e.g., printed) thereon and/or adjacent thereto, and/or
the contents of the container from damage, such as scuffing,
plastic deformation, rupture, obscuring, scratching, and cutting,
which may, for example, occur when the container is placed in close
proximity to or in contact with one or more other objects (e.g.,
other containers), is positioned within a confining or enclosing
structure (e.g., a shopping cart or a shopping bag or product tote
such as in a distribution center), or drops from a height above a
horizontal surface (e.g., dropped into a shopping cart, falls off a
store shelf onto a floor, etc.) The at least one standoff structure
can also, at least in some embodiments, provide an elevated
gripping surface or handle for more secure and comfortable handling
by a user of the container.
[0270] FIG. 15A illustrates a first product container 1500 that
includes a self-supporting product volume 1502 and a standoff
structure 1504 coupled thereto. The self-supporting product volume
1502 is defined by a first side 1506, a second side (not shown)
opposite the first side 1506, a top side 1508, and a bottom side
1510. As shown in FIG. 15A, the first side 1506 has an exterior
surface 1512, and the bottom side 1510 includes a bottom face 1514
arranged to contact a horizontal support surface 1516, but not
shown in contact with the horizontal support surface 1516 in this
figure. The standoff structure 1504 is a substantially truncated
C-shaped expandable structure that can be filled with one or more
expansion materials. The standoff structure 1504 is coupled to,
co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the first side
1506. The standoff structure 1504 includes a first end 1518, a
second end 1520, and a middle portion 1522 disposed between the
first and second ends 1518, 1520. The first end 1518 is coupled to
the exterior surface 1512 near or at the top 1508 of the product
volume 1502 and the second end 1520 is coupled to the exterior
surface 1512 near or at the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502.
The middle portion 1522 is partly coupled to the exterior surface
1512 between the top 1508 and the bottom 1510 of the product volume
1502. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the middle portion
1522 is not coupled to the exterior surface 1512, such that a gap
or space is formed between the product volume 1502 and the standoff
structure 1504. This gap or space could be used by a user of the
container 1500 to retrieve, hold, and/or move the container
1500.
[0271] The standoff structures 1504 of adjacent product containers
1500 may be at alternating or offset and complementary locations
with respect to one another, such that the product containers 1500
may be more closely packed, and even selectively interlock with one
another, such as if desired to present multiple adjacent product
containers 1500 as a set, or more space-efficiently store or ship a
set of containers with their interlocking or complementary standoff
structures 1504 employed as a means for engagement of the product
containers 1500. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 18A-20L, first
product container 1500a may contain a first personal hygiene
product, such as shampoo, and a second product container 1500b may
contain a second personal hygiene product, such as conditioner, and
the standoff structures 1504a and 1504b may interlock or nest with
one another to selectively secure the first product container 1500a
and second product container 1500b to one another. A set of product
containers need not be limited to two, but rather, if it is desired
to link yet additional product containers 1500c, . . . , 1500n,
they could be selectively secured to one or more of the other
product containers 1500a, 1500b. Multiple product containers 1500a,
1500b, 1500c, . . . , 1500n need not be secured to one another in a
linear fashion, but could alternatively be secured to one another
so as to form a triangular or other polygonal distribution of
linked product containers. Alternatively, the gaps and standoff
structure 1504 of a given product container may be arranged so as
to only link with those of adjacent product containers oriented in
a different, for example inverted, orientation. As shown in FIG.
21, for instance, when arranged in a rightside-up or bottom-down
orientation, the standoff structure 1504a of product container
1500a may be selectively interlocked with the standoff structure
1504b of an adjacent, and inverted (i.e., upside-down) product
container 1500b.
[0272] As shown in FIG. 15A, the first side 1506, particularly the
exterior surface 1512, is approximately 70-80% free of the standoff
structure 1504. In other words, standoff structure 1504 covers or
overlies only a small portion of the first side 1506, and, more
particularly, the exterior surface 1512. As such, the container
1500 has a sizable decoration area 1524 for positioning indicia
such as a label (which may have indicia printed thereon) to be
attached thereto and/or for indicia to be printed thereon and/or to
view indicia through an exterior surface 1512 that is not opaque,
with some translucent or transparent property, where the indicia
are positioned on an alternate surface interior surface or another
material, such as another layer of material, that can be viewed
through the decoration area. Because the standoff structure 1504
extends outward of the first side 1506, and, thus, the decoration
area 1524, the standoff structure 1504 is configured to protect,
and prevent damage to, the decoration area 1524. The container 1500
also includes a dispenser 1526 configured to dispense one or more
fluent products provided in the product volume 1502. To this end,
the dispenser 1526 includes a fluid dispenser opening 1528, and a
fluid dispensing path 1530 is in fluid communication with the
dispenser opening 1528 and an interior of the product volume 1502.
As shown in FIG. 15A, the dispenser 1526 is disposed on the top
1508 of the product volume 1502.
[0273] Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 15a, the decoration area
1524 includes the 2D geometric center 1550 of the first side 1506
enclosed by the 2D geometric center portion 1551 which is free of
standoff structures. The 2D geometric center portion which is free
of standoff structures may comprise at least 5% to 20% of the area
of first side 1506.
[0274] The two-dimensional or 2D geometric center, which can
sometimes be referred to as the centroid, of a region is,
informally, the point at which a cardboard cut-out of the region
could be perfectly balanced on the tip of a pencil (assuming
uniform density and a uniform gravitational field). Formally, the
2D geometric center of a plane figure or two-dimensional shape is
the arithmetic mean ("average") position of all the points in the
shape of a region. For containers where the side, such as first
side 1506, is not flat in a two-dimensional plane, the 2D geometric
center is that corresponding to a 2D projection of the side, e.g.
1506, onto a plane where the projected-upon plane is substantially
parallel with the general width and length of the side--or--the
projected-upon plane is oriented to result in about the or the
largest area projection of the side. Alternatively, the side, e.g.,
the side 1506, may be separated from the container and flattened
out as best as possible where the projection of the resulting shape
onto the plane being flattened upon is used to determine the
corresponding 2D geometric center. Or, if completed virtually, a
virtual representation of the side may be flattened out as best as
possible. During the virtual flattening exercise, the material and
or gauge may be virtually altered to allow the virtual side to be
very flexible during the flattening out exercise.
[0275] The 2D geometric center portion includes the 2D geometric
center and comprises between about 5% to 20% of the area of a first
side, and any value in-between, including any integer value from 5
to 20%. In some of the embodiments, the 2D geometric center portion
is free of standoff structures while at least one standoff
structure is coupled to the first side outside the 2D geometric
center portion. The 2D geometric center portion may take on
different shapes as long as the portion is contiguous and
encompasses the 2D geometric center.
[0276] In other embodiments, the container 1500 can include a
different sized and/or shaped product volume 1502 and/or a greater
number of standoff structures 1504. For example, the bottom 1510
can have a gusset region located on a bottom and/or top of the
container 1500. Alternatively or additionally, the standoff
structure 1504 can have a different size and/or shape, cover more
or less area, and/or can be coupled to one or more different
portions of the product volume 1502 (e.g., the second side, the top
1508, etc.) For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the standoff
structure 1504 can be coupled to the top 1508 in a gusset region of
the product container 1500. As another example, as shown in FIG.
23, two standoff structures 1504 can be coupled to the bottom 1510
in a gusset region of the product container 1500.
[0277] In some embodiments, the entire middle portion 1522 can be
coupled to the exterior surface 1512, such that no gap or space is
formed between the product volume 1502 and the standoff structure
1504. In some embodiments, the middle portion 1512 can span or
extend the entire length and/or width of the product volume 1504.
In some embodiments, the middle portion 1522 can be coupled to the
exterior surface 1512 in more than two places (e.g., in three,
four, five, etc., locations). In alternative embodiments, the
dispenser 1526 can be disposed elsewhere, such as, for example, on
the first side 1506, the second side, or the bottom 1510 of the
product volume 1502.
[0278] FIG. 15B illustrates a second flexible container 1600,
similar to the flexible container 1500 described above, that
includes a standoff structure 1604 coupled to the self-supporting
product volume 1502. As with the flexible container 1500 above, the
flexible container 1600 includes the dispenser 1526, which, as
noted above, is configured to dispense one or more fluent products
provided in the product volume 1502. Like the standoff structure
1504, the standoff structure 1604 can be filled with one or more
expansion materials. Unlike the standoff structure 1504, however,
the standoff structure 1604 is substantially D-shaped. The standoff
structure 1604 is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or
projects outward from the first side 1506 of the product volume
1502. The standoff structure 1604 includes an upper portion 1604a,
a lower portion 1604b, and two middle portions 1604c, 1604d
disposed therebetween. The upper portion 1604a is coupled to the
exterior surface 1512 near or at the top 1508 of the product volume
1502, the lower portion 1604b is coupled to the exterior surface
1512 near or at the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502, and the
middle portions 1604c, 1604d are coupled to the exterior surface
1512 near or at opposing perimeter edges, respectively, of the
first side 1506. Accordingly, the standoff structure extends
prominently from a significant portion of the exterior surface 1512
of the product volume 1502. Nonetheless, as shown in FIG. 15B, the
first side 1506, particularly the exterior surface 1512, is
approximately 50-60% free of the standoff structure 1604. In other
words, the standoff structure 1604 covers or overlies between
approximately 40% and 50% of the first side 1506, and, more
particularly, the exterior surface 1512. As such, the container
1600 has a sizable decoration area 1624 for indicia. Because the
standoff structure 1604 extends outward of and surrounds the
decoration area 1624, the standoff structure 1604 is configured to
protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration area 1624.
[0279] In other embodiments, the container 1600 can include a
different sized and/or shaped product volume 1502 and/or additional
standoff structures 1604. Alternatively or additionally, the
standoff structure 1604 can have a different size and/or shape,
and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the
product volume 1502 (e.g., the second side, the top 1508, etc.)
With reference back to FIGS. 18A-20L, the standoff structure 1604
can, for example, have a circular, elliptical, oval, rectangular,
elongated, or irregular shape.
[0280] FIG. 15C illustrates a third flexible container 1700,
similar to the flexible containers 1500, 1600 described above, that
includes a plurality of standoff structures 1704a-1704d coupled to
the self-supporting product volume 1502. As with the flexible
containers 1500, 1600 above, the flexible container 1700 includes
the dispenser 1526, which, as noted above, is configured to
dispense one or more fluent products provided in the product volume
1502. Like the standoff structure 1504, one or more of the standoff
structures 1704a-1704d can be filled with one or more expansion
materials. Each of the standoff structures 1704d-1704d is coupled
to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the first
side 1506 of the product volume 1502. The standoff structures
1704a, 1704c are oriented in a substantially longitudinal direction
along or near a perimeter edge of the exterior surface 1512 of the
product volume 1502. The standoff structures 1704b, 1704d are
oriented in a substantially lateral direction along or near the
perimeter edge of the exterior surface 1512 of the product volume
1502, with the standoff structure 1704b disposed adjacent or
proximate to the top side 1508 of the product volume 1502, and the
standoff structure 1704d disposed adjacent or proximate to the
bottom side 1510 of the product volume 1502. As shown in FIG. 15C,
the first side 1506, particularly the exterior surface 1512, is
approximately 60%-70% free of the standoff structures 1704a-1704d.
In other words, the standoff structures 1704a-1704d together cover
or overlie between approximately 30-40% of the first side 1506,
and, more particularly, the exterior surface 1512. As such, the
container 1700 has a sizable decoration area 1724 for indicia to be
printed thereon. As shown in FIG. 15C, the standoff structures
1704a-1704d extend outward of, and together serve to substantially
surround, the decoration area 1724. So arranged, the standoff
structures 1704a-1704d are configured to protect, and prevent
damage to, the decoration area 1724. In other embodiments, the
container 1700 can include a different sized and/or shaped product
volume 1502 and/or more or less standoff structures 1704.
Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff
structure 1704 can have a different size and/or shape, and/or can
be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume
1502 (e.g., the second side, the top 1508, etc.) In alternative
embodiments, the dispenser 1526 can be disposed elsewhere, such as,
for example, on the first side 1506, the second side, or the bottom
1510 of the product volume 1502.
[0281] FIG. 15D illustrates a fourth flexible container 1800 that
includes a self-supporting product volume 1802 and a plurality of
standoff structures 1804a-1804e coupled to the product volume 1802.
Overall, the self-supporting product volume 1802 has a shape like a
trigonal prism. More specifically, the self-supporting product
volume 1802 is defined by a first rectangular shaped side 1806a, a
second rectangular shaped side 1806b contiguous with the first side
1806a, a first triangular shaped side 1806c contiguous with the
sides 1806a, 1806b, a second triangular shaped side (not shown), a
top edge 1806d formed by the intersection of the four sides, and a
bottom side (not shown). As shown in FIG. 15D, the first and second
sides 1806a, 1806b each have an exterior surface 1812. Although not
depicted herein, the bottom side of the product volume 1802
includes a bottom face arranged to contact a horizontal support
surface. Each of the standoff structures 1804a-1804e has a
generally irregular shape. One or more of the standoff structures
1804-1804e can be filled with one or more expansion materials. The
standoff structures 1804a-1804c are entirely coupled to, co-facial
with, and extend or project outward from the exterior surface 1812
of the first side 1806a of the product volume 1802. The standoff
structures 1804d and 1804e are entirely coupled to, co-facial with,
and extend or project outward from the exterior surface 1812 of the
second side 1806b of the product volume 1802. As shown in FIG. 15D,
the first side 1806a, to which the standoff structures 1804a-1804c
are coupled, is approximately 50-60% free of the standoff
structures, and the second side 1806b, to which the standoff
structures 1804d, 1804e are coupled, is approximately 50-60% free
of the standoff structures. In other words, the standoff structures
1804a-1804c together cover or overlie between approximately 40-50%
of the first side 1806a, and the standoff structures 1804d, 1804e
together cover or overlie between 40-50% of the second side 1806b.
As such, the container 1800 has sizable decoration areas 1824 for
indicia to be printed on, one decoration area 1824 located on the
first side 1806a and another decoration area 1824 located on the
second side 1806b. As shown in FIG. 15D, the standoff structures
1804a-1804e extend outward of the decoration areas 1824. So
arranged, the standoff structures 1804a-1804e are configured to
protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration areas 1824. In other
embodiments, the container 1800 can include a different sized
and/or shaped product volume 1802 and/or more or less standoff
structures 1804. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the
standoff structure 1804 can have a different size and/or shape
(e.g., a rectangular shape), and/or can be coupled to one or more
different portions of the product volume 1802 (e.g., the third side
1806c, etc.)
[0282] FIG. 15E illustrates a fifth flexible container 1900 that
includes a self-supporting product volume 1902 and a plurality of
standoff structures 1904a, 1904b coupled to the product volume
1902. Overall, the self-supporting product volume 1902 has a
cylindrical shape. More specifically, the self-supporting product
volume 1902 is defined by a side or circumferential edge 1906 that
extends between a top side 1908 and a bottom side (not shown). As
shown in FIG. 15E, the side 1906 has an exterior surface 1912.
Although not depicted herein, the bottom side of the product volume
1902 includes a bottom face arranged to contact a horizontal
support surface. Each of the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b has a
cylindrical shape like the product volume 1902 and can be filled
with one or more expansion materials. The standoff structures
1904a, 1904b are coupled to, co-facial with, and extend or project
outward from and circumferentially along the exterior surface 1912
of the first side 1906. The standoff structure 1904a is coupled to
the exterior surface 1912 at or near the top 1908 of the product
volume 1902. The standoff structure 1904b is coupled to the
exterior surface 1912 at or near the bottom of the product volume
1902. As shown in FIG. 15E, the side 1906 is approximately 80%-90%
free of the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b. In other words, the
standoff structures 1904a, 1904b together only cover or overlie
approximately 10%-20% of the side 1906. The standoff structures
1904, 1904b thus together define a sizable decoration area 1924 for
indicia to be printed on. Because the standoff structures 1904a,
1904b extend outward of the decoration area 1924, the standoff
structures 1904a, 1904b are configured to protect, and prevent
damage to, the decoration area 1924. In other embodiments, the
container 1900 can include a different sized and/or shaped product
volume 1902 and/or more or less standoff structures 1904.
Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff
structures 1904 can have a different size and/or shape and/or can
be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume
1902 (e.g., the top 1908, etc.)
[0283] FIG. 15F illustrates a sixth flexible container 2000 that
includes a self-supporting product volume 2002 and a plurality of
standoff structures 2004a-2004d coupled to the product volume 2002.
The self-supporting product volume 2002 has a generally rectangular
shape. More specifically, the self-supporting product volume 2002
is defined by a first rectangular shaped side 2006a, a second
rectangular shaped side 2006b, a third rectangular shaped side
2006c opposite the first side 2006a, a fourth rectangular shaped
side 2006d opposite the second side 2006b, a top side 2008, and a
bottom side 2010. Each of the sides 2006a-2006d, 2008, and 2010 has
an exterior surface 2012. Each of the standoff structures
2004a-2004d has a substantially rectangular shape and can be filled
with one or more expansion materials. The standoff structure 2004a
is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from
the exterior surface 2012 of the first side 2006a, the standoff
structure 2004b is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or
projects outward from the exterior surface 2012 of the second side
2006b, the standoff structure 2004c is coupled to, co-facial with,
and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2012 of
the third side 2006c, and the standoff structure 2004d is coupled
to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the
exterior surface 2012 of the fourth side 2006d. The standoff
structures 2004a-2004d are each coupled at or near the top 2008 of
the product volume 2002. Accordingly, the standoff structures
2004a-2004d are configured to prevent damage to the top 2008
(where, for example, a dispenser might be located), particularly in
the event that the container 2000 falls over. As shown in FIG. 15F,
the sides 2006a-2006d, to which the standoff structures 2004a-2004d
are respectively coupled, are each approximately 70-80% free of the
respective standoff structure coupled thereto. As such, each of the
sides 2006a-2006d has a sizable decoration area 2024 for indicia to
be printed thereon. Because the standoff structures 2004a-2004d
extend outward of these decoration areas 2024, the standoff
structures 2004a-2004d are configured to protect, and prevent
damage to, the decoration areas 2024.
[0284] In other embodiments, the container 2000 can include a
different sized and/or shaped product volume 2002 and/or more or
less standoff structures 2004. For example, one or more of the
sides 2006a-2006d may not have standoff structures 2004 coupled
thereto. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff
structures 2004 can have a different size and/or shape and/or can
be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume
2002 (e.g., the bottom 2010, etc.)
[0285] FIG. 15G illustrates a seventh flexible container 2100 that
includes a self-supporting product volume 2102 and a plurality of
standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c coupled to the product
volume 2102. The self-supporting product volume 2102 has a
three-dimensional triangular shape. More specifically, the product
volume 2102 is defined by a first triangular shaped side 2106a, a
second triangular shaped side 2106b adjacent to the first side, a
third triangular shaped side (not shown) adjacent to the first and
third sides 2106a, 2106b, and a bottom side (also not shown). The
three sides converge at a vertex or corner 2107 and an edge 2109 is
defined between each of the adjacent sides. Each of these sides has
an exterior surface 2112. The standoff structures 2104a, 2104b,
2104c are coupled to the sides of the product volume 2102 such that
the standoff structures are configured to extend over or across,
and, thus, cover, the vertex 2107 and the edges 2109. Specifically,
a portion of the standoff structure 2104a is coupled to, co-facial
with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface
2112 of the first side 2106a, a portion of the standoff structure
2104a covers or overlies the edge 2109 between the sides 2106a,
2106b, and a portion of the standoff structure 2104a is coupled to,
co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior
surface of the second side 2106b. Likewise, a portion of the
standoff structure 2104b is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends
or projects outward from the exterior surface 2112 of the third
side (not shown), a portion of the standoff structure 2104a covers
or overlies the edge 2109 between the side 2106 and the third side,
and a portion of the standoff structure 2104b is coupled to,
co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior
surface 2112 of the first side 2106a. A portion of the standoff
structure 2104c is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or
projects outward from the exterior surface 2112 of the third side
(not shown), a portion of the standoff structure 2104a covers or
overlies the edge 2109 between the second and third sides, and a
portion of the standoff structure 2104c is coupled to, co-facial
with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface
2112 of the second side 2106b. By covering the vertex 2107 and the
edges 2109 in this way, the standoff structures 2104a-2104c are
configured to prevent damage to and/or caused by the vertex 2107
and the edges 2109 As shown in FIG. 15G, the sides of the product
volume 2102, to which the standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c
are coupled, are each approximately 80-90% free of the standoff
structures coupled thereto. As such, each of the sides has a
sizable decoration area 2124 for indicia to be printed thereon.
Because the standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c extend outward
of these decoration areas 2124, the standoff structures 2104a,
2104b, 2104c are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the
decoration areas 2124.
[0286] In other embodiments, the container 2100 can include a
different sized and/or shaped product volume 2102, one or more or
less standoff structures 2104, and/or one or more of the standoff
structures 2004 can have a different size and/or shape (e.g., a
circular shape). For example, one or more of the sides of the
product volume 2102 may not have standoff structures 2104 coupled
thereto. In embodiments in which the product volume 2102 has a
different shape (e.g., a rectangular shape), the standoff
structures 2104 may be reconfigured so as to cover the vertices
and/or edges of this differently-shaped product volume.
Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff
structures 2104 can be coupled to one or more different portions of
the product volume 2102. For example, one or more of the standoff
structures 2104 can be directly coupled to the vertex 2107 and/or
the one or more edges 2109. As another example, one or more of the
standoff structures 2104 can be positioned so as to be proximate
to, rather than cover, the vertex 2007 and/or one of the edges
2009.
[0287] FIG. 15H illustrates an eighth flexible container 2200 that
includes a self-supporting product volume 2202, a standoff
structure 2204 coupled to the self-supporting product volume 2202,
and a dispenser 2226 configured to dispense one or more fluent
products provided in the product volume 2202. The product volume
2202 is defined by, at least in relevant part, a front side 2206
and a bottom 2210. The front side 2206 has an exterior surface
2212, and the bottom 2210 has a bottom face 2214 arranged to
contact a horizontal surface 2216. The dispenser 2226 is disposed
near or at the bottom 2210 of the product volume. The standoff
structure 2204 has a generally rectangular shape and can be filled
with one or more expansion materials. As shown in FIG. 15H, the
standoff structure 2204 is coupled to the exterior surface 2212 at
or near the bottom 2210 of the product volume 2202 and adjacent or
proximate to the dispenser 2226. As with the other standoff
structures described above, the standoff structure 2204 is
co-facial with and extends outward from the exterior surface 2212.
So arranged, the standoff structure 2204 is configured to protect,
and prevent damage to, the dispenser 2226. At the same time, the
standoff structure 2204 does not interfere with the operation of
the dispenser 2226 (i.e., dispensing of the one or more fluent
products). As shown in FIG. 15H, the front side 2206, particularly
the exterior surface 2212, is approximately 90-100% free of the
standoff structure 2204. In other words, the standoff structure
2204 covers or overlies only a small portion of the first side
2206, and, more particularly, the exterior surface 2212. As such,
the container 2200 has a sizable decoration area 2224 for indicia
to be printed thereon. Because the standoff structure 2204 extends
outward of the decoration area 2224, the standoff structure 2204 is
configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration area
2224.
[0288] In other embodiments, the container 2200 can include a
different sized and/or shaped product volume 2202 and/or additional
standoff structures 2204. Alternatively or additionally, one or
more of the standoff structures 2204 can have a different size
and/or shape and/or can be coupled to one or more different
portions of the product volume 2202 (e.g., more proximate to the
dispenser 2226, etc.)
[0289] FIG. 15I illustrates a ninth flexible container 2250 that
includes a product volume 2252 and a plurality of standoff
structures 2254 coupled to the product volume 2252. The product
volume 2202 in this embodiment is pressurized above atmospheric
pressure. The product volume 2202 is defined by, at least in
relevant part, a front side 2256, a top portion 2258, and a bottom
portion 2260. The front side 2256 has an exterior surface 2262. The
bottom portion 2260 has a bottom face 2264 arranged to contact a
horizontal surface 2266. The standoff structures 2254 each have an
elongated, rectangular shape and can be filled with one or more
expansion materials. As shown in FIG. 15I, the standoff structures
2254 are coupled to the exterior surface 2262 and are spaced apart
from one another along a perimeter of the front side 2262. As with
the other standoff structures described above, the standoff
structures 2254 are co-facial with and extend outward from the
exterior surface 2262. So arranged, the standoff structures 2254
are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the product
volume 2252. Specifically, the standoff structures 2254 can protect
the product volume 2252 from bursting, particularly during a
high-force impact. Depending upon the contents of the product
volume 2252, the standoff structures 2254 can also be configured to
protect, and prevent damage to, the contents of the product volume
2252, particularly if the contents are fragile or brittle (e.g.,
chips, glass). As shown in FIG. 15I, the front side 2256,
particularly the exterior surface 2262, is approximately 80-90%
free of the standoff structures 2254. In other words, the standoff
structures 2254 cover or overlie only a small portion of the front
side 2256, and, more particularly, the exterior surface 2262. As
such, the container 2250 has a sizable decoration area 2274 for
indicia to be printed thereon. Because the standoff structures 2254
surround and extend outward of the decoration area 2274, the
standoff structures 2254 are configured to protect, and prevent
damage to, the decoration area 2274.
[0290] In other embodiments, the container 2250 can include a
different sized and/or shaped product volume 2252 and/or additional
standoff structures 2254. For example, the product volume 2252 can
be vacuumed. When the product volume 2252 is vacuumed, the standoff
structures 2254 can protect the product volume 2252, particularly
the contents thereof, from impact. Alternatively or additionally,
one or more of the standoff structures 2204 can have a different
size and/or shape and/or can be coupled to one or more different
portions of the product volume 2202 (e.g., more proximate to the
dispenser 2226, etc.)
[0291] FIG. 16 illustrates a container 2300 that includes a
self-supporting product volume 2302 and indicia 2305 printed on a
portion of the product volume 2302. The self-supporting product
volume 2302 has a generally rectangular shape. More specifically,
the self-supporting product volume 2302 is defined by a first
rectangular shaped side 2306a, a second rectangular shaped side
2306b, a third rectangular shaped side 2306c opposite the first
side 2306a, a fourth rectangular shaped side 2306d opposite the
second side 2306b, a top side 2308, and a bottom side 2314. The
bottom side 2310 is arranged to contact a horizontal support
surface 2316. The indicia 2305 is printed on the first side 2106a
and, as shown in FIG. 16, is configured to provide the appearance
of one or more standoff structures (e.g., one of the standoff
structures described in FIGS. 15A-H) being coupled to the
self-supporting product volume 2302. Thus, the container 2300 gives
a user (e.g., a consumer) of the container 2300 the (false)
impression that the container 2300 has one or more standoff
structures coupled to the product volume 2302.
[0292] The above-described standoff structures (e.g., the standoff
structures 1504, 1604, 1704, 1804, 1904, 2004, etc.) are configured
to protect the containers to which they are associated (e.g., the
containers 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, etc.) when these
containers are stored, offered for sale, moved, and/or used. The
standoff structures are configured to prevent damage, such as, for
example, scuffing, denting, rupturing, to the containers (e.g., the
product volume, the decoration area), that occurs when, for
example, the containers are placed into contact with other similar
or dissimilar objects (e.g., other containers), are disposed within
or on a confining or enclosing structure (e.g., a grocery cart, a
shelf), or fall from a height above a surface (e.g., fall from a
shelf, are dropped into a cart, etc.).
[0293] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary method or process 2400 for
preventing damage to a container having self-supporting product
volume (e.g., the self supporting product volume 1502, 1602, 1702,
1802, 1902, 2002, 2102, 2202). The method or process is performed
in the order shown and described herein, but may be implemented in
or according to any number of different orders. In other
embodiments, the method or process may include additional, fewer,
or different acts.
[0294] The method includes providing the self-supporting product
volume (block 2404). The self-supporting product volume is at least
partially defined by at least one side (e.g., a front side, a rear
side, a circumferential edge) and a bottom, the bottom having a
bottom face for contacting a horizontal support surface. The method
also includes providing a standoff structure, such as, for example,
the standoff structure 1504, 1604, 1704, 1804, 1904, 2004, 2104,
2204 (block 2408). The method further includes coupling the
standoff structure to, and co-facially with, a portion of the
self-supporting product volume, the portion of the self-supporting
product volume to which the standoff structure is coupled being at
least partially free of the standoff structure (block 2412). The
coupling can include integrally forming (e.g., attaching) the
standoff structure to the portion of the self-supporting product
volume or separately forming the standoff structure and then later
joining the standoff structure to the self-supporting product
volume. In turn, the standoff structure protects the
self-supporting product volume when the container is at least one
of dropped from a height above a horizontal surface or placed into
contact with another object (e.g., another container).
[0295] FIGS. 24 and 25 provide exemplary embodiments of at least
one standoff structure coupled to the top of a container and the
middle and bottom of the container are free of standoff
structures.
[0296] In FIG. 24, the container 3000 includes a top 3004, a middle
3006, and a bottom 3008. The top 3004 is separated from the middle
3006 by a reference plane 3005, while the middle 3006 is separated
from the bottom 3008 by a reference plane 3007. The container 3000
includes the first side 3106, the exterior surface 3112, and a
standoff structure 3104 which is coupled to the exterior surface
3112 with the top 3004 of the container 3000. The middle 3006 and
bottom 3008 of the exterior surface 3112 of the first side 3106 are
free of standoff structures. The container 3000 may also include a
dispenser 3160, which can be closed, but when in the open state the
dispenser 3160 allows the container 3000 to dispense product, such
as one or more fluent product(s), from the product volume 3150
through a flow channel 3159, then through the dispenser 3160, to
the environment outside of the container 3000. Alternatively, the
standoff structure 3104 may only extend part of the width of the
first side 3106 of the container 3000 and/or may comprise any shape
including a linear shape. The container 3000 can also include
additional standoff structures in the top 3004. Further, the top
perimeter of the top 3004 may comprise a straight line, arcuate, or
complex outline, as well as be oriented in a generally parallel or
angled direction relative to the bottom of the container or a
horizontal surface upon which the container bottom may rest. The
angle may be 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 degrees or
any integer value between 0 to 55 degrees with respect to the
bottom surface or a horizontal surface. If the container 3000
includes multiple sides or exterior surfaces, at least the two of
those sides or exterior sides may each include at least one
standoff structure coupled to the side or exterior surface. In the
example standoff structures, each standoff structure is at least
partially co-facial with a product volume. Each standoff structure
may or may not be fully co-facial with a product volume.
[0297] In FIG. 25, the closed container 4000 includes a
self-supporting product volume 4105, a top 4004, a middle 4006, and
a bottom 4008. The top 4004 is separated from the middle 4006 by a
reference plane 4005, while the middle 4006 is separated from the
bottom 4008 by a reference plane 4007. The container 4000 includes
the first side 4106a, the first exterior surface 4112a, the second
side 4106b, the second exterior surface 4112a, and a standoff
structure 4104 coupled to the exterior surface 4112 on or along the
top 3004 of the container 3000. The standoff structure 4104 is
coupled to the side of the product volume 4102 such that the
standoff structure is configured to extend over or across, and,
thus cover, at least in part, the edge 4109 located in the top 4004
of the container 4000. The middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the first
side 4106a and/or middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the first exterior
surface 4112a of the container 3000 are free of standoff
structures. Additionally, the middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the
second side 4106b and/or middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the second
exterior surface 4112b of the container 4000 are free of standoff
structures. Alternatively, the standoff structure 3104 may only
extend part of the width of the first side 3106a, the first
exterior surface 3112a, the second side 3106b, the second exterior
surface 3112b of the top 4004 of the container 4000. The standoff
structure 3104 may have any shape including a linear shape. The
container 4000 can, though not depicted herein, include additional
standoff structures in, on, or along the top 3004, on any of the
first side 3106a, the first exterior surface 3112a, the second side
3106b, and/or the second exterior surface 3112b, and/or in some
other location. Further, the edge 4109 of the top 4004 may be a
straight line, arcuate, or complex outline, as well as be oriented
in a generally parallel or angled direction relative to the bottom
of the container or a horizontal surface upon which the container
bottom may rest. If the container 4000 has multiple sides or
exterior surfaces, at least the two of those sides or exterior
sides may each comprise at least one standoff structure coupled to
the side or exterior surface. In the example standoff structures,
each standoff structure is at least partially co-facial with a
product volume. Each standoff structure may or may not be fully
co-facial with a product volume.
[0298] An assembly of a plurality of containers, such as two, three
or more containers, may be associated via at least one film or
flexible material comprising the multiple containers. At least two
of the containers of the assembly of containers include at least
one standoff structure which is at least partially co-facially with
a product volume. The assembly may be arranged in a a web or string
of packages, such as, for example, joined bottom to top or side
edge to side edge. The film or films that span between containers
may be marked with indicia for a user to cut between the containers
to separate one or more containers. Alternatively, the film or
films that span between adjacent containers may provide one or more
weakening lines which advantageously enable easier separation of
the containers by the user. The weakening lines can for example
comprises a perforation, score, serration, a serrated seal,
aperture line, or a heat weakened band or sections of film.
[0299] The product volume may be a self-supporting product volume
or may not be a self-supporting product volume. Both are
contemplated herein.
[0300] The at least one standoff structure of a container is at
least partially coupled to the first side or the first side
exterior surface or the side of the product volume of the container
while the at least one standoff is at least partially co-facial
with the product volume of the container. The at-least partially
co-facial arrangement of the at least one standoff structure can be
such that about 5%, 10, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,
55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% of the standoff
structure is co-facial with the one or multiple product volumes.
Stated differently, the standoff structure may be co-facial with
between about 5% to 100% of the one or multiple product volumes, or
any value therebetween, including each integer value therein. Where
the standoff structure is co-facial with a product volume, the
standoff structure may be coupled directly to the side of the
product volume, a container side, or an exterior surface of the
container which itself is adjacent and co-facial with the product
volume at that point. The standoff structure may, but need not,
share a wall with the side of the product volume.
[0301] FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of different standoff
structure constructions with closed container 5000. FIG. 26 is a
cross-sectional view through the container from edge 5001 to edge
5002 with product volume 5050 containing product 5060. The
container 5000 comprises first container side 5010 and second
container side 5020. First container side 5010 comprises wall 5052,
constructed of film, which forms part of the product volume 5050.
Second container side 5020 comprises two walls, comprised of film,
including wall 5054, which forms part of the product volume 5050,
and a co-facial wall 5056, comprised of film, which is the second
side exterior surface.
[0302] On the first side 5010, the cross-section of standoff
structure 5004a is coupled to wall 5052. The standoff 5004a is
fully enclosed by its own wall, comprised of film, to which a
portion is coupled to the wall 5052. Also on the first side 5010,
the cross-section of standoff structure 5004b is coupled to wall
5052. The standoff 500ba is fully enclosed by its own wall,
comprised of film, but also has side fins 5004x and 5004y which
provide the coupling contact to the wall 5052.
[0303] On the second side 5020, the cross-section of standoff
structure 5004c is coupled to wall 5054. The standoff 5004c is
fully enclosed by its both the wall 5056 and the wall 5054 which
also forms that portion of the product volume 5050.
[0304] 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.
[0305] 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 patent
applications: (1) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No.
13/888,679 filed May 7, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers" and
published as US20130292353 (applicant's case 12464M); (2) U.S.
non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/888,721 filed May 7, 2013,
entitled "Flexible Containers" and published as US20130292395
(applicant's case 12464M2); (3) U.S. non-provisional application
Ser. No. 13/888,963 filed May 7, 2013, entitled "Flexible
Containers" published as US20130292415 (applicant's case 12465M);
(4) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/888,756 May 7,
2013, entitled "Flexible Containers Having a Decoration Panel"
published as US20130292287 (applicant's case 12559M); (5) U.S.
non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/957,158 filed Aug. 1, 2013,
entitled "Methods of Making Flexible Containers" published as
US20140033654 (applicant's case 12559M); and (6) U.S.
non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/957,187 filed Aug. 1, 2013,
entitled "Methods of Making Flexible Containers" published as
US20140033655 (applicant's case 12579M2); (7) U.S. non-provisional
application Ser. No. 13/889,000 filed May 7, 2013, entitled
"Flexible Containers with Multiple Product Volumes" published as
US20130292413 (applicant's case 12785M); (8) U.S. non-provisional
application Ser. No. 13/889,061 filed May 7, 2013, entitled
"Flexible Materials for Flexible Containers" published as
US20130337244 (applicant's case 12786M); (9) U.S. non-provisional
application Ser. No. 13/889,090 filed May 7, 2013, entitled
"Flexible Materials for Flexible Containers" published as
US20130294711 (applicant's case 12786M2); (10) U.S. provisional
application 61/861,100 filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled "Disposable
Flexible Containers having Surface Elements" (applicant's case
13016P); (11) U.S. provisional application 61/861,106 filed Aug. 1,
2013, entitled "Flexible Containers having Improved Seam and
Methods of Making the Same" (applicant's case 13017P); (12) U.S.
provisional application 61/861,118 filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled
"Methods of Forming a Flexible Container" (applicant's case
13018P); (13) U.S. provisional application 61/861,129 filed Aug. 1,
2013, entitled "Enhancements to Tactile Interaction with Film
Walled Packaging Having Air Filled Structural Support Volumes"
(applicant's case 13019P); (14) Chinese patent application
CN2013/085045 filed Oct. 11, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers
Having a Squeeze Panel" (applicant's case 13036); (15) Chinese
patent application CN2013/085065 filed Oct. 11, 2013, entitled
"Stable Flexible Containers" (applicant's case 13037); (16) U.S.
provisional application 61/900,450 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled
"Flexible Containers and Methods of Forming the Same" (applicant's
case 13126P); (17) U.S. provisional application 61/900,488 filed
Nov. 6, 2013, entitled "Easy to Empty Flexible Containers"
(applicant's case 13127P); (18) U.S. provisional application
61/900,501 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled "Containers Having a
Product Volume and a Stand-Off Structure Coupled Thereto"
(applicant's case 13128P); (19) U.S. provisional application
61/900,508 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers Having
Flexible Valves" (applicant's case 13129P); (20) U.S. provisional
application 61/900,514 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled "Flexible
Containers with Vent Systems" (applicant's case 13130P); (21) U.S.
provisional application 61/900,765 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled
"Flexible Containers for use with Short Shelf-Life Products and
Methods for Accelerating Distribution of Flexible Containers"
(applicant's case 13131P); (22) U.S. provisional application
61/900,794 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers and
Methods of Forming the Same" (applicant's case 13132P); (23) U.S.
provisional application 61/900,805 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled
"Flexible Containers and Methods of Making the Same" (applicant's
case 13133P); (24) U.S. provisional application 61/900,810 filed
Nov. 6, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers and Methods of Making
the Same" (applicant's case 13134P); each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0306] 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 patent
documents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,154, filed Oct. 29, 1991, entitled
"Food bag structure having pressurized compartments" in the name of
Cohen, granted Aug. 11, 1992; PCT international patent application
WO 96/01775 filed Jul. 5, 1995, published Jan. 26, 1995, entitled
"Packaging Pouch with Stiffening Air Channels" in the name of Prats
(applicant Danapak Holding A/S); PCT international patent
application WO 98/01354 filed Jul. 8, 1997, published Jan. 15,
1998, entitled "A Packaging Container and a Method of its
Manufacture" in the name of Naslund; U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,975 filed
Mar. 19, 1997, entitled "Packaging material web for a
self-supporting packaging container wall, and packaging containers
made from the web" in the name of Lennartsson (applicant Tetra
Laval), granted Oct. 5, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,466 filed Jul. 8,
1997, entitled "Packaging Container and a Method of its
Manufacture" in the name of Naslund, granted Jun. 12, 2001; PCT
international patent application WO 02/085729 filed Apr. 19, 2002,
published Oct. 31, 2002, entitled "Container" in the name of Rosen
(applicant Eco Lean Research and Development A/S); Japanese patent
JP4736364 filed Jul. 20, 2004, published Jul. 27, 2011, entitled
"Independent Sack" in the name of Masaki (applicant Toppan
Printing); PCT international patent application WO2005/063589 filed
Nov. 3, 2004, published 14 Jul. 2005, entitled "Container of
Flexible Material" in the name of Figols Gamiz (applicant Volpak,
S. A.); German patent application DE202005016704 U1 filed Jan. 17,
2005, entitled "Closed bag for receiving liquids, bulk material or
objects comprises a bag wall with taut filled cushions or bulges
which reinforce the wall to stabilize it" in the name of Heukamp
(applicant Menshen), laid open as publication DE102005002301;
Japanese patent application 2008JP-0024845 filed Feb. 5, 2008,
entitled "Self-standing Bag" in the name of Shinya (applicant
Toppan Printing), laid open as publication JP2009184690; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/312,176 filed Apr. 19, 2002,
entitled "Container" in the name of Rosen, published as
US20040035865; U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,528 filed Dec. 16, 2002,
entitled "Package having an inflated frame" in the name of Ferri,
et al., granted on Sep. 8, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/794,286 filed Jun. 4, 2010, entitled "Flexible to Rigid
Packaging Article and Method of Use and Manufacture" in the name of
Helou (applicant, published as US20100308062; U.S. Pat. No.
8,540,094 filed Jun. 21, 2010, entitled "Collapsible Bottle, Method
Of Manufacturing a Blank For Such Bottle and Beverage-Filled Bottle
Dispensing System" in the name of Reidl, granted on Sep. 24, 2013;
and PCT international patent application WO 2013/124201 filed Feb.
14, 2013, published Aug. 29, 2013, entitled "Pouch and Method of
Manufacturing the Same" in the name of Rizzi (applicant Cryovac,
Inc.); each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0307] In some embodiments, standoff structures can be created from
delaminated regions of a laminate film as in WO 96/01775 from
DANAPAK. Beyond what is disclosed in this reference, the standoff
structures formed from delaminated regions could form structural
support members or even a structural support frame.
[0308] In some embodiments, standoff structures can fill an entire
wall of a package, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,975 from Tetra
Laval. Beyond what is disclosed in this reference, the containers
could have fewer or more sides and be shaped in any other shapes
beyond parallelepiped or rectangular prisms.
[0309] In some embodiments, a separate frame may be attached to a
flexible container (external or internally attached) as in
US20100308062 from Helou. Beyond what is disclosed there, the
containers may have a front and back face and any number of
gussets.
[0310] In some embodiments, standoff structures can be created by
overwrapping a defined product chamber with an additional web as in
WO 2013/124201 A1 from Sealed Air. Beyond what is in this
reference, structure and standoffs can be added into the package
such as for example, a structural support frame surrounding the
product volume. Additionally, the outerwrap can be added with or
without, or in combinations with, or to secure rigid elements or
any other types of standoff structures to a product volume.
[0311] 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.
[0312] 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".
[0313] 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.
[0314] 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.
* * * * *