U.S. patent application number 15/094096 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-04 for disposable flexible container.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Kenneth Stephen McGUIRE, Andrew Paul RAPACH, Scott Kendyl STANLEY, Jun YOU.
Application Number | 20160221727 15/094096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51865949 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160221727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STANLEY; Scott Kendyl ; et
al. |
August 4, 2016 |
Disposable Flexible Container
Abstract
A disposable flexible container for a fluent product comprises a
product volume at least partially defined by a nonstructural panel.
A structural support volume is arranged to generate and maintain
tension in the nonstructural panel when the structural support
volume is expanded. Additionally, the disposable flexible container
includes a dispenser for dispensing the fluent product from the
product volume.
Inventors: |
STANLEY; Scott Kendyl;
(Mason, OH) ; YOU; Jun; (West Chester, OH)
; McGUIRE; Kenneth Stephen; (Montgomery, OH) ;
RAPACH; Andrew Paul; (Fairfield, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51865949 |
Appl. No.: |
15/094096 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/525 20130101;
B65D 77/28 20130101; B65D 75/5872 20130101; B05B 11/0037 20130101;
B65D 35/04 20130101; B65D 75/5883 20130101; B05B 11/0008 20130101;
B65D 75/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/04 20060101
B65D035/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 11, 2013 |
WO |
CN2013/085045 |
Claims
1. A disposable flexible container for a fluent product,
comprising: a product volume at least partially defined by a
nonstructural panel; a structural support volume arranged to
generate and maintain tension in the nonstructural panel when
expanded; and a dispenser for dispensing the fluent product from
the product volume.
2. The disposable flexible container of claim 1, wherein the
nonstructural panel has opposed fixed sides and the structural
support volume is disposed intermediate the fixed sides of the
nonstructural panel.
3. The disposable flexible container of claim 1, wherein the
nonstructural panel has opposed fixed sides and the structural
support volume is associated with one of the fixed sides of the
nonstructural panel.
4. The disposable flexible container of claim 3, including a second
structural support volume associated with the other of the fixed
sides of the nonstructural panel.
5. The disposable flexible container of claim 1, including a second
structural support volume and wherein the structural support
volumes are associated with the nonstructural panel in spaced apart
relation at a distance from one another.
6. The disposable flexible container of claim 1, wherein the
nonstructural panel includes a perimeter and the structural support
volume surrounds at least 50% of the nonstructural panel in
association with, or proximity to, the perimeter of the
nonstructural panel.
7. The disposable flexible container of claim 1, wherein the
nonstructural panel has first and second pairs of opposed sides and
the structural support volume surrounds the nonstructural panel in
association with, or proximity to, the first pair of opposed sides
and at least one of the second pair of opposed sides.
8. The disposable flexible container of claim 7, wherein the
structural support volume substantially entirely surrounds the
nonstructural panel in association with, or proximity to, the first
and second pairs of opposed sides to impart tension to the
nonstructural panel at least between one of the first and second
pairs of opposed sides.
9. The disposable flexible container of claim 8, wherein the
structural support volume comprises a first pair of opposed
structural support volumes in proximity to the first pair of
opposed sides to impart tension to the nonstructural panel and a
second pair of opposed structural support volumes in proximity to
the second pair of opposed sides to maintain the first pair of
structural support volumes a distance apart.
10. The disposable flexible container of claim 8, wherein the
structural support volume comprises a single continuous structural
support volume substantially surrounding the nonstructural panel to
impart tension through both of the first and second pairs of
opposed sides.
11. The disposable flexible container of claim 1, including at
least two flexible panels wherein at least one of the flexible
panels is a nonstructural panel, wherein the nonstructural panel
has opposed sides, and including a structural support volume
associated with each of the opposed sides of the nonstructural
panel.
12. The disposable flexible container of claim 11, wherein the
structural support volumes associated with the opposed sides of the
nonstructural panel have at least some curvature and are disposed
in generally concave spaced relation to one another.
13. The disposable flexible container of claim 11, wherein the
structural support volumes associated with the opposed sides of the
nonstructural panel are generally straight and are disposed in
generally parallel relation to one another.
14. The disposable flexible container of claim 11, wherein the
structural support volumes associated with the opposed sides of the
nonstructural panel are generally straight and are disposed
generally at an angle to one another.
15. The disposable flexible container of claim 5, wherein the
nonstructural panel comprises a flexible squeeze panel having a
dimensionless tensile stress at least at some point or for some
portion of the nonstructural panel in the range of about 1E-6 to
about 20.
16. The disposable flexible container of claim 5, wherein the
nonstructural panel comprises a flexible squeeze panel having a
dimensionless stiffness index at least at some point or for some
portion of the nonstructural panel in the range of about 2E-5 to
about 1.5E3.
17. The disposable flexible container of claim 5, wherein the
nonstructural panel comprises a flexible squeeze panel having a
dimensionless structure index at least at some point or for some
portion of the nonstructural panel in the range of about 0.01 to
about 10.
18. The disposable flexible container of claim 5, wherein the
nonstructural panel comprises a flexible squeeze panel having a
dimensionless squeeze force at least at some point or for some
portion of the nonstructural panel in the range of about 5E-9 to
about 30.
19. The disposable flexible container of claim 5, wherein the
nonstructural panel comprises a flexible squeeze panel having a
dimensionless squeeze force to mass ratio at least at some point or
for some portion of the nonstructural panel in the range of about
1E-10 to about 30 g-1.
20. The disposable flexible container of claim 5, wherein the
nonstructural panel comprises a flexible squeeze panel having a
dimensionless squeeze force to thickness ratio at least at some
point or for some portion of the nonstructural panel in the range
of about 1E-11 to about 6 (.mu.m-1).
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to containers, and
more particularly, to containers that are flexible and
disposable.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fluent products include liquid products and/or pourable
solid products. In various embodiments, a container can be used to
receive, contain, and dispense one or more fluent products. And, in
various embodiments, a container can be used to receive, contain,
and/or dispense individual articles or separately packaged portions
of a product. A container can include one or more product volumes.
A product volume can be configured to be filled with one or more
fluent products. A container receives a fluent product when its
product volume is filled. Once filled to a desired volume, a
container can be configured to contain the fluent product in its
product volume, until the fluent product is dispensed. A container
contains a fluent product by providing a barrier around the fluent
product. The barrier prevents the fluent product from escaping the
product volume. The barrier can also protect the fluent product
from the environment outside of the container. A filled product
volume is typically closed off by a cap or a seal. A container can
be configured to dispense one or more fluent products contained in
its product volume(s). Once dispensed, an end user can consume,
apply, or otherwise use the fluent product(s), as appropriate. In
various embodiments, a container may be configured to be refilled
and reused or a container may be configured to be disposed of after
a single fill or even after a single use. A container should be
configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that it can
receive, contain, and dispense its fluent product(s), as intended,
without failure.
[0003] A container for fluent product(s) can be handled, displayed
for sale, and put into use. A container can be handled in many
different ways as it is made, filled, decorated, packaged, shipped,
and unpacked. A container can experience a wide range of external
forces and environmental conditions as it is handled by machines
and people, moved by equipment and vehicles, and contacted by other
containers and various packaging materials. A container for fluent
product(s) should be configured with sufficient structural
integrity, such that it can be handled in any of these ways, or in
any other way known in the art, as intended, without failure.
[0004] A container can also be displayed for sale in many different
ways as it is offered for purchase. A container can be offered for
sale as an individual article of commerce or packaged with one or
more other containers or products, which together form an article
of commerce. A container can be offered for sale as a primary
package with or without a secondary package. A container can be
decorated to display characters, graphics, branding, and/or other
visual elements when the container is displayed for sale. A
container can be configured to be displayed for sale while laying
down or standing up on a store shelf, while presented in a
merchandising display, while hanging on a display hanger, or while
loaded into a display rack or a vending machine. A container for
fluent product(s) should be configured with a structure that allows
it to be displayed in any of these ways, or in any other way known
in the art, as intended, without failure.
[0005] A container can also be put into use in many different ways,
by its end user. A container can be configured to be held and/or
gripped by an end user, so a container should be appropriately
sized and shaped for human hands; and for this purpose, a container
can include useful structural features such as a handle and/or a
gripping surface. A container can be stored while laying down or
standing up on a support surface, while hanging on or from a
projection such as a hook or a clip, or while supported by a
product holder, or (for refillable or rechargeable containers)
positioned in a refilling or recharging station. A container can be
configured to dispense fluent product(s) while in any of these
storage positions or while being held by the user. A container can
be configured to dispense fluent product(s) through the use of
gravity, and/or pressure, and/or a dispensing mechanism, such as a
pump, or a straw, or through the use of other kinds of dispensers
known in the art. Some containers can be configured to be filled
and/or refilled by a seller (e.g. a merchant or retailer) or by an
end user. A container for fluent product(s) should be configured
with a structure that allows it to be put to use in any of these
ways, or in any other way known in the art, as intended, without
failure. A container can also be configured to be disposed of by
the end user, as waste and/or recyclable material, in various
ways.
[0006] One conventional type of container for fluent products is a
rigid container made from solid material(s). Examples of
conventional rigid containers include molded plastic bottles, glass
jars, metal cans, cardboard boxes, etc. These conventional rigid
containers are well-known and generally useful; however their
designs do present several notable difficulties.
[0007] First, some conventional rigid containers for fluent
products can be expensive to make. Some rigid containers are made
by a process shaping one or more solid materials. Other rigid
containers are made with a phase change process, where container
materials are heated (to soften/melt), then shaped, then cooled (to
harden/solidify). Both kinds of making are energy intensive
processes, which can require complex equipment.
[0008] Second, some conventional rigid containers for fluent
products can require significant amounts of material. Rigid
containers that are designed to stand up on a support surface
require solid walls that are thick enough to support the containers
when they are filled. This can require significant amounts of
material, which adds to the cost of the containers and can
contribute to difficulties with their disposal.
[0009] Third, some conventional rigid containers for fluent
products can be difficult to decorate. The sizes, shapes, (e.g.
curved surfaces) and/or materials of some rigid containers, make it
difficult to print directly on their outside surfaces. Labeling
requires additional materials and processing, and limits the size
and shape of the decoration. Overwrapping provides larger
decoration areas, but also requires additional materials and
processing, often at significant expense.
[0010] Fourth, some conventional rigid containers for fluent
products can be prone to certain kinds of damage. If a rigid
container is pushed against a rough surface, then the container can
become scuffed, which may obscure printing on the container. If a
rigid container is pressed against a hard object, then the
container can become dented, which may look unsightly. And if a
rigid container is dropped, then the container can rupture, which
may cause its fluent product to be lost.
[0011] Fifth, some fluent products in conventional rigid containers
can be difficult to dispense. When an end user squeezes a rigid
container to dispense its fluent product, the end user must
overcome the resistance of the rigid sides, to deform the
container. Some users may lack the hand strength to easily overcome
that resistance; these users may dispense less than their desired
amount of fluent product. Other users may need to apply so much of
their hand strength, that they cannot easily control how much they
deform the container; these users may dispense more than their
desired amount of fluent product.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of
containers made from flexible material. Because these containers
are made from flexible material, these containers can be less
expensive to make, can use less material, and can be easier to
decorate, when compared with conventional rigid containers. First,
these containers can be less expensive to make, because the
conversion of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished
goods) generally requires less energy and complexity, than
formation of rigid materials (from bulk form to finished goods).
Second, these containers can use less material, because they are
configured with novel support structures that do not require the
use of the thick solid walls used in conventional rigid containers.
Third, these flexible containers can be easier to print and/or
decorate, because they are made from flexible materials, and
flexible materials can be printed and/or decorated as conformable
webs, before they are formed into containers. Fourth, these
flexible containers can be less prone to scuffing, denting, and
rupture, because flexible materials allow their outer surfaces to
deform when contacting surfaces and objects, and then to bounce
back. Fifth, fluent products in these flexible containers can be
more readily and carefully dispensed, because the sides of flexible
containers can be more easily and controllably squeezed by human
hands. Even though the containers of the present disclosure are
made from flexible material, they can be configured with sufficient
structural integrity, such that they can receive, contain, and
dispense fluent product(s), as intended, without failure. Also,
these containers can be configured with sufficient structural
integrity, such that they can withstand external forces and
environmental conditions from handling, without failure. Further,
these containers can be configured with structures that allow them
to be displayed and put into use, as intended, without failure.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, a disposable flexible container
for a fluent product in accordance with the disclosure comprises a
product volume at least partially defined by a nonstructural panel
and a structural support volume arranged to generate and maintain
tension in the nonstructural panel when the structural support
volume is expanded. The disposable flexible container also includes
a dispenser for dispensing the fluent product from the product
volume. Preferably, the nonstructural panel which at least
partially defines the product volume has at least one pair of
opposed sides and the disposable flexible container has a
structural support volume associated with, or in proximity to, each
of the opposed sides of the nonstructural panel in spaced apart
relation at a distance from one another.
[0014] In one embodiment, the nonstructural panel includes a
perimeter and one or more structural support volumes surround at
least 50% of the nonstructural panel in association with, or in
proximity to, the perimeter of the nonstructural panel.
[0015] In another embodiment, the nonstructural panel has first and
second pairs of opposed sides and one or more structural support
volumes surround the nonstructural panel in association with, or in
proximity to, the first pair of opposed sides and at least one of
the second pair of opposed sides.
[0016] In still another embodiment, one or more structural support
volumes substantially surround the nonstructural panel in
association with, or in proximity to, the first and second pairs of
opposed sides to impart tension to the nonstructural panel at least
between one of the first and second pairs of opposed sides. In this
embodiment, the structural support volumes may comprise a first
pair of opposed structural support volumes in association with, or
in proximity to, the first pair of opposed sides of the
nonstructural panel to impart tension to the nonstructural panel
and a second pair of opposed structural support volumes in
association with, or in proximity to the second pair of opposed
sides to maintain the first pair of structural support volumes in
spaced relation a distance apart from one another. In yet another
embodiment, the structural support volume may comprise a single
continuous structural support volume substantially surrounding the
nonstructural panel in proximity to the first and second pairs of
opposed sides to impart tension through both of the first and
second pairs of opposed sides of the nonstructural panel.
[0017] In a further respect, the disposable flexible container in
accordance with the disclosure includes at least two flexible
panels wherein at least one of the flexible panels is a
nonstructural panel, wherein the nonstructural panel has opposed
sides, and including a structural support volume associated with
one or both of the opposed sides of the nonstructural panel.
[0018] In all of the embodiments, the nonstructural panel may
comprise a flexible squeeze panel for dispensing the fluent product
from the product volume through the dispenser and, for this
purpose, the flexible squeeze panel may have a dimensionless
tensile stress at least at least at some point or for some portion
of the non-structural panel in the range of about 1E-6 to about 20,
preferably, a dimensionless tensile stress in the range of about
4E-5 to about 10 and, more preferably, a dimensionless tensile
stress in the range of about 2E-3 to about 0.9.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a stand
up flexible container.
[0020] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up flexible
container of FIG. 1A.
[0023] 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.
[0024] FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
2A.
[0025] FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
2A.
[0026] FIG. 2D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 2A.
[0027] 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.
[0028] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
3A.
[0029] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
3A.
[0030] FIG. 3D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 3A.
[0031] 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.
[0032] FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
4A.
[0033] FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
4A.
[0034] FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 4A.
[0035] 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.
[0036] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
5A.
[0037] FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
5A.
[0038] FIG. 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 5A.
[0039] 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.
[0040] FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
6A.
[0041] FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
6A.
[0042] FIG. 6D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 6A.
[0043] 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.
[0044] FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
7A.
[0045] FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
7A.
[0046] FIG. 7D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 7A.
[0047] 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.
[0048] FIG. 8B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG.
8A.
[0049] FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG.
8A.
[0050] FIG. 8D illustrates an isometric view of the container of
FIG. 8A.
[0051] FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
square.
[0052] FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of
FIG. 9A.
[0053] FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
triangle.
[0054] FIG. 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible container
of FIG. 10A.
[0055] FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a
self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a
circle.
[0056] FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container
of FIG. 11A.
[0057] FIG. 12A illustrates an isometric view of push-pull type
dispenser.
[0058] FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a
flip-top cap.
[0059] FIG. 12C illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a
screw-on cap.
[0060] FIG. 12D illustrates an isometric view of rotatable type
dispenser.
[0061] FIG. 12E illustrates an isometric view of nozzle type
dispenser with a cap.
[0062] FIG. 13A illustrates an isometric view of straw
dispenser.
[0063] FIG. 13B illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser
with a lid.
[0064] FIG. 13C illustrates an isometric view of flip up straw
dispenser.
[0065] FIG. 13D illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser
with bite valve.
[0066] FIG. 14A illustrates an isometric view of pump type
dispenser.
[0067] FIG. 14B illustrates an isometric view of pump spray type
dispenser.
[0068] FIG. 14C illustrates an isometric view of trigger spray type
dispenser.
[0069] FIG. 15A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
nonstructural panel disposed between structural support volumes
before expansion.
[0070] FIG. 15B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
nonstructural panel disposed between structural support volumes
after expansion.
[0071] FIG. 15C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
nonstructural panel disposed between structural support volumes
while applying a squeeze force.
[0072] FIG. 15D illustrates a top plan view of the nonstructural
panel of FIG. 15C disposed between structural support volumes while
applying a squeeze force.
[0073] FIG. 16A illustrates a nonstructural panel having opposed
fixed sides and having a structural support volume disposed
intermediate the fixed sides.
[0074] FIG. 16B illustrates a nonstructural panel having opposed
fixed sides and having a structural support volume associated with
one of the fixed sides.
[0075] FIG. 16C illustrates a nonstructural panel having opposed
fixed sides and having a structural support volume associated with
both of the fixed sides.
[0076] FIG. 16D illustrates a nonstructural panel having opposed
fixed sides and having a structural support volume surrounding at
least 50% of the perimeter of the nonstructural panel.
[0077] FIG. 16E illustrates a nonstructural panel having two pairs
of opposed sides and having multiple structural support volumes
surrounding the nonstructural panel.
[0078] FIG. 16F illustrates a nonstructural panel having two pairs
of opposed sides and having a structural support volume surrounding
the nonstructural panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0079] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of
containers made from flexible material. Because these containers
are made from flexible material, these containers can be less
expensive to make, can use less material, and can be easier to
decorate, when compared with conventional rigid containers. First,
these containers can be less expensive to make, because the
conversion of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished
goods) generally requires less energy and complexity, than
formation of rigid materials (from bulk form to finished goods).
Second, these containers can use less material, because they are
configured with novel support structures that do not require the
use of the thick solid walls used in conventional rigid containers.
Third, these flexible containers can be easier to decorate, because
their flexible materials can be easily printed before they are
formed into containers. Fourth, these flexible containers can be
less prone to scuffing, denting, and rupture, because flexible
materials allow their outer surfaces to deform when contacting
surfaces and objects, and then to bounce back. Fifth, fluent
products in these flexible containers can be more readily and
carefully dispensed, because the sides of flexible containers can
be more easily and controllably squeezed by human hands.
[0080] Even though the containers of the present disclosure are
made from flexible material, they can be configured with sufficient
structural integrity, such that they can receive, contain, and
dispense fluent product(s), as intended, without failure. Also,
these containers can be configured with sufficient structural
integrity, such that they can withstand external forces and
environmental conditions from handling, without failure. Further,
these containers can be configured with structures that allow them
to be displayed for sale and put into use, as intended, without
failure.
[0081] 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%).
[0082] 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%.
[0083] 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%).
[0084] 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.
[0085] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "bottom" refers to the portion of the container that is
located in the lowermost 30% of the overall height of the
container, that is, from 0-30% of the overall height of the
container. As used herein, the term bottom can be further limited
by modifying the term bottom with a particular percentage value,
which is less than 30%. For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, a reference to the bottom of the
container can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to the
bottom 25% (i.e. from 0-25% of the overall height), the bottom 20%
(i.e. from 0-20% of the overall height), the bottom 15% (i.e. from
0-15% of the overall height), the bottom 10% (i.e. from 0-10% of
the overall height), or the bottom 5% (i.e. from 0-5% of the
overall height), or any integer value for percentage between 0% and
30%.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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).
[0090] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "dispenser" refers to a structure configured to dispense
fluent product(s) from a product volume and/or from a mixing volume
to the environment outside of the container. For any of the
flexible containers disclosed herein, any dispenser can be
configured in any way disclosed herein or known in the art,
including any suitable size, shape, and flow rate. For example, a
dispenser can be a push-pull type dispenser, a dispenser with a
flip-top cap, a dispenser with a screw-on cap, a rotatable type
dispenser, dispenser with a cap, a pump type dispenser, a pump
spray type dispenser, a trigger spray type dispenser, a straw
dispenser, a flip up straw dispenser, a straw dispenser with bite
valve, a dosing dispenser, etc. A dispenser can be a parallel
dispenser, providing multiple flow channels in fluid communication
with multiple product volumes, wherein those flow channels remain
separate until the point of dispensing, thus allowing fluent
products from multiple product volumes to be dispensed as separate
fluent products, dispensed together at the same time. A dispenser
can be a mixing dispenser, providing one or more flow channels in
fluid communication with multiple product volumes, with multiple
flow channels combined before the point of dispensing, thus
allowing fluent products from multiple product volumes to be
dispensed as the fluent products mixed together. As another
example, a dispenser can be formed by a frangible opening. As
further examples, a dispenser can utilize one or more valves and/or
dispensing mechanisms disclosed in the art, such as those disclosed
in: published US patent application 2003/0096068, entitled "One-way
valve for inflatable package"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,016 entitled
"Self-sealing container"; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,717, entitled
"Package having a fluid actuated closure"; each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference. Still further, any of the dispensers
disclosed herein, may be incorporated into a flexible container
either directly, or in combination with one or more other materials
or structures (such as a fitment), or in any way known in the art.
In some alternate embodiments, dispensers disclosed herein can be
configured for both dispensing and filling, to allow filling of
product volume(s) through one or more dispensers. In other
alternate embodiments, a product volume can include one or more
filling structure(s) (e.g. for adding water to a mixing volume) in
addition to or instead of one or more dispenser(s). Any location
for a dispenser, disclosed herein can alternatively be used as a
location for a filling structure.
[0091] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "disposable" refers to a container which, after dispensing a
product to an end user, is not configured to be refilled with an
additional amount of the product, but is configured to be disposed
of (i.e. as waste, compost, and/or recyclable material). Part,
parts, or all of any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, can be configured to be disposable.
[0092] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "durable" refers to a container that is reusable more than
non-durable containers.
[0093] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "effective base contact area" refers to a particular area
defined by a portion of the bottom of the container, when the
container (with all of its product volume(s) filled 100% with
water) is standing upright and its bottom is resting on a
horizontal support surface. The effective base contact area lies in
a plane defined by the horizontal support surface. The effective
base contact area is a continuous area bounded on all sides by an
outer periphery.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed
herein, can be configured to have an effective base contact area
from 1 to 50,000 square centimeters (cm.sup.2), or any integer
value for cm.sup.2 between 1 and 50,000 cm.sup.2, or within any
range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 2 to
25,000 cm.sup.2, 3 to 10,000 cm.sup.2, 4 to 5,000 cm.sup.2, 5 to
2,500 cm.sup.2, from 10 to 1,000 cm.sup.2, from 20 to 500 cm.sup.2,
from 30 to 300 cm.sup.2, from 40 to 200 cm.sup.2, or from 50 to 100
cm.sup.2, etc.
[0101] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "expanded" refers to the state of one or more flexible
materials that are configured to be formed into a structural
support volume, after the structural support volume is made rigid
by one or more expansion materials. An expanded structural support
volume has an overall width that is significantly greater than the
combined thickness of its one or more flexible materials, before
the structural support volume is filled with the one or more
expansion materials. Examples of expansion materials include
liquids (e.g. water), gases (e.g. compressed air), fluent products,
foams (that can expand after being added into a structural support
volume), co-reactive materials (that produce gas), or phase change
materials (that can be added in solid or liquid form, but which
turn into a gas; for example, liquid nitrogen or dry ice), or other
suitable materials known in the art, or combinations of any of
these (e.g. fluent product and liquid nitrogen). In various
embodiments, expansion materials can be added at atmospheric
pressure, or added under pressure greater than atmospheric
pressure, or added to provide a material change that will increase
pressure to something above atmospheric pressure. For any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, its one or
more flexible materials can be expanded at various points in time,
with respect to its manufacture, sale, and use, including, for
example: before or after its product volume(s) are filled with
fluent product(s), before or after the flexible container is
shipped to a seller, and before or after the flexible container is
purchased by an end user.
[0102] As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a
flexible container, the term "filled" refers to the state when the
product volume contains an amount of fluent product(s) that is
equal to a full capacity for the product volume, with an allowance
for head space, under ambient conditions. As used herein, the term
filled can be modified by using the term filled with a particular
percentage value, wherein 100% filled represents the maximum
capacity of the product volume.
[0103] As used herein, the term "flat" refers to a surface that is
without significant projections or depressions.
[0104] As used herein, the term "flexible container" refers to a
container configured to have a product volume, wherein one or more
flexible materials form 50-100% of the overall surface area of the
one or more materials that define the three-dimensional space of
the product volume. For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the flexible
container can be configured to have a product volume, wherein one
or more flexible materials form a particular percentage of the
overall area of the one or more materials that define the
three-dimensional space, and the particular percentage is any
integer value for percentage between 50% and 100%, or within any
range formed by any of these values, such as: 60-100%, or 70-100%,
or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc. One kind of flexible container is a
film-based container, which is a flexible container made from one
or more flexible materials, which include a film.
[0105] For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed
herein, in various embodiments, the middle of the flexible
container (apart from any fluent product) can be configured to have
an overall middle mass, wherein one or more flexible materials form
a particular percentage of the overall middle mass, and the
particular percentage is any integer value for percentage between
50% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding
values, such as: 60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%,
etc.
[0106] For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed
herein, in various embodiments, the entire flexible container
(apart from any fluent product) can be configured to have an
overall mass, wherein one or more flexible materials form a
particular percentage of the overall mass, and the particular
percentage is any integer value for percentage between 50% and
100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values,
such as: 60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc.
[0107] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "flexible material" refers to a thin, easily deformable,
sheet-like material, having a flexibility factor within the range
of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m. For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the
flexible materials can be configured to have a flexibility factor
of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or any integer value for flexibility factor
from 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or within any range formed by any of
these values, such as 1,000-1,500,000 N/m, 1,500-1,000,000 N/m,
2,500-800,000 N/m, 5,000-700,000 N/m, 10,000-600,000 N/m,
15,000-500,000 N/m, 20,000-400,000 N/m, 25,000-300,000 N/m,
30,000-200,000 N/m, 35,000-100,000 N/m, 40,000-90,000 N/m, or
45,000-85,000 N/m, etc. Throughout the present disclosure the terms
"flexible material", "flexible sheet", "sheet", and "sheet-like
material" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the
same meaning. Examples of materials that can be flexible materials
include one or more of any of the following: films (such as plastic
films), elastomers, foamed sheets, foils, fabrics (including wovens
and nonwovens), biosourced materials, and papers, in any
configuration, as separate material(s), or as layer(s) of a
laminate, or as part(s) of a composite material, in a microlayered
or nanolayered structure, and in any combination, as described
herein or as known in the art. In various embodiments, part, parts,
or all of a flexible material can be coated or uncoated, treated or
untreated, processed or unprocessed, in any manner known in the
art. In various embodiments, parts, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a
flexible material can made of sustainable, bio-sourced, recycled,
recyclable, and/or biodegradable material. Part, parts, or about
all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or
all of any of the flexible materials described herein can be
partially or completely translucent, partially or completely
transparent, or partially or completely opaque. The flexible
materials used to make the containers disclosed herein can be
formed in any manner known in the art, and can be joined together
using any kind of joining or sealing method known in the art,
including, for example, heat sealing (e.g. conductive sealing,
impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, crimping,
bonding, adhering, and the like, and combinations of any of
these.
[0108] 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).
[0109] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "fluent product" refers to one or more liquids and/or pourable
solids, and combinations thereof. Examples of fluent products
include one or more of any of the following: bites, bits, creams,
chips, chunks, crumbs, crystals, emulsions, flakes, gels, grains,
granules, jellies, kibbles, liquid solutions, liquid suspensions,
lotions, nuggets, ointments, particles, particulates, pastes,
pieces, pills, powders, salves, shreds, sprinkles, and the like,
either individually or in any combination. Throughout the present
disclosure the terms "fluent product" and "flowable product" are
used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Any
of the product volumes disclosed herein can be configured to
include one or more of any fluent product disclosed herein, or
known in the art, in any combination.
[0110] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "formed" refers to the state of one or more materials that are
configured to be formed into a product volume, after the product
volume is provided with its defined three-dimensional space.
[0111] 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 configurations,
disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination.
[0112] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "height area ratio" refers to a ratio for the container, with
units of per centimeter (cm.sup.-1), which is equal to the value
for the overall height of the container (with all of its product
volume(s) filled 100% with water, and with overall height measured
in centimeters) divided by the value for the effective base contact
area of the container (with all of its product volume(s) filled
100% with water, and with effective base contact area measured in
square centimeters). For any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the
flexible containers, can be configured to have a height area ratio
from 0.3 to 3.0 per centimeter, or any value in increments of 0.05
cm.sup.-1 between 0.3 and 3.0 per centimeter, or within any range
formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 0.35 to 2.0
cm.sup.-1, from 0.4 to 1.5 cm.sup.-1, from 0.4 to 1.2 cm.sup.-1, or
from 0.45 to 0.9 cm.sup.-1, etc.
[0113] As used herein, the term "indicia" refers to one or more of
characters, graphics, branding, or other visual elements, in any
combination. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the
flexible container can include one or more indicia of any size,
shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in
any combination.
[0114] 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.
[0115] As used herein, the term "joined" refers to a configuration
wherein elements are either directly connected or indirectly
connected.
[0116] 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."
[0117] 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.
[0118] 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.
[0119] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "middle" refers to the portion of the container that is
located in between the top of the container and the bottom of the
container. As used herein, the term middle can be modified by
describing the term middle with reference to a particular
percentage value for the top and/or a particular percentage value
for the bottom. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, a reference to the middle of the container can,
in various alternate embodiments, refer to the portion of the
container that is located between any particular percentage value
for the top, disclosed herein, and/or any particular percentage
value for the bottom, disclosed herein, in any combination.
[0120] As used herein, the term "mixing volume" refers to a type
product volume that is configured to receive one or more fluent
product(s) from one or more product volumes and/or from the
environment outside of the container.
[0121] As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term
"multiple dose" refers to a product volume that is sized to contain
a particular amount of product that is about equal to two or more
units of typical consumption, application, or use by an end user.
Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein,
can be configured to have one or more multiple dose product
volumes. A container with only one product volume, which is a
multiple dose product volume, is referred to herein as a "multiple
dose container."
[0122] As used herein, the term "nearly" modifies a particular
value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus
or minus five percent (+/-5%). For any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a
particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be
understood as a disclosure of a range equal to approximately that
particular value (i.e. +/-5%).
[0123] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "non-durable" refers to a container that is temporarily
reusable, or disposable, or single use.
[0124] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "overall height" refers to a distance that is measured while
the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface,
the distance measured vertically from the upper side of the support
surface to a point on the top of the container, which is farthest
away from the upper side of the support surface. Any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be
configured to have an overall height from 2.0 cm to 100.0 cm, or
any value in increments of 0.1 cm between 2.0 and 100.0 cm, or
within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as:
from 4.0 to 90.0 cm, from 5.0 to 80.0 cm, from 6.0 to 70.0 cm, from
7.0 to 60.0 cm, from 8.0 to 50.0 cm, from 9.0 to 40.0 cm, or from
10.0 to 30.0, etc.
[0125] As used herein, when referring to a sheet of flexible
material, the term "overall thickness" refers to a linear dimension
measured perpendicular to the outer major surfaces of the sheet,
when the sheet is lying flat. For any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any
of the flexible materials can be configured to have an overall
thickness 5-500 micrometers (.mu.m), or any integer value for
micrometers from 5-500, or within any range formed by any of these
values, such as 10-500 .mu.m, 20-400 .mu.m, 30-300 .mu.m, 40-200
.mu.m, or 50-100 .mu.m, etc.
[0126] As used herein, the term "product volume" refers to an
enclosable three-dimensional space that is configured to receive
and directly contain one or more fluent product(s), wherein that
space is defined by one or more materials that form a barrier that
prevents the fluent product(s) from escaping the product volume. By
directly containing the one or more fluent products, the fluent
products come into contact with the materials that form the
enclosable three-dimensional space; there is no intermediate
material or container, which prevents such contact. Throughout the
present disclosure the terms "product volume" and "product
receiving volume" are used interchangeably and are intended to have
the same meaning. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, can be configured to have any number of product
volumes including one product volume, two product volumes, three
product volumes, four product volumes, five product volumes, six
product volumes, or even more product volumes. In some embodiments,
one or more product volumes can be enclosed within another product
volume. Any of the product volumes disclosed herein can have a
product volume of any size, including from 0.001 liters to 100.0
liters, or any value in increments of 0.001 liters between 0.001
liters and 3.0 liters, or any value in increments of 0.01 liters
between 3.0 liters and 10.0 liters, or any value in increments of
1.0 liters between 10.0 liters and 100.0 liters, or within any
range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 0.001 to
2.2 liters, 0.01 to 2.0 liters, 0.05 to 1.8 liters, 0.1 to 1.6
liters, 0.15 to 1.4 liters, 0.2 to 1.2 liters, 0.25 to 1.0 liters,
etc. A product volume can have any shape in any orientation. A
product volume can be included in a container that has a structural
support frame, and a product volume can be included in a container
that does not have a structural support frame.
[0127] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "resting on a horizontal surface" refers to the container
resting directly on the horizontal support surface, without other
support.
[0128] 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.
[0129] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "self-supporting" refers to a container that includes a
product volume and a structural support frame, wherein, when the
container is resting on a horizontal support surface, in at least
one orientation, the structural support frame is configured to
prevent the container from collapsing and to give the container an
overall height that is significantly greater than the combined
thickness of the materials that form the container, even when the
product volume is unfilled. Any of the embodiments of flexible
containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be
self-supporting.
[0130] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "single use" refers to a closed container which, after being
opened by an end user, is not configured to be reclosed. Any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be
configured to be single use.
As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term
"single dose" refers to a product volume that is sized to contain a
particular amount of product that is about equal to one unit of
typical consumption, application, or use by an end user. Any of the
embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be
configured to have one or more single dose product volumes. A
container with only one product volume, which is a single dose
product volume, is referred to herein as a "single dose
container."
[0131] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
terms "stand up," "stands up," "standing up", "stand upright",
"stands upright", and "standing upright" refer to a particular
orientation of a self-supporting flexible container, when the
container is resting on a horizontal support surface. This standing
upright orientation can be determined from the structural features
of the container and/or indicia on the container. In a first
determining test, if the flexible container has a clearly defined
base structure that is configured to be used on the bottom of the
container, then the container is determined to be standing upright
when this base structure is resting on the horizontal support
surface. If the first test cannot determine the standing upright
orientation, then, in a second determining test, the container is
determined to be standing upright when the container is oriented to
rest on the horizontal support surface such that the indicia on the
flexible container are best positioned in an upright orientation.
If the second test cannot determine the standing upright
orientation, then, in a third determining test, the container is
determined to be standing upright when the container is oriented to
rest on the horizontal support surface such that the container has
the largest overall height. If the third test cannot determine the
standing upright orientation, then, in a fourth determining test,
the container is determined to be standing upright when the
container is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface
such that the container has the largest height area ratio. If the
fourth test cannot determine the standing upright orientation,
then, any orientation used in the fourth determining test can be
considered to be a standing upright orientation.
[0132] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "stand up container" refers to a self-supporting container,
wherein, when the container (with all of its product volume(s)
filled 100% with water) is standing up, the container has a height
area ratio from 0.4 to 1.5 cm.sup.-1. Any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be
stand up containers.
[0133] 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.
[0134] As used herein, a "flexible squeeze panel" is a
nonstructural panel that is under tension generated and maintained
across the nonstructural panel by a structural support volume when
expanded.
[0135] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "structural support frame" refers to a rigid structure formed
of one or more structural support members, joined together, around
one or more sizable empty spaces and/or one or more nonstructural
panels, and generally used as a major support for the product
volume(s) in the flexible container and in making the container
self-supporting and/or standing upright. In each of the embodiments
disclosed herein, when a flexible container includes a structural
support frame and one or more product volumes, the structural
support frame is considered to be supporting the product volumes of
the container, unless otherwise indicated.
[0136] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "structural support member" refers to a rigid, physical
structure, which includes one or more expanded structural support
volumes, and which is configured to be used in a structural support
frame, to carry one or more loads (from the flexible container)
across a span. A structure that does not include at least one
expanded structural support volume, is not considered to be a
structural support member, as used herein.
[0137] 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.
[0138] A structural support member can be configured in various
forms. A structural support member can include one, two, three,
four, five, six or more structural support volumes, arranged in
various ways. For example, a structural support member can be
formed by a single structural support volume. As another example, a
structural support member can be formed by a plurality of
structural support volumes, disposed end to end, in series,
wherein, in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
some or all of the structural support volumes can be partly or
fully in contact with each other, partly or fully directly
connected to each other, and/or partly or fully joined to each
other. As a further example, a structural support member can be
formed by a plurality of support volumes disposed side by side, in
parallel, wherein, in various embodiments, part, parts, or about
all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or
all of some or all of the structural support volumes can be partly
or fully in contact with each other, partly or fully directly
connected to each other, and/or partly or fully joined to each
other.
[0139] 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. In other
embodiments, the nonstructural panel may comprise a relatively flat
and/or curved surface, and/or have display indicia and/or
decorative elements, and/or have structural elements. For example,
the structural elements can include one or more of expanded volumes
including structural support volumes, textural features, and
ergonomic elements.
[0140] Structural support members can have various shapes and
sizes. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a structural support
member can be straight, curved, angled, segmented, or other shapes,
or combinations of any of these shapes. Part, parts, or about all,
or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all
of a structural support member can have any suitable
cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, square, triangular,
star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, or other shapes,
or combinations of any of these shapes. A structural support member
can have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex, or concave,
along part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a length. A structural
support member can have any suitable cross-sectional area, any
suitable overall width, and any suitable overall length. A
structural support member can be substantially uniform along part,
parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or
nearly all, or all of its length, or can vary, in any way described
herein, along part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of its length. For
example, a cross-sectional area of a structural support member can
increase or decrease along part, parts, or all of its length. Part,
parts, or all of any of the embodiments of structural support
members of the present disclosure, can be configured according to
any embodiment disclosed herein, including any workable combination
of structures, features, materials, and/or connections from any
number of any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0141] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "structural support volume" refers to a fillable space made
from one or more flexible materials, wherein the space is
configured to be at least partially filled with one or more
expansion materials, which create tension in the one or more
flexible materials, and form an expanded structural support volume.
One or more expanded structural support volumes can be configured
to be included in a structural support member. A structural support
volume is distinct from structures configured in other ways, such
as: structures without a fillable space (e.g. an open space),
structures made from inflexible (e.g. solid) materials, structures
with spaces that are not configured to be filled with an expansion
material (e.g. an unattached area between adjacent layers in a
multi-layer panel), and structures with flexible materials that are
not configured to be expanded by an expansion material (e.g. a
space in a structure that is configured to be a non-structural
panel). Throughout the present disclosure the terms "structural
support volume" and "expandable chamber" are used interchangeably
and are intended to have the same meaning.
[0142] 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.
[0143] 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%).
[0144] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "temporarily reusable" refers to a container which, after
dispensing a product to an end user, is configured to be refilled
with an additional amount of a product, up to ten times, before the
container experiences a failure that renders it unsuitable for
receiving, containing, or dispensing the product. As used herein,
the term temporarily reusable can be further limited by modifying
the number of times that the container can be refilled before the
container experiences such a failure. For any of the embodiments of
flexible containers, disclosed herein, a reference to temporarily
reusable can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to
temporarily reusable by refilling up to eight times before failure,
by refilling up to six times before failure, by refilling up to
four times before failure, or by refilling up to two times before
failure, or any integer value for refills between one and ten times
before failure. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers,
disclosed herein, can be configured to be temporarily reusable, for
the number of refills disclosed herein.
[0145] As used herein, the term "thickness" refers to a measurement
that is parallel to a third centerline of a container, when the
container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as
described herein. A thickness may also be referred to as a
"depth."
[0146] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "top" refers to the portion of the container that is located
in the uppermost 20% of the overall height of the container, that
is, from 80-100% of the overall height of the container. As used
herein, the term top can be further limited by modifying the term
top with a particular percentage value, which is less than 20%. For
any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, a
reference to the top of the container can, in various alternate
embodiments, refer to the top 15% (i.e. from 85-100% of the overall
height), the top 10% (i.e. from 90-100% of the overall height), or
the top 5% (i.e. from 95-100% of the overall height), or any
integer value for percentage between 0% and 20%.
[0147] As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the
term "unexpanded" refers to the state of one or more materials that
are configured to be formed into a structural support volume,
before the structural support volume is made rigid by an expansion
material.
[0148] As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a
flexible container, the term "unfilled" refers to the state of the
product volume when it does not contain a fluent product. 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.
[0149] Flexible containers, as described herein, may be used across
a variety of industries for a variety of products. For example,
flexible containers, as described herein, may be used across the
consumer products industry, including the following products: soft
surface cleaners, hard surface cleaners, glass cleaners, ceramic
tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, wood cleaners, multi-surface
cleaners, surface disinfectants, dishwashing compositions, laundry
detergents, fabric conditioners, fabric dyes, surface protectants,
surface disinfectants, cosmetics, facial powders, body powders,
hair treatment products (e.g. mousse, hair spray, styling gels),
shampoo, hair conditioner (leave-in or rinse-out), cream rinse,
hair dye, hair coloring product, hair shine product, hair serum,
hair anti-frizz product, hair split-end repair products, permanent
waving solution, antidandruff formulation, bath gels, shower gels,
body washes, facial cleaners, skin care products (e.g. sunscreen,
sun block lotions, lip balm, skin conditioner, cold creams,
moisturizers), body sprays, soaps, body scrubs, exfoliants,
astringent, scrubbing lotions, depilatories, antiperspirant
compositions, deodorants, shaving products, pre-shaving products,
after shaving products, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. As further
examples, flexible containers, as described herein, may be used
across other industries, including foods, beverages,
pharmaceuticals, commercial products, industrial products, medical,
etc.
[0150] 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.
[0151] 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.
[0152] 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.
[0153] 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.
[0154] 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.
[0155] 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.
[0156] 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. 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.
[0157] 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.
[0158] 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.
[0159] 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.
[0160] 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.
[0161] 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.
[0162] 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.
[0163] 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.
[0164] 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.
[0165] 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.
[0166] 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.
[0167] 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.
[0168] 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.
[0169] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0170] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0171] FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up flexible
container 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0172] FIGS. 2A-8D illustrate embodiments of stand up flexible
containers having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of
FIGS. 2A-8D can be configured according to any of the embodiments
disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1D. Any of
the elements (e.g. structural support frames, structural support
members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS.
2A-8D, can be configured according to any of the embodiments
disclosed herein. While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D
illustrates a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments,
each container can include multiple dispensers, according to any
embodiment described herein. FIGS. 2A-8D illustrate exemplary
additional/alternate locations for dispenser with phantom line
outlines. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or
substantially all, or nearly all, or all of each of the panels in
the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D is suitable to display any kind of
indicia. Each of the side panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D
is configured to be a nonstructural panel, overlaying product
volume(s) disposed within the flexible container, however, in
various embodiments, one or more of any kind of decorative or
structural element (such as a rib, protruding from an outer
surface) can be joined to part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
any of these side panels. For clarity, not all structural details
of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 2A-8D, however any
of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D can be configured to include any
structure or feature for flexible containers, disclosed herein. For
example, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D can be configured to
include any kind of base structure disclosed herein.
[0173] 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.
[0174] 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.
[0175] 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.
[0176] 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.
[0177] 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.
[0178] 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.
[0179] 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.
[0180] 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).
[0181] 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.
[0182] 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.
[0183] 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.
[0184] 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.
[0185] 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.
[0186] 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.
[0187] 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.
[0188] 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.
[0189] 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.
[0190] 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.
[0191] FIGS. 10A-11B illustrate embodiments of self-supporting
flexible containers (that are not stand up containers) having
various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B can
be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein,
including the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9B. Any of the elements (e.g.
structural support frames, structural support members, panels,
dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B, can be
configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B illustrates a
container with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each
container can include multiple dispensers, according to any
embodiment described herein. Part, parts, or about all, or
approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of
each of the panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B is suitable
to display any kind of indicia. Each of the top and bottom panels
in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B is configured to be a
nonstructural panel, overlaying product volume(s) disposed within
the flexible container, however, in various embodiments, one or
more of any kind of decorative or structural element (such as a
rib, protruding from an outer surface) can be joined to part,
parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or
nearly all, or all of any of these panels. For clarity, not all
structural details of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS.
10A-11B, however any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B can be
configured to include any structure or feature for flexible
containers, disclosed herein.
[0192] 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.
[0193] 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.
[0194] 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.
[0195] 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.
[0196] In all of the foregoing embodiments, and any other
embodiments constructed in accordance with the disclosure, it will
be appreciated that the panels, e.g., 180-1, 180-2 of FIGS. 1A-1D,
280-1-280-4 of FIGS. 2A-2D, 380-1-380-4 of FIGS. 3A-3D, 480-1,
480-3 of FIGS. 4A-4D, 580-1, 580-4 of FIGS. 5A-5D, 680-1, 680-5 of
FIGS. 6A-6D, 780-1, 780-3 of FIGS. 7A-7D, 880-1, 880-4 of FIGS.
8A-8D, 980-t and a bottom panel (not shown) of FIGS. 9A-9B, 1080-t
and a bottom panel (not shown) of FIGS. 10A-10B, and 1180-t, and a
bottom panel (not shown) of FIGS. 11A-11B, can comprise
nonstructural (or flexible squeeze) panels that are opposed to one
another in the sense that there is at least some fluent product
between any two of the panels in each embodiment so that fluent
product can be dispensed when any two or more of the panels are
squeezed toward one another. In any embodiment, squeeze panels may
be arranged to be squeezed toward each other to dispense a fluent
product from the container. The squeeze panels may be co-facially
arranged, or arranged at any other orientation. The squeeze panels
may be arranged such that they are squeezed toward the center of
the container to dispense a fluent product.
[0197] Also, in all of the foregoing embodiments, and any other
embodiments constructed in accordance with the disclosure, it will
be appreciated that the structural support frames, e.g., 140 in
FIGS. 1A-1D, 240 of FIGS. 2A-2D, 340 of FIGS. 3A-3D, 440 of FIGS.
4A-4D, 540 of FIGS. 5A-5D, 640 of FIGS. 6A-6D, 740 of FIGS. 7A-7D,
840 of FIGS. 8A-8D, 940 of FIGS. 9A-9B, 1040 of FIGS. 10A-10B, and
1140 of FIGS. 11A-11B, can comprise one or more structural support
members which take the form of expanded structural support
volumes.
[0198] In all of the foregoing embodiments, and any other
embodiments constructed in accordance with the disclosure, the
nonstructural (or flexible) squeeze panels identified above in
connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-3D,
4A-4D, 5A-5D, 6A-6D, 7A-7D, 8A-8D, 9A-9D, 10A-10D, and 11A-11D have
opposed sides and an expanded structural support volume which makes
up the structural support frames 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740,
840, 940, 1040, and 1140, associated with each of the opposed
sides. The structural support volume or volumes can have at least
some curvature and be disposed in generally concave spaced relation
to one another (e.g., see structural support volumes 146-1, 146-2
in FIG. 1A), they can be generally straight and be disposed
generally at an angle to one another (e.g., see structural support
volumes 246-1, 246-2, 246-3, 246-4 of FIG. 2A), or they can be
generally straight and be disposed in generally parallel relation
to one another (e.g., see structural support volumes 446-1, 446-2,
446-3 in FIG. 4C), or they can have various other shapes and/or
relationships to one another.
[0199] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1D, a flexible container in
accordance with the disclosure can be formed of various different
flexible materials and/or laminates having the requisite
characteristics to be capable of containing and dispensing a fluent
product while being disposable after the fluent product has been
fully dispensed. In a broad sense, a flexible container in
accordance with the disclosure, such as the flexible container 100
in FIGS. 1A-1D, will have a product volume, such as 150, at least
partially defined by a panel, such as 180-1, which may be
configured to be a nonstructural panel. To provide support for a
defined shape, a flexible container in accordance with the
disclosure, such as the flexible container 100 in FIGS. 1A-1D,
includes a structural support volume, such as structural support
members 146-1, 146-2, arranged to generate and maintain tension in
the nonstructural panel, such as 180-1, when the structural support
volume is expanded.
[0200] Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the flexible container in
accordance with the disclosure also includes a dispenser, such as
160, for dispensing a fluent product from the product volume, such
as 150, through, e.g., a flow channel, such as 159, to the
environment outside the flexible container. One of the unique
aspects of the disclosure is that the flexible container, such as
100 in FIGS. 1A-1D, has a nonstructural panel, such as 180-1, that
is maintained under tension akin to a drum head as a result of the
effect of the structural support volume, i.e., structural support
members 146-1, 146-2. The manner in which tension is generated and
maintained by the structural support volume, i.e., structural
support members 146-1, 146-2, is explained below but, as a result
of the tension, the nonstructural panel, such as 180-1, becomes a
flexible squeeze panel that resists deformation, facilitates
dispensing fluent product through the dispenser 160, and springs
back after it is squeezed.
[0201] In order to understand this phenomenon, FIGS. 15A-15D
illustrate a nonstructural panel 1580 disposed between structural
support volumes 1546-1 and 1546-2 that are suitably maintained a
relatively fixed distance apart. FIG. 15A illustrates the
nonstructural panel 1580 before expansion of the structural support
volumes 1546-1 and 1546-2, FIG. 15B illustrates the nonstructural
panel 1580 after expansion of the structural support volumes 1546-1
and 1546-2, FIG. 15C illustrates the nonstructural panel 1580 after
expansion of the structural support volumes 1546-1 and 1546-2 while
applying a squeeze force, and FIG. 15D is a top plan view
illustrating the nonstructural panel 1580 disposed between the
structural support volumes 1546-1 and 1546-2 while applying a
squeeze force, and these views illustrate various different
parameters utilized in equations leading to a determination of
total squeeze force. The concept of total squeeze force in
connection with flexible containers incorporates three separate
force components that make up the total squeeze force for an
arrangement such as the one which is illustrated in FIGS.
15A-15C.
[0202] The total squeeze force is nondimensionalized to be
expressed as a dimensionless squeeze force as:
F*=F.sub.total/EWt
where the total squeeze force (F.sub.total) is determined by the
following equation:
F.sub.total=[2WEtsin.theta..sigma.*]+[WEttan.theta.(1-cos
.theta.)]+[(2EWt.sup.3tan .theta.)/(L.sup.2)]
{Force Component 1}{Force Component 2}{Force Component 3}
where: Force Component 1=squeeze force due to initial tension in
the nonstructural panel Force Component 2=squeeze force due to
elongation of the nonstructural panel Force Component 3=squeeze
force due to pure bending of the nonstructural panel and where:
W=width of the nonstructural panel E=elastic modulus of the
nonstructural panel material t=thickness of the nonstructural panel
material .theta.=angle of deflection of the nonstructural panel
.sigma.*=dimensionless tensile stress in the nonstructural panel
(.sigma.*=.sigma./E) L=separation distance of the structural
support volumes d=the width of the structural support volume in an
unexpanded state .alpha.=structure index (.alpha.=d/L) and where:
.sigma.* is determined by the formula:
.sigma.*=2.alpha.(1-.GAMMA.) and where:
.GAMMA. is a function of .psi. determined by the formula:
.GAMMA. = 6 + 5 .pi..PSI. + 6 .pi..PSI. 2 + 6 .PSI. + 16 + 12
.pi..PSI. 2 + 32 .PSI. - 5 .pi. 2 .PSI. 2 + 12 .PSI. 2 .pi. ( 10
.PSI. + 5 + 5 .PSI. 2 ) ##EQU00001##
and where: .psi. is the dimensionless stiffness index determined by
the formula:
.psi. = Et PL ##EQU00002##
and where: P=pressure within structural support volume when
expanded For squeeze panels in some embodiments, the second and
third terms of the squeeze force equation (elongation and bending,
respectively) can be neglected as they are very small in comparison
with the first term (initial tension component).
[0203] By utilizing the foregoing equations, the nonstructural
panel of the flexible container in accordance with the disclosure
comprises a flexible squeeze panel having a dimensionless squeeze
force F* in the range of about 5E-9 to about 30 at least at some
point or for some portion of the panel. Preferably, the flexible
squeeze panel has a dimensionless squeeze force F* in the range of
about 2E-7 to about 3 and, more preferably, in the range of about
1E-5 to about 1 at least at some point or for some portion of the
panel.
[0204] Based upon the foregoing equations, the flexible squeeze
panel of the flexible container has a dimensionless squeeze force
to mass ratio (F*.sub.lm where m=mass of the flexible squeeze
panel) in the range of about 1E-10 to about 30 g.sup.-1 at least at
some point or for some portion of the panel. Preferably, the
flexible squeeze panel has a dimensionless squeeze force to mass
ratio (F*.sub.l/m) in the range of about 1E-7 to about 1 g.sup.-1
and, more preferably, in the range of about 1E-5 to about 0.1
g.sup.-1 at least at some point or for some portion of the
panel.
[0205] The flexible squeeze panel of the flexible container has a
dimensionless squeeze force to thickness ratio (F*.sub.lt where
t=thickness of the flexible squeeze panel) in the range of about
1E-11 to about 6 (.mu.m.sup.-1) at least at some point or for some
portion of the panel. Preferably, the flexible squeeze panel has a
dimensionless squeeze force to thickness ratio (F*.sub.lt) in the
range of about 2E-8 to about 0.2 (.mu.m.sup.-1) and, more
preferably, in the range of about 1E-6 to about 0.01 (.mu.m.sup.-1)
at least at some point or for some portion of the panel.
[0206] In accordance with the disclosure, at least the flexible
squeeze panel of the flexible container has a thickness (t) in the
range of about 10 to about 500 micrometers (.mu.m) and, preferably,
a thickness in the range of about 20 to about 400 micrometers
(.mu.m). Preferably, at least the flexible squeeze panel of the
flexible container has a thickness (t) in the range of about 30 to
about 300 micrometers (.mu.m) and, more preferably, at least the
flexible squeeze panel has a thickness in the range of about 40 to
about 200 micrometers (.mu.m). Still more preferably, and in
accordance with the disclosure, at least the flexible squeeze panel
of the flexible container has a thickness (t) in the range of about
50 to about 200 micrometers (.mu.m).
[0207] From the equation for total squeeze force for a
nonstructural panel of a flexible container and, specifically, for
a flexible squeeze panel, i.e., from F.sub.total=[2WEtsin
.theta..sigma.*]+[WEttan .theta.(1-cos .theta.)]+[2EWt.sup.3tan
.theta./L.sup.2], it is possible to understand the significantly
reduced amount of material that can be used to generate the same
effective structure as would be found in a rigid container. For a
flexible container as disclosed herein, having a flexible squeeze
panel, in some embodiments, the squeeze force from the initial
tension portion of the equation can be the majority of the overall
squeeze force and, in other embodiments, it can be significantly
more than the majority to about all of the total squeeze force.
[0208] In another respect, and based upon the foregoing equations,
the flexible squeeze panel has a dimensionless tension (.sigma.*)
in the range of about 1E-6 to about 20, preferably, in the range of
about 4E-5 to about 10 and, more preferably, in the range of about
2E-3 to about 0.9 at least at some point or for some portion of the
panel.
[0209] In yet another respect, and based upon the foregoing
equations, the flexible squeeze panel of the flexible container has
a dimensionless stiffness index (.psi.) in the range of about 2E-5
to about 1.5E3, preferably, in the range of about 3E-4 to about 100
and, more preferably, in the range of about 0.01 to about 20 at
least at some point or for some portion of the panel.
[0210] In yet another respect, the flexible squeeze panel has a
dimensionless structure index (.alpha.) in the range of about 0.001
to about 20, preferably, in the range of about 0.01 to about 10
and, more preferably, in the range of about 0.04 to about 1 at
least at some point or for some portion of the panel.
[0211] In order to further understand the principle behind the use
of one or more structural support volumes to generate and maintain
tension in a nonstructural panel to create a tensioned flexible
squeeze panel, FIGS. 16A-16F illustrate various arrangements and
conditions for a tensioned flexible squeeze panel 1680-1 having one
or more structural support volumes 1646-1, 1646-2, 1646-3,
1646-4.
[0212] Referring to FIG. 16A, the nonstructural panel 1680-1 has
opposed fixed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 and the structural support
volume 1646-1 is disposed at a point intermediate the fixed sides
1682-1, 1682-2 of the nonstructural panel 1680-1. When the
structural support volume 1646-1 is expanded, e.g., by inflation,
tension is generated and maintained in the nonstructural panel
1680-1 as represented by the arrows 1699-1 and 1699-2 on either
side of the structural support volume 1646-1.
[0213] Referring next to FIG. 16B, the nonstructural panel 1680-1
has opposed fixed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 and the structural support
volume 1646-1 is associated with one of the fixed sides, i.e.,
fixed side 1682-1, of the nonstructural panel 1680-1. When the
structural support volume 1646-1 is expanded, tension is generated
and maintained in the nonstructural panel 1680-1 as represented by
the arrow 1699-1 on the panel side of the structural support volume
1646-1.
[0214] Referring to FIG. 16C, the nonstructural panel 1680-1 has
opposed fixed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 and one of the structural
support volumes 1646-1, 1646-2 is associated with each of the fixed
sides 1682-1, 1682-1 of the nonstructural panel 1680-1. When the
structural support volumes 1646-1, 1646-2 are expanded, tension is
generated and maintained in the nonstructural panel 1680-1 as
represented by the arrow 1699-1 between the structural support
volumes 1646-1, 1646-2. The two structural support volumes are at a
separation distance of L from each other as indicated.
[0215] Referring next to FIG. 16D, the nonstructural panel 1680-1
includes a perimeter which, as illustrated, has opposed fixed sides
1682-1, 1682-2 and the structural support volume 1646-1 surrounds
at least about 50% of the nonstructural panel 1680-1 in association
with, or proximity to, the perimeter of the nonstructural
panel.
[0216] More specifically, and still referring to FIG. 16D, the
nonstructural panel 1680-1 includes first and second pairs of
opposed sides and, in particular, opposed fixed sides 1682-1,
1682-2 as well as opposed sides 1682-3, 1682-4 extending between
opposed fixed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 and, in the illustrated
embodiment, the structural support volume 1646-1 surrounds the
nonstructural panel 1680-1 in association with, or proximity to,
the first pair of opposed fixed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 and at least
one of the second pair of opposed sides 1682-3.
[0217] When the structural support volume 1646-1 is expanded,
tension is generated and maintained in the nonstructural panel
1680-1 as represented by the arrow 1699-1 between the structural
support volume portions 1646-1a, 1641-1b.
[0218] Referring to FIG. 16E, the nonstructural panel 1680-1
includes first and second pairs of opposed sides and, in
particular, opposed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 as well as opposed sides
1682-3, 1682-4 extending between opposed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 and,
in the illustrated embodiment, the structural support volumes
1646-1, 1646-2, 1646-3, 1646-4 surround the nonstructural panel
1680-1 in association with, or proximity to, the first and second
pairs of opposed sides 1682-1, 1682-2, 1682-3, 1682-4,
respectively. In this embodiment, the structural support volumes
1646-1, 1646-2, 1646-3, 1646-4 comprise a first pair of opposed
structural support volumes (1646-1, 1646-2) in proximity to the
first pair of opposed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 to impart tension to the
nonstructural panel 1680-1 and a second pair of opposed structural
support volumes (1646-3, 1646-4) in proximity to the second pair of
opposed sides 1682-3, 1682-4 to maintain the first pair of opposed
structural support volumes (1646-1, 1646-2) a distance apart. When
the structural support volumes 1646-1, 1646-2, 1646-3, 1646-4 are
expanded, the structural support volumes (1646-3, 1646-4) maintain
the opposed structural support volumes (1646-1, 1646-2) in spaced
apart relation at a distance from one another, and the structural
support volumes (1646-1, 1646-2) cause tension to be generated and
maintained in the nonstructural panel 1680-1 as represented by the
arrow 1699-1 between the structural support volumes 1646-1, 1646-2.
There is also a tension generated in the perpendicular direction,
but because the spacing between opposed structural support volumes
is greater, the tension level is less, in accordance with the
equations above.
[0219] Referring to FIG. 16F, the nonstructural panel 1680-1
includes first and second pairs of opposed sides and, in
particular, opposed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 as well as opposed sides
1682-3, 1682-4 extending between opposed sides 1682-1, 1682-2 and,
in the illustrated embodiment, the structural support volume 1646-1
surrounds the nonstructural panel 1680-1 in association with, or
proximity to, the first and second pairs of opposed sides 1682-1,
1682-2, 1682-3, 1682-4. In this embodiment, the structural support
volume 1646-1 comprises a single continuous structural support
volume substantially entirely surrounding the nonstructural panel
1680-1 to impart tension through both of the first and second pairs
of opposed sides 1682-1, 1682-2, 1682-3, 1682-4. When the
structural support volume 1646-1 is expanded e.g., by inflation, it
maintains the structural support volume portions generally
designated 1646-1a, 1646-1b and 1646-1c, 1646-1d in spaced apart
relation at a distance from one another thereby causing tension to
be generated and maintained in the nonstructural panel 1680-1 as
represented by the arrows 1699-1, 1699-2.
[0220] In a practical embodiment of a disposable flexible container
in accordance with the disclosure, FIG. 1A illustrates a flexible
container 100 having a nonstructural (or flexible squeeze) panel
180-1 which at least partially defines the product volume 150. The
nonstructural panel 180-1 of the flexible container 100 will be
seen to have at least one pair of opposed sides 182-1, 182-2. The
flexible container 100 also has a structural support volume 146-1
and 146-2 associated with, or in proximity to, each of the opposed
sides 182-1, 182-2 of the nonstructural panel 180-1 in spaced apart
relation at a distance from one another.
[0221] The nonstructural panel 180-1 will be understood to include
a perimeter defined in FIG. 1A by the inner boundaries of
structural support volumes or members 144-1, 146-1, 146-2, 148-1,
and one or more of the structural support volumes or members
surround at least 50% of the nonstructural panel 180-1, e.g.,
structural support members 146-1, 146-2, in association with, or in
proximity to, the perimeter of the nonstructural panel. In other
embodiments contemplated in accordance with the disclosure, the
structural support volume(s) surround at least about 60%, 70%, 80%,
90%, or all of the nonstructural panel 180-1 as specifically shown
in FIG. 1A, in association with, or in proximity to, the perimeter
of the nonstructural (or squeeze) panel.
[0222] Still referring to FIG. 1A, the nonstructural panel 180-1
preferably has first and second pairs of opposed sides 182-1, 182-2
and 184-1, 184-2, respectively, and one or more structural support
volumes, such as structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 148-1
surround the nonstructural panel in association with, or in
proximity to, the first pair of opposed sides 182-1, 182-2 and at
least one, e.g., side 184-1, of the second pair of opposed sides
184-1, 184-2.
[0223] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more structural
support volumes, such as 144-1, 146-1, 146-2, 148-1, substantially
entirely surround the nonstructural panel 180-1 in association
with, or in proximity to, the first and second pairs of opposed
sides 182-1, 182-2, 184-1, 184-2 to impart tension to the
nonstructural panel at least between one of the first and second
pairs of opposed sides, e.g., sides 182-1, 182-2. In this
embodiment, the structural support volumes may comprise a first
pair of opposed structural support volumes (146-1, 146-2) in
association with, or in proximity to, the first pair of opposed
sides 182-1, 182-2 of the nonstructural panel 180-1 to impart
tension to the nonstructural panel and a second pair of opposed
structural support volumes (144-1, 148-1) in association with, or
in proximity to the second pair of opposed sides 184-1, 184-2 to
maintain the first pair of structural support volumes (146-1,
146-2) in spaced relation a distance apart from one another.
[0224] In yet another embodiment, the structural support volume
(represented in FIG. 1A as structural support volumes 144-1, 146-1,
146-2, 148-1) may comprise a single continuous structural support
volume substantially entirely surrounding the nonstructural panel
in proximity to the first and second pairs of opposed sides 182-1,
182-2, 184-1, 184-2 to impart tension through both of the first and
second pairs of opposed sides of the nonstructural (or flexible
squeeze) panel 180-1.
[0225] In a further respect, and referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
disposable flexible container 100 in accordance with the disclosure
includes at least two flexible panels 180-1 and 180-2 wherein at
least one, and preferably both, of the flexible panels 180-1, 180-2
are nonstructural panels which are opposed to one another for
dispensing fluent product when they are squeeze toward one another.
It will be noted that either or both of the nonstructural panels
has opposed sides (such as the sides 182-1, 182-2 in the case of
the panel 180-1), and a structural support volume, such as
structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, 146-4, is
associated with each of the opposed sides (such as the sides 182-1,
182-2 of the panel 180-1) in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1A-1D.
[0226] 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.
[0227] Embodiments of the present disclosure can use any and all
embodiments of materials, structures, and/or features for flexible
containers, as well as any and all methods of making and/or using
such flexible containers, as disclosed in the following US
provisional patent applications: (1) application 61/643,813 filed
May 7, 2012, entitled "Film Based Containers" (applicant's case
12464P); (2) application 61/643,823 filed May 7, 2012, entitled
"Film Based Containers" (applicant's case 12465P); (3) application
61/676,042 filed Jul. 26, 2012, entitled "Film Based Container
Having a Decoration Panel" (applicant's case 12559P); (4)
application 61/727,961 filed Nov. 19, 2012, entitled "Containers
Made from Flexible Material" (applicant's case 12559P2); (5)
application 61/680,045 filed Aug. 6, 2012, entitled "Methods of
Making Film Based Containers" (applicant's case 12579P); and (6)
application 61/780,039 filed Mar. 13, 2013, entitled "Flexible
Containers with Multiple Product Volumes" (applicant's case
12785P); and each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0228] 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.
[0229] 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".
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or
related patent or application, 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.
[0230] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *