U.S. patent application number 15/198744 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-04 for flexible container with comfort grip.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dow Global Technologies LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey E. Bonekamp, Michelle L. Boven, Lamy J. Chopin, III, Peter J. Schulz.
Application Number | 20180002090 15/198744 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60805039 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180002090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulz; Peter J. ; et
al. |
January 4, 2018 |
Flexible Container with Comfort Grip
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an
embodiment, the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear
panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side
panel, the gusseted side panels adjoining the front panel and the
rear panel along (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber; and (ii)
handle seals to form a handle, the handle located at an end of the
chamber and including a pocket formed from the handle seals. The
pocket contains a grip member.
Inventors: |
Schulz; Peter J.; (Midland,
MI) ; Chopin, III; Lamy J.; (Missouri City, TX)
; Boven; Michelle L.; (Katy, TX) ; Bonekamp;
Jeffrey E.; (Midland, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dow Global Technologies LLC |
Midland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60805039 |
Appl. No.: |
15/198744 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 31/10 20130101;
B65D 75/566 20130101; B65D 2231/001 20130101; B65D 33/06 20130101;
B65D 75/5883 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/56 20060101
B65D075/56; B65D 75/58 20060101 B65D075/58; B65D 30/20 20060101
B65D030/20 |
Claims
1. A flexible container comprising: a front panel, a rear panel, a
first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel, the
gusseted side panels adjoining the front panel and the rear panel
along (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber; and (ii) handle seals
to form a handle having a U-shape, the handle located at an end of
the chamber and comprising (a) two spaced apart legs extending from
a horizontal upper handle portion; (b) a flap portion extending
below the upper handle portion, the flap portion having four sides,
one side of the flap portion attached to the upper handle portion
and three sides of the flap portion unattached from the handle; (c)
four handle seals extending along respective four sides of the flap
portion, the four handle seals forming a closed pocket in the flap
portion; and (d) the pocket comprising a grip member.
2. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the chamber has a top
end and a bottom end, and the handle is located at the top end of
the chamber.
3. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the chamber has a top
end and a bottom end, and the handle is located at the bottom end
of the chamber.
4. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the chamber has a top
end and a bottom end, and the flexible container comprises a top
handle located at the top end of the chamber and a bottom handle
located at the bottom end of the chamber.
5. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the handle seals form
a hermetic seal around the pocket comprising the grip member.
6. (canceled)
7. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the pocket is a short
pocket.
8. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the handle further
comprises a long pocket.
9. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the handle further
comprises a U-shaped pocket.
10. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the handle further
comprises a side pocket.
11. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises
a long pocket and a short pocket, each pocket comprising a grip
member.
12. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises
a plurality of pockets.
13. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the grip member is a
pre-formed tube.
14. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the grip member is a
foam.
15. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the grip member is a
gel.
16. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the grip member is a
gas.
17. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein a handle seal
extends along each leg, each leg handle seal comprising four plys
of multilayer film including the front panel, the rear panel, the
first gusseted side panel, and the second gusseted side panel
sealed together.
18. The flexible container of claim 17, wherein a handle seal
extends along the horizontal upper handle portion and comprises
four plys of multilayer film including the front panel, the rear
panel, the first gusseted side panel, and the second gusseted side
panel sealed together.
19. The flexible contains of claim 18, wherein the edges of the
front panel, the rear panel, the first gusseted side panel, and the
second gusseted side panel are sealed to the adjacent panel to form
peripheral seals and four peripheral tapered seals; and the four
peripheral tapered seals converge in a bottom seal area comprising
an overseal.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a flexible container
having a handle with a comfort grip.
[0002] Flexible packaging is known to offer significant value and
sustainability benefits to product manufacturers, retailers and
consumers as compared to solid, molded plastic packaging
containers. Flexible packaging provides many consumer conveniences
and benefits, including extended shelf life, easy storage,
microwavability and refillability. Flexible packaging has proven to
require less energy for creation and creates fewer emissions during
disposal.
[0003] Flexible packaging includes flexible containers with a
handle at the top and/or bottom of the container. The handle is
formed from the flexible films, providing a handle that is itself
flexible. Flexible handles are known to be uncomfortable for a user
to grip, particularly when the container is heavy. Flexible handles
also deform against the weight of the contents of the flexible
container, which makes pouring the contents out of the container
difficult.
[0004] A need exists for a flexible container with a handle that
provides a comfort grip for a user. A need further exists for a
flexible container with a handle having a grip member that is
integral to the container.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an
embodiment, the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear
panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side
panel, the gusseted side panels adjoining the front panel and the
rear panel along (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber; and (ii)
handle seals to form a handle, the handle located at an end of the
chamber and including a pocket formed from the handle seals. The
pocket contains a grip member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a flexible container in
a collapsed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a flexible container in
a collapsed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flexible container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the flexible container of FIG.
2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the flexible container of
FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a panel sandwich in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of Area 6 of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of Area 7 of FIG.
2.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG.
7.
[0015] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a handle in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 9A is a sectional view taken along the line 9A-9A of
FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 9B is a sectional view taken along the line 9A-9A of
FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9C is a sectional view taken along the line 9A-9A of
FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flexible container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flexible container in an
inverted position for transferring the contents in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a flexible container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DEFINITIONS
[0022] The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values
from, and including, the lower value and the upper value. For
ranges containing explicit values (e.g., 1, or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6,
or 7) any subrange between any two explicit values is included
(e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).
[0023] Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or
customary in the art, all parts and percents are based on weight,
and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this
disclosure.
[0024] The term "composition," as used herein, refers to a mixture
of materials which comprise the composition, as well as reaction
products and decomposition products formed from the materials of
the composition.
[0025] The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their
derivatives, are not intended to exclude the presence of any
additional component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is
specifically disclosed. In order to avoid any doubt, all
compositions claimed through use of the term "comprising" may
include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound, whether
polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary. In contrast,
the term, "consisting essentially of" excludes from the scope of
any succeeding recitation any other component, step or procedure,
excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term
"consisting of" excludes any component, step or procedure not
specifically delineated or listed.
[0026] A "polymer" is a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers,
whether of the same or a different type, that in polymerized form
provide the multiple and/or repeating "units" or "mer units" that
make up a polymer. The generic term polymer thus embraces the term
homopolymer, usually employed to refer to polymers prepared from
only one type of monomer, and the term copolymer, usually employed
to refer to polymers prepared from at least two types of monomers.
It also embraces all forms of copolymer, e.g., random, block, etc.
The terms "ethylene/.alpha.-olefin polymer" and
"propylene/.alpha.-olefin polymer" are indicative of copolymer as
described above prepared from polymerizing ethylene or propylene
respectively and one or more additional, polymerizable
.alpha.-olefin monomer. It is noted that although a polymer is
often referred to as being "made of" one or more specified
monomers, "based on" a specified monomer or monomer type,
"containing" a specified monomer content, or the like, in this
context the term "monomer" is understood to be referring to the
polymerized remnant of the specified monomer and not to the
unpolymerized species. In general, polymers herein are referred to
has being based on "units" that are the polymerized form of a
corresponding monomer.
[0027] An "olefin-based polymer" is a polymer that contains more
than 50 mole percent polymerized olefin monomer (based on total
amount of polymerizable monomers), and optionally, may contain at
least one comonomer. Non-limiting examples of olefin-based polymer
include ethylene-based polymer and propylene-based polymer.
[0028] A "propylene-based polymer" is a polymer that contains more
than 50 weight percent polymerized propylene monomer (based on the
total weight of polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may
contain at least one comonomer.
[0029] An "ethylene-based polymer" is a polymer that contains more
than 50 weight percent polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the
total weight of polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may
contain at least one comonomer. Ethylene-based polymer includes
ethylene homopolymer, and ethylene copolymer (meaning units derived
from ethylene and one or more comonomers). The terms
"ethylene-based polymer" and "polyethylene" may be used
interchangeably. Non-limiting examples of ethylene-based polymer
(polyethylene) include low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear
polyethylene. Non-limiting examples of linear polyethylene include
linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra low density
polyethylene (ULDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE),
multi-component ethylene-based copolymer (EPE),
ethylene/.alpha.-olefin multi-block copolymers (also known as
olefin block copolymer (OBC)), single-site catalyzed linear low
density polyethylene (m-LLDPE), substantially linear, or linear,
plastomers/elastomers, and high density polyethylene (HDPE).
Generally, polyethylene may be produced in gas-phase, fluidized bed
reactors, liquid phase slurry process reactors, or liquid phase
solution process reactors, using a heterogeneous catalyst system,
such as Ziegler-Natta catalyst, a homogeneous catalyst system,
comprising Group 4 transition metals and ligand structures such as
metallocene, non-metallocene metal-centered, heteroaryl,
heterovalent aryloxyether, phosphinimine, and others. Combinations
of heterogeneous and/or homogeneous catalysts also may be used in
either single reactor or dual reactor configurations.
[0030] "High density polyethylene" (or "HDPE") is an ethylene
homopolymer or an ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer with at least
one C.sub.4-C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or
C.sub.4.alpha.-olefin comonomer and a density from greater than
0.94 g/cc, or 0.945 g/cc, or 0.95 g/cc, or 0.955 g/cc to 0.96 g/cc,
or 0.97 g/cc, or 0.98 g/cc. The HDPE can be a monomodal copolymer
or a multimodal copolymer. A "monomodal ethylene copolymer" is an
ethylene/C.sub.4-C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin copolymer that has one
distinct peak in a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) showing the
molecular weight distribution. A "multimodal ethylene copolymer" is
an ethylene/C.sub.4-C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin copolymer that has at
least two distinct peaks in a GPC showing the molecular weight
distribution. Multimodal includes copolymer having two peaks
(bimodal) as well as copolymer having more than two peaks.
Nonlimiting examples of HDPE include DOW.TM. High Density
Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins (available from The Dow Chemical
Company), ELITE.TM. Enhanced Polyethylene Resins (available from
The Dow Chemical Company), CONTINUUM.TM. Bimodal Polyethylene
Resins (available from The Dow Chemical Company), LUPOLEN.TM.
(available from LyondellBasell), as well as HDPE products from
Borealis, Ineos, and ExxonMobil.
[0031] "Low density polyethylene" (or "LDPE") consists of ethylene
homopolymer, or ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer comprising at
least one C.sub.3-C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin, preferably
C.sub.3-C.sub.4 that has a density from 0.915 g/cc to 0.940 g/cc
and contains long chain branching with broad MWD. LDPE is typically
produced by way of high pressure free radical polymerization
(tubular reactor or autoclave with free radical initiator).
Nonlimiting examples of LDPE include MarFlex.TM. (Chevron
Phillips), LUPOLEN.TM. (LyondellBasell), as well as LDPE products
from Borealis, Ineos, ExxonMobil, and others.
[0032] "Linear low density polyethylene" (or "LLDPE") is a linear
ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer containing heterogeneous
short-chain branching distribution comprising units derived from
ethylene and units derived from at least one C.sub.3-C.sub.10
.alpha.-olefin comonomer or at least one C.sub.4-C.sub.8
.alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one C.sub.6-C.sub.8
.alpha.-olefin comonomer. LLDPE is characterized by little, if any,
long chain branching, in contrast to conventional LDPE. LLDPE has a
density from 0.910 g/cc, or 0.915 g/cc, or 0.920 g/cc, or 0.925
g/cc to 0.930 g/cc, or 0.935 g/cc, or 0.940 g/cc. Non limiting
examples of LLDPE include TUFLIN.TM. linear low density
polyethylene resins (available from The Dow Chemical Company),
DOWLEX.TM. polyethylene resins (available from the Dow Chemical
Company), and MARLEX.TM. polyethylene (available from Chevron
Phillips).
[0033] "Ultra low density polyethylene" (or "ULDPE") and "very low
density polyethylene" (or "VLDPE") each is a linear
ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer containing heterogeneous
short-chain branching distribution comprising units derived from
ethylene and units derived from at least one C.sub.3-C.sub.10
.alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one C.sub.4-C.sub.8
.alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one C.sub.6-C.sub.8
.alpha.-olefin comonomer. ULDPE and VLDPE each has a density from
0.885 g/cc, or 0.90 g/cc to 0.915 g/cc. Nonlimiting examples of
ULDPE and VLDPE include ATTANE.TM. ultra low density polyethylene
resins (available form The Dow Chemical Company) and FLEXOMER.TM.
very low density polyethylene resins (available from The Dow
Chemical Company).
[0034] "Multi-component ethylene-based copolymer" (or "EPE")
comprises units derived from ethylene and units derived from at
least one C.sub.3-C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least
one C.sub.4-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one
C.sub.6-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, such as described in
patent references U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,023; U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,383;
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,695. EPE resins have a density from 0.905
g/cc, or 0.908 g/cc, or 0.912 g/cc, or 0.920 g/cc to 0.926 g/cc, or
0.929 g/cc, or 0.940 g/cc, or 0.962 g/cc. Nonlimiting examples of
EPE resins include ELITE.TM. enhanced polyethylene (available from
The Dow Chemical Company), ELITE AT.TM. advanced technology resins
(available from The Dow Chemical Company), SURPASS.TM. Polyethylene
(PE) Resins (available from Nova Chemicals), and SMART.TM.
(available from SK Chemicals Co.).
[0035] "Olefin block copolymers" (or "OBC") are
ethylene/.alpha.-olefin multi-block copolymers comprising units
derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one
C.sub.3-C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one
C.sub.4-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one
C.sub.6-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, such as INFUSE.TM.
(available from The Dow Chemical Company) as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,608,668. OBC resins have a density from 0.866 g/cc, or 0.870
g/cc, or 0.875 g/cc, or 0.877 g/cc to 0.880 g/cc, or 0.885, or
0.890 g/cc.
[0036] "Single-site catalyzed linear low density polyethylenes" (or
"m-LLDPE") are linear ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers containing
homogeneous short-chain branching distribution comprising units
derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one
C.sub.3-C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one
C.sub.4-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one
C.sub.6-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin comonomer. m-LLDPE has density from
0.913 g/cc, or 0.918 g/cc, or 0.920 g/cc to 0.925 g/cc, or 0.940
g/cc. Nonlimiting examples of m-LLDPE include EXCEED.TM.
metallocene PE (available from ExxonMobil Chemical), LUFLEXEN.TM.
m-LLDPE (available from LyondellBasell), and ELTEX.TM. PF m-LLDPE
(available from Ineos Olefins & Polymers).
[0037] "Ethylene plastomers/elastomers" are substantially linear,
or linear, ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers containing
homogeneous short-chain branching distribution comprising units
derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one
C.sub.3-C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one
C.sub.4-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin comonomer, or at least one
C.sub.6-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin comonomer. Ethylene
plastomers/elastomers have a density from 0.870 g/cc, or 0.880
g/cc, or 0.890 g/cc to 0.900 g/cc, or 0.902 g/cc, or 0.904 g/cc, or
0.909 g/cc, or 0.910 g/cc, or 0.917 g/cc. Nonlimiting examples of
ethylene plastomers/elastomers include AFFINITY.TM. plastomers and
elastomers (available from The Dow Chemical Company), EXACT.TM.
Plastomers (available from ExxonMobil Chemical), Tafmer.TM.
(available from Mitsui), Nexlene.TM. (available from SK Chemicals
Co.), and Lucene.TM. (available LG Chem Ltd.).
[0038] Density is measured in accordance with ASTM D 792.
[0039] Melt flow rate (MFR) is measured in accordance with ASTM D
1238, Condition 280.degree. C./2.16 kg (g/10 minutes).
[0040] Melt index (MI) is measured in accordance with ASTM D 1238,
Condition 190.degree. C./2.16 kg (g/10 minutes).
[0041] "Melting point" or "Tm" (also referred to as a melting peak
in reference to the shape of the plotted DSC curve), as used
herein, is typically measured by the DSC (Differential Scanning
calorimetry) technique for measuring the melting points or peaks of
polyolefins, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,638. It should be
noted that many blends comprising two or more polyolefins will have
more than one melting point or peak, many individual polyolefins
will comprise only one melting point or peak.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an
embodiment, the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear
panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side
panel, the gusseted side panels adjoining the front panel and the
rear panel along (i) peripheral seals to form a chamber and (ii)
handle seals to form a handle. The handle is located at an end of
the chamber. The handle includes a pocket formed from the handle
seals. The pocket includes a grip member.
[0043] A. Panels
[0044] The present disclosure provides a flexible container
including a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel,
and a second gusseted side panel.
[0045] FIGS. 1-5 depict flexible container 10 made from four
panels, a first gusset panel 18, a second gusset panel 20, a front
panel 22 and a rear panel 24. Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is a
flexible multilayer film as discussed in detail below. During the
fabrication process, the panels are formed when one or more webs of
flexible multilayer film are sealed together. While the webs may be
separate pieces of flexible multilayer film, it will be appreciated
that any number of the seams between the webs could be "pre-made,"
as by folding one or more of the source webs to create the effect
of a seam or seams. For example, if it were desired to fabricate
the present flexible container from two webs instead of four, the
bottom, left center, and right center webs could be a single folded
web, instead of three separate webs. Similarly, one, two, or more
webs may be used to produce each respective panel (i.e., a
bag-in-a-bag configuration or a bladder configuration).
[0046] The four panels 18, 20, 22 and 24 each can be composed of a
separate web of flexible multilayer film. The composition and
structure for each web of flexible multilayer film can be the same
or different. Alternatively, one web of flexible multilayer film
may also be used to make all four panels and the top and bottom
segments. In a further embodiment, two or more webs can be used to
make each panel.
[0047] FIG. 5 shows the relative positions of the four webs as they
form four panels (in a "one up" configuration) as they pass through
the fabrication process. For clarity, the webs are shown as four
individual panels, the panels separated and the heat seals not
made. The constituent webs form a first gusset panel 18, a second
gusset panel 20, a front panel 22 and a rear panel 24. Each panel
18, 20, 22, 24 is a flexible multilayer film. The gusset fold lines
60 and 62 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the folded gusset panels 18, 20 are
placed between the rear panel 24 and the front panel 22 to form a
"panel sandwich." The gusset panel 18 opposes the gusset panel 20.
The edges of the panels 18-24 are configured, or otherwise
arranged, to form a common periphery 11, as shown in FIG. 1. The
flexible multilayer film of each panel web is configured so that
the heat seal layers, as discussed below, face each other. The
common periphery 11 includes the bottom seal area including the
bottom end of each panel.
[0049] In an embodiment, the flexible container has a collapsed
configuration (as shown in FIG. 1) and an expanded configuration
(shown in FIGS. 2-4).
[0050] When the flexible container is in the collapsed
configuration, the flexible container is in a flattened state, or
in an otherwise evacuated state. The gusset panels 18, 20 fold
inwardly (dotted gusset fold lines 60, 62 of FIG. 1) and are
sandwiched by the front panel 22 and the rear panel 24.
[0051] FIG. 1 shows the flexible container 10 in the collapsed
configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible container 10 has a
bottom section I, a body section II, a tapered transition section
III, and a neck section IV. In the expanded configuration, the
bottom section I forms a bottom segment 26, as shown in FIG. 4. The
body section II forms a body portion. The tapered transition
section III forms a tapered transition portion. The neck section IV
forms a neck portion.
[0052] FIGS. 2-4 show the flexible container 10 in the expanded
configuration. The four panels 18, 20, 22, and 24 form the body
section II and extend toward a top end 44 and extend toward a
bottom end 46 of the container 10. Sections III and IV (respective
tapered transition section, neck section) form a top segment 28.
Section I (bottom section) forms a bottom segment 26.
[0053] In an embodiment, four webs of flexible multilayer film are
provided, one web of film for each respective panel 18, 20, 22, and
24. The edges of each film are sealed to the adjacent web of film
to form peripheral seals 41 and peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d
(40) (FIGS. 1-4). The peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d are located
on the bottom segment 26 of the flexible container as shown in FIG.
4, and have an inner edge 29a-29f. The peripheral seals 40 are
located on the side edges of the container, as shown in FIG. 2.
Consequently, the flexible container 10 includes a closed bottom
section I, a closed body section II, and a closed tapered
transition section III. Nonlimiting examples of suitable heating
procedures include heat sealing and/or ultrasonic sealing. The
closed bottom section I, closed body section II, and closed tapered
transition section III form a chamber 45. The chamber 45 has a top
end 45a and a bottom end 45b, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0054] To form the top segment 28 and the bottom segment 26, the
four webs of flexible multilayer film converge together at the
respective end and are sealed together. For instance, the top
segment 28 can be defined by extensions of the panels sealed
together at the tapered transition section III, and the neck
section IV. The top end 44 includes four top panels 28a-28d (FIG.
3) of film that define the top segment 28. The bottom segment 26
can be defined by extensions of the panels sealed together at the
bottom section I. The bottom segment 26 can also have four bottom
panels 26a-26d of film sealed together and can also be defined by
extensions of the panels at the opposite bottom end 46, as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the four panels of film that form the
flexible container extend from the body section II (forming body
47), to the tapered transition section III (forming tapered
transition portion 48), to form a neck (in the neck section IV).
The four panels of film also extend from the body section II to the
bottom section I (forming bottom portion 49).
[0056] The neck can be located at a corner of the body 47, or in
one of the four panels 18, 20, 22, 24. In an embodiment, the neck
is positioned at a midpoint of the top segment 28, as shown in
FIGS. 1-3. The neck may (or may not) be sized smaller than a width
of the body section II, such that the neck can have an area that is
less than a total area of the top segment 28.
[0057] The neck includes a neck wall 50. FIG. 3 shows the neck wall
50 forms an access opening 53 for access into the flexible
container interior.
[0058] In an embodiment, the neck is formed from two or more
panels. In a further embodiment, the neck is formed from four
panels. The neck can be sealed. The neck seal can be a tear seal.
Alternatively, the neck seal can be a re-sealable seal. Nonlimiting
examples of suitable re-sealable seals include peelable seal, a
flap seal, an adhesive seal, and a zipper seal.
[0059] In an embodiment, a portion of the four webs of flexible
multilayer film that make up the top segment 28 terminate at a
spout 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A portion of a top end section
of each of the four webs of flexible multilayer film is sealed, or
otherwise welded, to an outer, lower rim 52 of the spout 30 to form
a tight seal, as shown in FIG. 2. The spout 30 is sealed to the
flexible container by way of compression heat seal, ultrasonic
seal, and combinations thereof. Although the base of spout 30
depicted in FIG. 2 has a circular cross-sectional shape, it is
understood that the base of spout 30 can have other cross-sectional
shapes such as a polygonal cross-sectional shape, for example. The
base with circular cross-sectional shape is distinct from fitments
with canoe-shaped bases used for conventional two-panel flexible
pouches.
[0060] In an embodiment, the spout 30 excludes fitments with oval,
wing-shaped, eye-shaped, or canoe-shaped bases.
[0061] The spout 30 can be made of a rigid construction and can be
formed of any appropriate polymeric material, such as HDPE, OBC, or
LDPE, and combinations thereof.
[0062] In an embodiment, the outer surface of the base of spout 30
has surface texture. The surface texture can include embossment and
a plurality of radial ridges to promote sealing to the inner
surface of the top segment 28, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0063] In an embodiment the spout 30 is located at the center or
midpoint of the top segment 28, as shown in FIG. 3. The spout 30
has an access opening 53 through the top segment 28 into the
interior of the flexible container 10. Alternatively, the spout 30
can be positioned on one of the panels, where the top segment would
then be defined as an upper seal area defined by the joining
together of at least two panel ends. In an embodiment, the spout 30
is sized smaller than a width of the container 10, such that the
access opening 53 of the spout 30 can have an area that is less
than a total area of the top segment 28. In a further embodiment,
the spout area is not more than 20% of the total top segment area.
This can ensure that the spout 30 and its associated access opening
53 will not be large enough to insert a hand therethrough, thus
avoiding any unintentional contact with the product 58 stored
therein.
[0064] In an embodiment, the spout 30 contains a removable closure
32. The removable closure 32 covers the access opening 53 and
prevents the product 58 from spilling out of the container 10. The
removable closure 32 may be a screw-on cap, a flip-top cap or other
types of removable (and optionally reclosable) closures. In an
embodiment, the spout 30 can be a flange style fitment installed in
a hole of any one panel.
[0065] Each panel includes a respective bottom face. FIG. 4 shows
four triangle-shaped bottom faces 26a-26d, each bottom face being
an extension of a respective film panel. The bottom faces 26a-26d
make up the bottom segment 26. The four panels 26a-26d come
together at a midpoint of the bottom segment 26. The bottom faces
26a-26d are sealed together, such as by using a heat-sealing
technology. For instance, a weld can be made to seal the edges of
the bottom segment 26 together. Nonlimiting examples of suitable
heat-sealing technologies include hot bar sealing, hot die sealing,
impulse sealing, high frequency sealing, or ultrasonic sealing
methods.
[0066] FIG. 4 shows bottom segment 26. Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24
has a respective bottom face 26a-26d that is present in the bottom
segment 26. Each bottom face is bordered by two opposing peripheral
tapered seals 40a-40d. Each peripheral tapered seal 40a-40d extends
from a respective peripheral seal 41. The peripheral tapered seals
for the front panel 22 and the rear panel 24 have an inner edge
29a-29d (FIG. 4) and an outer edge 31 (FIG. 6). The peripheral
tapered seals 40a-40d converge at a bottom seal area 33 (FIGS. 1,
4, 6).
[0067] The front panel bottom face 26a includes a first line A
defined by the inner edge 29a of the first peripheral tapered seal
40a and a second line B defined by the inner edge 29b of the second
peripheral tapered seal 40b, as shown in FIG. 4. The first line A
intersects the second line B at an apex point 35a in the bottom
seal area 33. The front panel bottom face 26a has a bottom
distalmost inner seal point 37a ("BDISP 37a"). The BDISP 37a is
located on the inner edge.
[0068] The apex point 35a is separated from the BDISP 37a by a
distance S (FIGS. 4, 6) from 0 millimeter (mm) to less than 8.0
mm.
[0069] In an embodiment, the rear panel bottom face 26c includes an
apex point 35c similar to the apex point 35a on the front panel
bottom face 26a, as shown in FIG. 4. The rear panel bottom face 26c
includes a first line C defined by the inner edge of the 29c first
peripheral tapered seal 40c and a second line D defined by the
inner edge 29d of the second peripheral tapered seal 40d. The first
line C intersects the second line D at an apex point 35c in the
bottom seal area 33. The rear panel bottom face 26c has a bottom
distalmost inner seal point 37c ("BDISP 37c"). The BDISP 37c is
located on the inner edge. The apex point 35c is separated from the
BDISP 37c by a distance T (FIG. 4) from 0 millimeter (mm) to less
than 8.0 mm.
[0070] It is understood the following description to the front
panel bottom face 26a applies equally to the rear panel bottom face
26c, with reference numerals to the rear panel bottom face 26c
shown in adjacent closed parentheses.
[0071] In an embodiment, the BDISP 37a (37c) is located where the
inner edges 29a (29c) and 29b (29d) intersect. The distance S
(distance T) between the BDISP 37a (37c) and the apex point 35a
(35c) is 0 mm.
[0072] In an embodiment, the inner seal edge diverges from the
inner edges 29a, 29b (29c, 29d), to form an inner seal arc 39a
(front panel) and inner seal arc 39c (rear panel), as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6. The BDISP 37a (37c) is located on the inner seal arc
39a (39c). The apex point 35a (35c) is separated from the BDISP 37a
(37c) by the distance S (distance T), which is from greater than 0
mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 2.6 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5
mm, or 3.9 mm to 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.3
mm, or 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm, or 6.5 mm, or 7.0 mm, or 7.5 mm, or 7.9
mm.
[0073] In an embodiment, apex point 35a (35c) is separated from the
BDISP 37a (37c) by the distance S (distance T) which is from
greater than 0 mm to less than 6.0 mm.
[0074] In an embodiment, the distance S (distance T) from the apex
point 35a (35c) to the BDISP 37a (37c) is from greater than 0 mm,
or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm or 5.0 mm or less than
5.5 mm.
[0075] In an embodiment, apex point 35a (35c) is separated from the
BDISP 37a (37c) by the distance S (distance T), which is from 3.0
mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9 mm to 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2
mm, or 5.3 mm, or 5.5 mm.
[0076] In an embodiment, the distal inner seal arc 39a (39c) has a
radius of curvature from 0 mm, or greater than 0 mm, or 1.0 mm to
19.0 mm, or 20.0 mm.
[0077] In an embodiment, each peripheral tapered seal 40a-40d
(outside edge) and an extended line from respective peripheral seal
41 (outside edge) form an angle Z, as shown in FIG. 1. The angle Z
is from 40.degree., or 42.degree., or 44.degree., or 45.degree. to
46.degree., or 48.degree., or 50.degree.. In an embodiment, angle Z
is 45.degree..
[0078] The bottom segment 26 includes a pair of gussets 54 and 56
formed there at, which are essentially extensions of the bottom
faces 26a-26d, as shown in FIG. 4. The gussets 54 and 56 can
facilitate the ability of the flexible container 10 to stand
upright. These gussets 54 and 56 are formed from excess material
from each bottom face 26a-26d that are joined together to form the
gussets 54 and 56. The triangular portions of the gussets 54 and 56
comprise two adjacent bottom segment panels sealed together and
extending into its respective gusset. For example, adjacent bottom
faces 26a and 26d extend beyond the plane of their bottom surface
along an intersecting edge and are sealed together to form one side
of a first gusset 54. Similarly, adjacent bottom faces 26c and 26d
extend beyond the plane of their bottom surface along an
intersecting edge and are sealed together to form the other side of
the first gusset 54. Likewise, a second gusset 56 is similarly
formed from adjacent bottom faces 26a-26b and 26b-26c. The gussets
54 and 56 can contact a portion of the bottom segment 26, where the
gussets 54 and 56 can contact bottom faces 26b and 26d covering
them, while bottom segment panels 26a and 26c remain exposed at the
bottom end 46.
[0079] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the bottom seal area 33
(Area 6) of FIG. 1 and the front panel 26a. The fold lines 60 and
62 of respective gusset panels 18, 20 are separated by a distance U
that is from 0 mm, or greater than 0 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or
2.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 4.0 mm, or 5.0 mm to 12.0 mm, or greater than
60.0 mm (for larger containers, for example). In an embodiment,
distance U is from greater than 0 mm to less than 6.0 mm. FIG. 6
shows line A (defined by inner edge 29a) intersecting line B
(defined by inner edge 29b) at apex point 35a. BDISP 37a is on the
distal inner seal arc 39a. Apex point 35a is separated from BDISP
37a by a distance S having a length from greater than 0 mm, or 1.0
mm, or 2.0 mm, or 2.6 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9 mm to 4.0
mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm, or 6.5
mm, or 7.0 mm, or 7.5 mm, or 7.9 mm.
[0080] In FIG. 6, an overseal 64 is formed where the four
peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d converge in the bottom seal area
33. The overseal 64 includes 4-ply portions 66, where a portion of
each panel is heat sealed to a portion of every other panel. Each
panel represents 1-ply in the 4-ply heat seal. The overseal 64 also
includes a 2-ply portion 68 where two panels (front panel 22 and
rear panel 24) are sealed together. Consequently, the "overseal,"
as used herein, is the area where the peripheral tapered seals
40a-40d converge that is subjected to a subsequent heat seal
operation (and subjected to at least two heat seal operations
altogether). The overseal 64 is located in the peripheral tapered
seals 40a-40d and does not extend into the chamber of the flexible
container 10.
[0081] In an embodiment, the apex point 35a is located above the
overseal 64. The apex point 35a is separated from, and does not
contact the overseal 64. The BDISP 37a is located above the
overseal 64. The BDISP 37a is separated from and does not contact
the overseal 64.
[0082] In an embodiment, the apex point 35a is located between the
BDISP 37a and the overseal 64, wherein the overseal 64 does not
contact the apex point 35a and the overseal 64 does not contact the
BDISP 37a.
[0083] The distance between the apex point 35a to the top edge of
the overseal 64 is defined as distance W, shown in FIG. 6. In an
embodiment, the distance W has a length from 0 mm, or greater than
0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm, or 8.0 mm, or 10.0 mm or 15.0
mm.
[0084] When more than four webs are used to produce the container,
the portion 68 of the overseal 64 may be a 4-ply, or a 6-ply, or an
8-ply portion.
[0085] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has a volume
from 0.25 liters (L), or 0.5 L, or 0.75 L, or 1.0 L, or 1.5 L, or
2.5 L, or 3 L, or 3.5 L, or 3.78 L or 4.0 L, or 4.5 L or 5.0 L to
6.0 L, or 7.0 L, or 8.0 L, or 9.0 L or 10.0 L, or 20 L, or 30
L.
1. Flexible Multilayer Film
[0086] Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is composed of a flexible
multilayer film. In an embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is
made from a flexible film having at least one, or at least two, or
at least three layers. The flexible film is resilient, flexible,
deformable, and pliable. The structure and composition of the
flexible film for each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 may be the same or
different. For example, each of the panels 18, 20, 22, 24 can be
made from a separate web, each web having a unique structure and/or
unique composition, finish, or print. Alternatively, each of the
panels 18, 20, 22, 24 can be the same structure and the same
composition.
[0087] The flexible multilayer film is composed of a polymeric
material. Nonlimiting examples of suitable polymeric material
include olefin-based polymer; propylene-based polymer;
ethylene-based polymer; polyamide (such as nylon), ethylene-acrylic
acid or ethylene-methacrylic acid and their ionomers with zinc,
sodium, lithium, potassium, or magnesium salts; ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA) copolymers; and blends thereof. The flexible
multilayer film can be either printable or compatible to receive a
pressure sensitive label or other type of label for displaying of
indicia on the flexible container 10.
[0088] In an embodiment, a flexible multilayer film is provided and
includes at least three layers: (i) an outermost layer, (ii) one or
more core layers, and (iii) an innermost seal layer. The outermost
layer (i) and the innermost seal layer (iii) are surface layers
with the one or more core layers (ii) sandwiched between the
surface layers. The outermost layer may include (a-i) a HDPE,
(b-ii) a propylene-based polymer, or combinations of (a-i) and
(b-ii), alone, or with other olefin-based polymers such as LDPE.
Nonlimiting examples of suitable propylene-based polymers include
propylene homopolymer, random propylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer
(majority amount propylene with less than 10 weight percent
ethylene comonomer), and propylene impact copolymer (heterophasic
propylene/ethylene copolymer rubber phase dispersed in a matrix
phase).
[0089] With the one or more core layers (ii), the number of total
layers in the present multilayer film can be from three layers (one
core layer), or four layers (two core layers), or five layers
(three core layers, or six layers (four core layers), or seven
layers (five core layers) to eight layers (six core layers), or
nine layers (seven core layers), or ten layers (eight core layers),
or eleven layers (nine core layers), or more.
[0090] The multilayer film has a thickness from 75 microns, or 100
microns, or 125 microns, or 150 microns to 200 microns, or 250
microns or 300 microns or 350 microns, or 400 microns.
[0091] The multilayer can be (i) coextuded, (ii) laminated, or
(iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). In an embodiment, the
multilayer film is a coextruded multilayer film.
[0092] In an embodiment, the outermost layer includes a HDPE. In a
further embodiment, the HDPE is an EPE.
[0093] In an embodiment, each core layer includes one or more
linear or substantially linear ethylene-based polymers or block
copolymers having a density from 0.908 g/cc, or 0.912 g/cc, or 0.92
g/cc, or 0.921 g/cc, to 0.925 g/cc, or less than 0.93 g/cc. In an
embodiment, each of the one or more core layers includes one or
more ethylene/C.sub.3-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin copolymers selected
from LLDPE, ULDPE, VLDPE, EPE, OBC, plastomers/elastomers, and
m-LLDPE.
[0094] In an embodiment, the seal layer includes one or more
ethylene-based polymer having a density from 0.86 g/cc, or 0.87
g/cc, or 0.875 g/cc, or 0.88 g/cc, or 0.89 g/cc, to 0.90 g/cc, or
0.902 g/cc, or 0.91 g/cc, or 0.92 g/cc. In an embodiment, the seal
layer includes one or more ethylene/C.sub.3-C.sub.8 .alpha.-olefin
copolymer selected from EPE, plastomers/elastomers, or m-LLDPE.
[0095] Each layer in the multilayer film may include one or more
optional additives. Non-limiting examples of suitable additives
include stabilizers, slip additives, antiblocking additives,
process aids, clarifiers, nucleators, pigments or colorants,
fillers and reinforcing agents. It is particularly useful to choose
additives and polymeric materials that have suitable organoleptic
and or optical properties.
[0096] In an embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is a flexible
multilayer film having the same structure and the same
composition.
[0097] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a
coextruded film, the seal layer is composed of an ethylene-based
polymer, such as a linear or a substantially linear polymer, or a
single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer of
ethylene and an alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or
1-octene, having a Tm from 55.degree. C. to 115.degree. C. and a
density from 0.865 to 0.925 g/cm.sup.3, or from 0.875 to 0.910
g/cm.sup.3, or from 0.888 to 0.900 g/cm.sup.3 and the outer layer
is composed of a polyamide having a Tm from 170.degree. C. to
270.degree. C.
[0098] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a
coextruded and/or laminated film having at least five layers, the
coextruded film having a seal layer composed of an ethylene-based
polymer, such as a linear or substantially linear polymer, or a
single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer of
ethylene and an alpha-olefin comonomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene
or 1-octene, the ethylene-based polymer having a Tm from 55.degree.
C. to 115.degree. C. and a density from 0.865 to 0.925 g/cm.sup.3,
or from 0.875 to 0.910 g/cm.sup.3, or from 0.888 to 0.900
g/cm.sup.3 and an outermost layer composed of a material selected
from LLDPE, OPET (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate),
OPP (oriented polypropylene), BOPP (biaxially oriented
polypropylene), polyamide, and combinations thereof.
[0099] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a
coextruded and/or laminated film having at least seven layers. The
seal layer is composed of an ethylene-based polymer, such as a
linear or substantially linear polymer, or a single-site catalyzed
linear or substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an
alpha-olefin comonomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, the
ethylene-based polymer having a Tm from 55.degree. C. to
115.degree. C. and density from 0.865 to 0.925 g/cm.sup.3, or from
0.875 to 0.910 g/cm.sup.3, or from 0.888 to 0.900 g/cm.sup.3. The
outer layer is composed of a material selected from LLDPE, OPET,
OPP, BOPP, polyamide, and combinations thereof.
[0100] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a
coextruded (or laminated) five layer film, or a coextruded (or
laminated) seven layer film having at least two layers containing
an ethylene-based polymer. The ethylene-based polymer may be the
same or different in each layer.
[0101] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a
coextruded and/or laminated five layer, or a coextruded (or
laminated) seven layer film having at least one layer containing a
material selected from LLDPE, OPET, OPP, BOPP, and polyamide.
[0102] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a
coextruded and/or laminated five layer, or a coextruded (or
laminated) seven layer film having at least one layer containing
OPET or OPP.
[0103] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a
coextruded (or laminated) five layer, or a coextruded (or
laminated) seven layer film having at least one layer containing
polyamide.
[0104] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a
seven-layer coextruded (or laminated) film with a seal layer
composed of an ethylene-based polymer, or a linear or substantially
linear polymer, or a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially
linear polymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin monomer such as
1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, having a Tm from 90.degree. C. to
106.degree. C. The outer layer is a polyamide having a Tm from
170.degree. C. to 270.degree. C. The film has an inner layer (first
inner layer) composed of a second ethylene-based polymer, different
than the ethylene-based polymer in the seal layer. The film has an
inner layer (second inner layer) composed of a polyamide the same
or different to the polyamide in the outer layer. The seven layer
film has a thickness from 100 micrometers to 250 micrometers.
2. Flowable Substances
[0105] The flexible container 10 can be used to store any number of
flowable substances therein. In particular, a flowable food product
58 can be stored within the flexible container 10, as shown in FIG.
2. In one aspect, flowable food products 58 such as salad
dressings; sauces; dairy products; mayonnaise; mustard; ketchup;
other condiments; syrup; beverages such as water, juice, milk,
carbonated beverages, beer, or wine; animal feed; pet feed; and the
like can be stored inside of the flexible container 10.
[0106] The flexible container 10 is suitable for storage of
flowable substances with higher viscosity and requiring application
of a squeezing force to the container in order to discharge.
Nonlimiting examples of such squeezable and flowable substances
include grease, butter, margarine, soap, shampoo, animal feed,
sauces, and baby food.
[0107] B. Handle
[0108] The present flexible container includes a handle. In an
embodiment, the gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel and the
rear panel along handle seals to form a handle. The handle is
located at an end of the chamber. The handle includes a pocket
formed from the handle seals. The pocket includes a grip
member.
[0109] A "handle" is a portion of one or more of the panels
conformed to allow a user to grip the flexible container. The
handle may be a top handle or a bottom handle. As used herein, a
"top handle" is located at the top end of the chamber (adjacent the
spout), and a "bottom handle" is located at the bottom end of the
chamber (opposite end from spout). When the container 10 is
inverted, the top and bottom positions in relation to the chamber
45 change. However, for consistency the handle adjacent the spout
30 is referred to as the top handle 12 and the opposite handle is
referred to the bottom handle 14.
[0110] The handle is formed from a handle seal. The "handle seal"
includes portions of the panels formed from multilayer film
extending above and/or below the chamber of the flexible container
that are sealed together. The bottom handle 14 and the top handle
12 and can comprise up to four plys of multilayer film sealed
together with a handle seal 80 for a four panel container 10. When
more than four panels are used to make the flexible container, the
handles 12, 14 can include up to the same number of panels used to
produce the flexible container. Any portion of the handles 12, 14
where all four plys are not completely sealed together by the
heat-sealing method, can be adhered together in any appropriate
manner, such as by a tack seal to form a fully-sealed multilayer
handle. Alternatively, the handle 12, 14 can be made from as few as
a single ply of film from one panel only or can be made from only
two plies of multilayer film from two panels. The handles 12, 14
can have any suitable shape and generally will take the shape of
the multilayer film end. For example, typically the web of
multilayer film has a rectangular shape when unwound, such that its
ends have a straight edge. Therefore, the handles 12, 14 would also
have a rectangular shape.
[0111] Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show the flexible container 10 with a
top handle 12 and a bottom handle 14, it is understood the flexible
container may be fabricated with only one handle.
1. Top Handle
[0112] In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a top
handle located at the top end of the chamber, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 7, the top handle 12 extends
from the top segment 28 and, in particular, extends from the four
panels 28a-28d that make up the top segment 28. The four panels
28a-28d of film that extend into the top handle 12 are all sealed
together with a handle seal 80 to form the top handle 12. For
instance, a weld can be made to form the handle seal 80 and the top
handle 12, and to seal the edges of the four panels 28a-28d of film
together. Nonlimiting examples of suitable heat-sealing
technologies include hot bar sealing, hot die sealing, impulse
sealing, high frequency sealing, or ultrasonic sealing methods. The
top handle 12 is located at the top end of the chamber 45a, as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0114] The top handle 12 can have a U-shape and, in particular, an
upside down U-shape with a horizontal upper handle portion 12a
having two pairs of spaced legs 13 and 15 extending therefrom. The
pair of legs 13 and 15 extend from the top segment 28, adjacent to
the neck.
[0115] A portion of the top handle 12 extends above the neck and
above the top segment 28 when the top handle 12 is extended in a
position perpendicular to the top segment 28. The entire upper
handle portion 12a can be moved above the spout 30. The two pairs
of legs 13 and 15 along with the upper handle portion 12a together
make up the top handle 12 surrounding a top handle opening 21 that
allows a user to place her hand therethrough and grasp the upper
handle portion 12a. The top handle 12 may or may not contain a top
handle opening 21 or cutout section therein sized to fit a user's
hand, as seen in FIG. 1. The top handle opening 21 can be any shape
that is convenient to fit the hand and, in one aspect, the top
handle opening 21 can have a generally oval shape. In another
embodiment, the top handle opening 21 can have a generally
rectangular shape.
[0116] The top handle 12 can contain a dead machine fold 34a, 34b
that provides for the handle 12 to consistently fold in the same
direction, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The dead machine fold 34a, 34b
permits folding in a first direction toward the front side panel 22
and restricts folding in a second direction toward the rear side
panel 24, as shown in FIG. 3. The term "restricts" as used
throughout this application, can mean that it is easier to move in
one direction, or the first direction, than in an opposite
direction, such as the second direction. The machine fold 34a, 34b
can be located in each of the pair of legs 13, 15 at a location
where the handle seal 80 begins. The machine fold 34a, 34b in the
top handle 12 can allow for the top handle 12 to be inclined to
fold or bend consistently in the same first direction towards the
front panel 22 as the bottom handle 14, rather than in the second
direction towards the rear panel 24.
[0117] The top handle opening 21 of the top handle 12 may or may
not have a flap 36 that comprises the cut material that forms the
top handle opening 21, as shown in FIGS. 1, 1A and 2. To define the
top handle opening 21, the top handle 21 can have a section that is
cut out of the multilayer top handle 12 along three sides or
portions while remaining attached at a fourth side, such as the
upper handle portion 12a, the leg 13, or the leg 15. This provides
a flap of material 36 that can be pushed through the top handle
opening 21 by the user upward toward the upper handle portion 12a,
and folded over an edge of the top handle opening 21 to provide a
relatively smooth gripping surface at an edge that contacts the
user's hand. If the flap of material 36 were completely cut out,
this would leave an exposed fourth side or upper edge that could be
relatively sharp and could possibly cut or scratch the hand when
placed there. In an embodiment, the flap of material 36 is formed
from the handle seal 80. In an embodiment, the top handle 12
includes a flap portion 36. In an embodiment, the top handle 12
includes one, two, or three flap portions 36. In an embodiment, the
top handle 12 includes a flap portion 36 attached at the upper
handle portion 12a, as shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the
top handle 12 includes a flap portion 36 attached at one or both of
the legs 13, 15. Although FIG. 1A shows a flap portion 36 attached
to leg 13, it is understood that the flap portion can be located
along leg 15, or along each of leg 13 and leg 15.
[0118] In an embodiment, the top handle 12 excludes a flap portion
36.
2. Bottom Handle
[0119] In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a bottom
handle located at the bottom end of the chamber, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 10-12, the flexible bottom
handle 14 can be positioned at a bottom end 46 of the container
such that the bottom handle 14 is an extension of the bottom
segment 26, and, in particular, can extend from the four bottom
faces 26a-26d that make up the bottom segment 26, as shown in FIG.
4. The four panels 26a-26d come together at a midpoint of the
bottom segment 26. The bottom faces 26a-26d are sealed together,
such as by using a heat-sealing technology, to form a handle seal
80 that forms the bottom handle 14. For instance, a weld can be
made to form the handle seal 80 and the bottom handle 14, and to
seal the edges of the bottom segment 26 together. Nonlimiting
examples of suitable heat-sealing technologies include hot bar
sealing, hot die sealing, impulse sealing, high frequency sealing,
or ultrasonic sealing methods. The bottom handle 14 is located at
the bottom end of the chamber 45b, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 4, the gussets 54 and 56 of the flexible
container 10 can further extend into the bottom handle 14. In the
aspect where the gussets 54 and 56 are positioned adjacent to
bottom segment panels 26b and 26d, the bottom handle 14 can also
extend across bottom faces 26b and 26d, extending between the pair
of panels 18 and 20. The bottom handle 14 can be positioned along a
center portion or midpoint of the bottom segment 26 between the
front panel 22 and the rear panel 24.
[0122] The bottom handle 14 can have a U-shape with a horizontal
lower handle portion 14a having two pairs of spaced legs 17 and 19
extending therefrom, as shown in FIG. 2. The pair of legs 17 and 19
extend from the bottom segment 26.
[0123] The bottom handle 14 may or may not contain a bottom handle
opening 16 or cutout section therein sized to fit a user's hand, as
seen in FIG. 1. The bottom handle opening 16 can be any shape that
is convenient to fit the hand and, in one aspect, the bottom handle
opening 16 can have a generally oval shape. In another embodiment,
the bottom handle opening 16 can have a generally rectangular
shape.
[0124] The bottom handle opening 16 of the bottom handle 14 may or
may not have a flap 38 that comprises the cut material that forms
the bottom handle opening 16. To define the bottom handle opening
16, the bottom handle 14 can have a section that is cut out of the
multilayer bottom handle 14 along three sides or portions while
remaining attached at a fourth side, such as the lower handle
portion 14a, the leg 17, or the leg 19. This provides a flap of
material 38 that can be pushed through the bottom handle opening 16
by the user downward toward the lower handle portion 14a, and
folded over an edge of the bottom handle opening 16 to provide a
relatively smooth gripping surface at an edge that contacts the
user's hand. If the flap of material 38 were completely cut out,
this would leave an exposed fourth side or lower edge that could be
relatively sharp and could possibly cut or scratch the hand when
placed there. In an embodiment, the flap of material 38 is formed
from the handle seal 80. In an embodiment, the bottom handle 14
includes one, two, or three flap portions 38. In an embodiment, the
bottom handle 14 includes a flap portion 38 attached at the lower
handle portion 14a, as shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the
bottom handle 14 includes a flap portion 38 attached at one or both
of the legs 17, 19.
[0125] In an embodiment, the bottom handle 14 excludes a flap
portion 38.
[0126] In another embodiment, the bottom handle 14 excludes a flap
portion 38 and the top handle 12 excludes a flap portion 36.
[0127] As the flexible container 10 is evacuated and less product
58 remains, the bottom handle 14 can continue to provide support to
help the flexible container 10 to remain standing upright
unsupported and without tipping over. Because the bottom handle 14
is sealed generally along its entire length extending between the
pair of gusset panels 18 and 20 with a handle seal 80, it can help
to keep the gussets 54 and 56 (FIG. 4) together and continue to
provide support to stand the container 10 upright, even as the
container 10 is emptied.
[0128] In an embodiment, the bottom handle 14 contains a machine
fold that also allows it to fold consistently in the same first
direction towards the front panel 22 as the top handle 12.
[0129] When the container 10 is in a rest position, such as when it
is standing upright on its bottom segment 26, the bottom handle 14
can be folded underneath the container 10 along a bottom machine
fold in the first direction towards the front panel 22, so that it
is parallel to the bottom segment 26 and adjacent bottom panel 26a,
and the top handle 12 will automatically fold along its machine
fold 34a, 34b in the same first direction towards the front panel
22, with a front surface of the top handle 12 parallel to a panel
28a of the top segment 28. The top handle 12 folds in the first
direction towards the front panel 22, rather than extending
straight up, perpendicular to the top segment 28, because of the
machine fold 34a, 34b. Both handles 12 and 14 are inclined to fold
in the same direction towards the front panel 22, such that upon
dispensing, the handles can fold the same direction, relatively
parallel to its respective end panel or end segment, to make
dispensing easier and more controlled. Therefore, in a rest
position, the handles 12 and 14 are both folded generally parallel
to one another. Additionally, the container 10 can stand upright
even with the bottom handle 14 positioned underneath the upright
container 10.
3. Pocket Including a Grip Member
[0130] The present flexible container includes at least one handle,
the at least one handle including at least one pocket formed from
the handle seals. The pocket includes a grip member.
[0131] A "pocket" is a void volume sandwiched between at least two
panels that is formed by the handle seal, which at least partially,
or fully, surrounds the void volume. The pocket is located within
the handle. FIG. 1 shows a pocket 86 in the top handle 12 that is
surrounded by the handle seal 80. It is understood the following
description to the top handle 12 pocket applies equally to the
bottom handle 14 pocket, with reference numerals to the bottom
handle 14 pocket shown in adjacent closed parentheses.
[0132] The pocket 86 may be a short pocket, a long pocket, a side
pocket or a U-shaped pocket.
[0133] A "short pocket" refers to a void volume formed from the
handle seal 80 and at least two panels in the flap portion 36 (38)
of the top handle 12 (14), as shown in FIGS. 1, 1A and 2 (FIG. 11).
The short pocket 81 (81a) extends parallel respective to the upper
handle portion 12a (14a) of the top handle 12 (14) when the flap
portion 36 (38) is attached to the upper handle portion 12a (14a).
When the flap portion 36 (38) is attached to a leg 13, 15 (17, 19),
the short pocket 81 (81a) extends parallel to the respective leg
13, 15 (17, 19). The short pocket 81 can have a collapsed ovoid
shape or a collapsed polygonal shape. In an embodiment, the short
pocket 81 has a collapsed polygonal shape, as shown in FIG. 1. A
"polygonal shape" is a closed-plane figure bounded by at least
three sides. Nonlimiting examples of suitable polygonal shapes
include triangle, square, rectangle, parallelogram, hexagon and
octagon. The short pocket 81 depicted in FIG. 1 has a rectangular
collapsed shape. The short pocket 81 depicted in FIG. 1A has a
rectangular collapsed shape. In an embodiment, the handle includes
one pocket that is a short pocket.
[0134] A "long pocket" refers to a void volume formed from the
handle seal 80 and at least two panels in the upper handle portion
12a (14a) of the top handle 12 (14). The long pocket can have a
collapsed ovoid shape or a collapsed polygonal shape. In an
embodiment, the handle includes one pocket that is a long
pocket.
[0135] A "side pocket" refers to a void volume formed from the
handle seal 80 and at least two panels in a leg 13, 15 (17, 19) of
the top handle 12 (14). The side pocket 87 can have a collapsed
ovoid shape or a collapsed polygonal shape. In an embodiment, the
handle includes one pocket that is a side pocket. The side pocket
87 can be in one or both of the legs 13, 15 (17, 19). Although FIG.
1A shows a side pocket 87 in leg 13, it is understood that the side
pocket 87 can be located in legs 15, 17, and/or 19. In an
embodiment, the handle includes one pocket that is a side pocket.
In another embodiment, the flexible container 10 includes a side
pocket 87 in one or both of the legs 13, 15 of the top handle 12.
In another embodiment, the flexible container 10 includes a side
pocket 87 in one or both of the legs 15, 17 of the bottom handle
14.
[0136] A "U-shaped pocket" refers to a void volume formed from the
handle seal 80 and at least two panels in upper handle portion 12a
(14a) and in each of the pair of legs 13, 15 (17, 19). The U-shaped
pocket extends into at least a portion of each of the pair of legs
13, 15 (17, 19). In an embodiment, the handle includes one pocket
that is a U-shaped pocket.
[0137] It is understood that the present flexible container may
contain a plurality of pockets in the top handle 12 and/or the
bottom handle 14. For example, the top handle 12 may contain a
short pocket 81 and a long pocket, or a short pocket 81 and a
U-shaped pocket. In an embodiment, the handle includes a plurality
of pockets. In another embodiment, the top handle 12 and/or the
bottom handle 14 includes one and only one pocket.
[0138] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 includes one
handle, the one handle including one pocket 86. In another
embodiment, the flexible container 10 includes one handle, the one
handle including a plurality of pockets 86. In another embodiment,
the flexible container 10 includes a top handle 12 and a bottom
handle 14, and one or both of the top handle 12 and the bottom
handle 14 includes at least one pocket 86.
[0139] The pocket 86 contains a grip member. A "grip member" is a
material with a mass and a volume that provides comfort to a user
when a user's hand grasps the pocket. The grip member is a material
that adds volume to the pocket. The grip member may be a pre-formed
tube, a foam, a gel, or a gas, and combinations thereof.
[0140] In an embodiment, the grip member 90 is inserted into the
pocket 86 through an opening in the handle seal 80. In another
embodiment, the grip member 90 is injected into the pocket 86
through an opening in the handle seal 80. The opening in the handle
seal 80 may or may not be sealed to form a hermetic seal around the
pocket 86 containing the grip member 90. In an embodiment, the
handle seal 80 forms a hermetic seal surrounding the pocket 86
containing the grip member 90. In another embodiment, a portion of
the pocket 86 is unsealed such that the interior of the pocket 86
is in fluid communication with the environment.
[0141] i. Pre-Formed Tube Grip Member
[0142] In an embodiment, the grip member 90 is a pre-formed tube. A
"pre-formed tube" is a cylindrical member that is fabricated prior
to placement in the pocket. The pre-formed tube may be solid or
hollow. Nonlimiting examples of suitable materials for the
pre-formed tube include foam (such as polyurethane foam,
polyethylene foam, ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer foam, and
any other foam disclosed herein), polyamide (such as nylon),
silicon, natural rubber, synthetic rubber (such as nitrile rubber
(an acrylonitrile/butadiene copolymer) or a thermoplastic elastomer
such as an olefin-based elastomer (such as those commercially
available under the tradename ENGAGE from The Dow Chemical Company,
for example)), neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, and olefin-based
polymer (such as LDPE and HDPE). In an embodiment, the pre-formed
tube is a hollow foam tube. In an another embodiment, the
pre-formed tube is a hollow olefin-based polymer tube.
[0143] FIGS. 2 and 7-8 depict a flexible container 10 with a top
handle 12 and a bottom handle 14 each formed from the handle seal
80, the top handle 12 including a short pocket 81 that contains
pre-formed hollow tube grip member 90a. The short pocket 81 is
contained within the flap portion 36 of the top handle 12. As shown
in FIG. 7, the short pocket 81 is formed from the front panel 22
and the rear panel 24, and the handle seal 80. The pre-formed
hollow tube grip member 90a has a cylindrical shape. The pre-formed
hollow tube grip member 90a is contained within the short pocket
81, indicating the pre-formed hollow tube grip member 90a is
integral to the flexible container 10. When a user grips the top
handle 12 with a short pocket 81 containing pre-formed hollow tube
grip member 90a, the flap portion 36 folds upwards toward the upper
handle portion 12a of the top handle 12 to create a smooth gripping
surface of the top handle 12, and the pre-formed hollow tube grip
member 90a creates a cushioned gripping surface of the top handle
12.
[0144] FIG. 10 depicts a flexible container 300, which includes a
top handle 312 located at the top end of the chamber 345a, the top
handle 312 including a pocket 386 containing a pre-formed hollow
tube grip member 390. The top handle 312 is formed from a handle
seal 380. The top handle 312 includes a pair of legs 313, 315, and
an upper handle portion 312a. The upper handle portion 312a and
each of the legs 313, 315 includes a U-shaped pocket 85. A
pre-formed hollow tube grip member 390 is contained within the
U-shaped pocket 85, indicating the pre-formed hollow tube grip
member 390 is integral to the flexible container 300. The U-shaped
pocket 85 extends the length of the upper handle portion 312a and
into at least a portion of each of the legs 313, 315. The
pre-formed hollow tube grip member 390 contained in the U-shaped
pocket 85 extends the length of the upper handle portion 312a and
into at least a portion of each of the legs 313, 315. The
pre-formed hollow tube grip member 390 that extends into at least a
portion of each of the legs 313, 315 provides structural support
for the top handle 312, and provides comfort for a user. The
flexible container 300 also includes a bottom handle 314, which
does not include a grip member.
[0145] Although FIG. 10 shows flexible container 300 with a top
handle 312 including a U-shaped pocket 85, it is understood the
flexible container 300 may include a bottom handle 314 with a
U-shaped pocket, alone, or in combination with, the top handle
312.
[0146] FIG. 11 depicts a flexible container 100 with a top handle
112 located at the top end of the chamber 145a and a bottom handle
114 located at the bottom end of the chamber 145b, each handle 112,
114 containing a short pocket 181a, 181b that contains a pre-formed
hollow tube grip member 190a, 190b. The top handle 112 is formed
from a handle seal 180a and 112 includes a pair of legs 113, 115
and an upper handle portion 112a. The top handle 112 contains a
flap portion 136 that includes a short pocket 181a. A pre-formed
hollow tube grip member 190a is contained within the short pocket
181a, indicating the pre-formed hollow tube grip member 190a is
integral to the flexible container 100. The bottom handle 114 is
formed from a handle seal 180b and includes a pair of legs 117, 119
(not shown), and a lower handle portion 114a. The bottom handle 114
contains a flap portion 138 that includes a short pocket 181b. A
pre-formed hollow tube grip member 190b is contained within the
short pocket 181b, indicating the grip member 190b is integral to
the flexible container 100. Thus, the top handle 112 and the bottom
handle 114 each include a pocket 186 containing a pre-formed hollow
tube grip member 190a, 190b. As a user pours product 158 out of the
flexible container 100, the user may advantageously hold both the
top handle 112 and the bottom handle 114, with each of the top
handle 112 and the bottom handle 114 containing a pre-formed hollow
tube grip member that cushions each respective handle. The
pre-formed hollow tube grip members 190a, 190b provide support for
the handles 12, 14, with each pre-formed hollow tube grip member
190a, 190b preventing the respective handle 12, 14 from deforming
against the weight of the product 158 contained in the flexible
container 300.
[0147] FIG. 12 depicts a flexible container 200 with a top handle
212 located at the top end of the chamber 245a and a bottom handle
214 located at the bottom end of the chamber 245b, each handle 212,
214 containing a long pocket 83a, 83b that contains a pre-formed
hollow tube grip member 290a, 290b. The top handle 212 is formed
from a handle seal 280a and includes a pair of legs 213, 215, and
an upper handle portion 212a. The upper handle portion 212a
includes a long pocket 83a. The pre-formed hollow tube grip member
290a is contained within the long pocket 83a, indicating the
pre-formed hollow tube grip member 290a is integral to the flexible
container 200. The bottom handle 214 is formed from a handle seal
280b and includes a pair of legs 217, 219, and a lower handle
portion 214a. The lower handle portion 214a includes a long pocket
83b. The pre-formed hollow tube grip member 290b is contained
within the long pocket 83b, indicating the pre-formed hollow tube
grip member 190b is integral to the flexible container 200. The
long pocket 83a, 83b may or may not extend the length of the upper
handle portion 212a (for the top handle 212) or the lower handle
portion 214a (for the bottom handle 214). FIG. 12 depicts a long
pocket 83a in the top handle 212 extending the length of the upper
handle portion 212a, and a long pocket 83b in the bottom handle 214
that does not extend the entire length of the lower handle portion
214a.
[0148] Although FIG. 12 shows flexible container 200 with both a
top handle 212 and a bottom handle 214, it is understood the
flexible container 200 may have a single handle, either a top
handle 212 or a bottom handle 214.
[0149] ii. Foam Grip Member
[0150] In an embodiment, the grip member 90 is a foam. A "foam" is
a flexible cellular material composed of a matrix with void cells
dispersed throughout the matrix. The foam may be fabricated prior
to, during, or after placement in the pocket. Nonlimiting examples
of suitable material includes polyurethane, rubber latex,
polyethylene, ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer,
acrylonitrile/butadiene copolymer, and vinyl polymers. In an
embodiment, the foam is a polyurethane foam. In another embodiment,
the foam is a polyethylene foam.
[0151] In an embodiment, the foam is produced by injecting the foam
components (including a crosslinking agent and/or a blowing agent)
into the pocket. The components may then be expanded, such as by
heat expansion, to form the foam in the pocket in situ. In another
embodiment, the foam is fabricated prior to placement in the
pocket--thus, in an embodiment, the foam is a pre-formed foam. FIG.
9A depicts a sectional view of a short pocket 81 formed from the
front panel 22 and the rear panel 24 and the handle seal 80, the
short pocket containing a foam grip member 90b. The foam grip
member 90b is contained within the short pocket 81, indicating the
foam grip member 90b is integral to the flexible container 10. The
foam grip member 90b is malleable. When a user grasps the top
handle 12 with a short pocket 81 containing the foam grip member
90b, the flap portion 36 folds upwards toward the upper handle
portion 12a of the top handle 12 and the foam grip member 90b
contours to the user's hand, to create a smooth gripping surface of
the top handle 12, and the foam grip member 90b creates a cushioned
gripping surface of the top handle 12. The foam grip member 90b
conforms to the shape of the user's hand, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0152] iii. Gel Grip Member
[0153] In an embodiment, the grip member 90 is a gel. A "gel" is a
substantially dilute cross-linked system that exhibits no flow when
in the steady-state. A gel is a solid jelly-like material.
Nonlimiting examples of suitable gels include silicone, glycerin,
neoprene, hydrogel, and organogel. FIG. 9B depicts a sectional view
of a short pocket 81 formed from the front panel 22 and the rear
panel 24 and the handle seal 80, the short pocket containing a gel
grip member 90c. The gel grip member 90c is contained within the
short pocket 81, indicating the gel grip member 90c is integral to
the flexible container 10. The gel grip member 90c is malleable.
When a user grasps the top handle 12 with a short pocket 81
containing the gel grip member 90c, the flap portion 36 folds
upwards toward the upper handle portion 12a of the top handle 12
and the gel grip member 90c contours to the user's hand, to create
a smooth gripping surface of the top handle 12, and the gel grip
member 90c creates a cushioned gripping surface of the top handle
12. The gel grip member 90c conforms to the shape of the user's
hand, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0154] iv. Gas Grip Member
[0155] In an embodiment, the grip member 90 is a gas. A "gas" is a
substance present in the gaseous phase at room temperature
(23.degree. C.). Nonlimiting examples of suitable gas includes air
and carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, the gas is air. FIG. 9C
depicts a sectional view of a short pocket 81 formed from the front
panel 22 and the rear panel 24 and the handle seal 80, the short
pocket containing a gas grip member 90d. Gas is introduced into the
void volume of the short pocket 81 to increase the inner volume of
the short pocket 81. The gas grip member 90d is contained within
the short pocket 81, indicating the gas grip member 90d is integral
to the flexible container 10. The gas grip member 90d is malleable.
When a user grasps the top handle 12 with a short pocket 81
containing the gas grip member 90d, the flap portion 36 folds
upwards toward the upper handle portion 12a of the top handle 12
and the gas grip member 90d contours to the user's hand, to create
a smooth gripping surface of the top handle 12, and the gas grip
member 90d creates a cushioned gripping surface of the top handle
12. The gas grip member 90d conforms to the shape of the user's
hand, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0156] A myriad of configurations for the top/bottom handle(s) are
possible with the present flexible container by matching different
pocket types alone or in combination with different grip member
types. The top handle and/or the bottom handle may include one
pocket, or a plurality of pockets. When the flexible container
includes more than one pocket, each pocket may be the same or
different, and selected from a short pocket, a long pocket, a side
pocket, and/or a U-shaped pocket. For instance, the flexible
container may include a top handle with a short pocket (attached to
the upper handle portion or one of the legs) and a side pocket, and
a bottom handle with a U-shaped pocket. Or, the flexible container
may include a bottom handle with a long pocket, and a top handle
without a pocket. The flexible container may include a top handle
with two short pockets (such as one attached to each leg) and a
long pocket, and a bottom handle with a short pocket (attached to
the lower handle portion or one of the legs). The flexible
container may include a top handle with one short pocket (attached
to the upper handle portion or one of the legs) and a side pocket
(in one leg), and a bottom handle without a pocket, as shown in
FIG. 1A. Different arrays of grip members may be applied to the
many pocket arrangements. In a flexible container with more than
one pocket, each pocket may contain the same grip member, or a
different grip member. For example, the flexible container may
include two pockets, each pocket having the same type of grip
member. Or, the flexible container may include a top handle with
two short pockets (one attached to each leg) and a long pocket, and
a bottom handle with a short pocket (attached to the lower handle
portion or one of the legs), and each pocket individually contains
a foam grip member. Alternatively, the flexible container includes
two pockets and each pocket includes a different type of grip
member. For instance, the flexible container may include a top
handle with a short pocket (attached to the upper handle portion or
one of the legs) containing a gel grip member and a side pocket
containing a gas grip member, and a bottom handle with a U-shaped
pocket containing a pre-formed tube grip member.
[0157] The flexible container may comprise two or more embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0158] It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not
be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein,
but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions
of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different
embodiments as come with the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *