SISTEMAS E MÉTODOS PARA FORMAÇÃO DE FECHAMENTO DE BOLHAS PARA EMBALAGENS

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatuses of a fluid bubble valve device or element can comprise a plurality of films or webs aligned over the top of each other. For example, two separate webs or film layers of material can be made with two or more different layers of films combined to provide different necessary benefits in manufacturing or forming the valve and sealing to a pouch or package later. The two individual forming webs or film layers are fed into a machine together where channel seals and a bubble pocket are created to form a pathway for a controlled direction for a fluid product to later flow through when the completed pouch or package is used by the consumer. The pocket is formed on both of the two individual forming webs or film layers at the same time. A separate lidding web or layer of material is introduced and sealed over the underside of the bubble pocket to trap air or gas between the lidding layer and the combined individual forming webs or film layers.

Description

1 / 18 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING BUBBLE CLOSURES FOR PACKAGING REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] The present application claims priority and the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 454,016, filed March 22, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[002] The present invention relates generally to packaging and, more particularly, to the use of moldable films or film layers to create a bubble or valve structure for sealing a package in order to control the dispensing of fluid from the package, such as a flexible package. BACKGROUND

[003] Typically, when moldable flexible packaging materials are formed, they are formed to create a pocket to hold the product, for example, by means of thermoforming. A separate material, usually called a lid material, is used to seal the pocket area after the product is placed in the molded pocket.

[004] In addition, certain processes can make it difficult to register multiple pockets to form a valve.

[005] As a result, there is a need for a system and method to improve conventional techniques and solve the various problems that accompany existing valve forming methods, such as cost, efficiency and registration problems. SUMMARY

[006] The present invention may comprise embodiments that include two or more films or forming networks, aligned one over the other. These are separate networks or sections of material that can be made with two or more different layers of films that provide different benefits needed for Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 11 / 42 2 / 18 The manufacture of the valve and subsequent sealing of the packaging. The two individual forming nets, or a single net that is cut and placed or folded over itself to form two nets, are fed together into a machine where channel seals are made to seal them together in a selected area. Then, a pocket is formed in both nets at the same time. In various embodiments, a portion of the films is molded as a bubble pocket formed by a rotary machine or other known process. Once pockets are formed in each of the two films or nets, the two films or nets go to another section of the machine and a cap net is introduced and sealed over the bottom of the pocketed area to trap air or gas between the cap layer and the central layer of the film to create a bubble valve device or element.

[007] The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, each claimed embodiment, or implementation of the invention. The detailed technology and preferred embodiments implemented for the invention in question are described in the following paragraphs, accompanied by the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art may fully appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the features mentioned above and those to be discussed below can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] The invention can be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A to 1B illustrate side views of the steps for joining, forming, and shaping a bubble valve device from... Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 12 / 42 3 / 18 of multiple films and layers, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[009] FIGURE 2 illustrates an exploded side view of the material construction of the multiple films and layers of the bubble valve device, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[010] FIGURE 3A illustrates a side view of the steps for joining two layers of film, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[011] FIGURE 3B illustrates views of the sealing of the two film layers of FIGURE 3A to create channel seals and a fluid channel, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[012] FIGURE 3C illustrates a side view of the sealed film layers of FIGURE 3B, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[013] FIGURE 3D illustrates an enlarged and close-up view of the film layers and channel seals of FIGURE 3C, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[014] FIGURE 3E illustrates an enlarged and close-up side view of the flattened channel seals of FIGURE 3D, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[015] FIGURE 4 illustrates views of the combined film layers and a molded bubble bag before the attachment of a film or cover layer, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[016] FIGURE 5 illustrates side views of the junction of the cover layer to the combined film layer network, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[017] FIGURE 6 illustrates a side view of the sealing of the cover layer to the combined film layer mesh and the application of a bubble seal, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[018] FIGURE 7 illustrates a top view of the fence of Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 13 / 42 4 / 18 bubble and channel seals to define the fluid channel, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[019] FIGURE 8 illustrates a side view of the bubble valve device with a V-shaped end portion to facilitate attachment to the panels of a bag or package, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[020] FIGURE 9 illustrates views, including an enlarged and close-up side view, of the layers of a bubble valve device, including a channel sealing area, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[021] FIGURE 10 illustrates an enlarged and close-up side view of the sealing area of ​​the flattened or conical channel of FIGURE 9, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[022] FIGURE 11 illustrates a top view of two layers of a bubble valve device, with a molded bubble bag, sealed together to form the combined film layers, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[023] FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional side view of FIGURE 11 along section 12-12, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[024] FIGURE 13 illustrates a top view of a completed bubble valve device, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[025] FIGURE 14 illustrates an enlarged and close-up side view of the completed bubble valve device of FIGURE 13, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[026] FIGURE 15 illustrates a top view of a completed bubble valve device, illustrating the channel seals and the bubble seal, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[027] FIGURE 16 illustrates a top view of a completed bubble valve device, including one or more registration punches, according to the embodiments of this Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 14 / 42 5 / 18 invention.

[028] FIGURE 17 illustrates a system for manufacturing and forming bubble valve devices, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[029] FIGURE 18 illustrates multiple formed bubble valve devices connected in series along a portion of a stream exiting the manufacturing and forming system of FIGURE 17, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[030] FIGURE 19 illustrates the current of bubble valve devices connected in series wound on a reel, according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[031] FIGURES 20 to 25 illustrate examples of bags or packages incorporating the bubble valve device for controlled fluid dispensing from the bags or packages, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[032] Although the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, its details have been illustrated by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, several views in the illustrative drawings are enlarged or close-up views, with the sizes of the structures exaggerated or enlarged to provide clarity and better represent the structures of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[033] The present invention may comprise embodiments that include two films or forming networks, aligned one over the other. These two separate networks or layers of material may be made with two or more different layers of films that provide different benefits needed in the manufacture of Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 15 / 42 6 / 18 valve and in the rear sealing of the packaging. The two individual forming networks are fed together into a machine, where channel seals are made to form a path for a controlled direction in which the product will subsequently flow when the completed packaging is used by the consumer.

[034] Furthermore, when films are sealed together, the edges of the seals may form an undesirable bulge and / or fluid channel that may be flattened or tapered along a portion, length, at the ends or edges to facilitate proper valve operation, for example, primarily for thin liquids. Flattening or tapering along a portion, length, at the ends or edges of the channel seals reduces or minimizes the bulges or small channels created by the sealing process that creates the channel seals. Then, a pocket is formed in both networks at the same time, at the approximate location along the channel seals. In various embodiments, a portion of the films is shaped as a bubble pocket formed by a rotary machine or similar process.Once pockets are formed in each of the two films or nets, the two films or nets go to another section of the machine or process and a third cap net is introduced and sealed over the bottom of the pocketed area to trap air or gas between the cap layer and the central film layer to create a bubble valve device. The bubble seals are typically made outside the channel seal area to ensure that the air inside the bubble is in full contact with a desired section of the channel area. The construction, for example, dimensions, proportions, shape, and size of the bubble valve can vary depending on various specifications and uses, such as dispensing liquids with varying viscosities. A lower or flatter bubble valve (e.g., lower apex) can be used to control the flow of fluid product within the packaging when the fluid is a thicker liquid with a... Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 16 / 42 7 / 18 higher viscosity. A taller or deeper bubble valve (e.g., higher apex) can be used for a thinner liquid with a lower viscosity (e.g., water, alcohol, etc.) where greater resistance of the bubble valve against the fluid and fluid flow is desired. Furthermore, the size and shape of the bubble valves can be configured to require more or less compression pressure on the packaging by the user in order to expel or dispense the fluid through the bubble valve and out of the packaging. For example, if it were desirable to make it easier for the user to compress a higher viscosity fluid product through the bubble valve, the bubble valve could be configured with a lower height (e.g., lower apex).

[035] The present invention solves the problem of registering a second pocket formed exactly over a first pocket formed in the manufacture of the bubble-shaped valve device, ensuring a precise and exact match every time. The forming process can be carried out by means of thermoforming, or a mechanical forming method with an anvil and die, or a combination of both.

[036] Referring generally to FIGURES 1A to 25, the present invention prevents, hinders, or controls the passage of liquid through a bubble-closing valve device or fitting until the user or consumer has squeezed a package or pouch to push the liquid through an area of ​​the valve channel and out of the pouch or package. This is achieved by controlling the tightness of the relationship between two formed pouches, so that the two formed pouches can be precisely and accurately registered and fitted. The thinner the liquids (e.g., low viscosity), the more important this is. Furthermore, the precise construction of the bubble-closing valve device or fitting of the present invention also ensures that the product Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 17 / 42 8 / 18 liquid does not leak (even thin and low viscosity liquids) through the device or bubble-closing valve device when the corresponding bags or packages are turned, tilted or inverted (e.g., turned upside down).

[037] Referring to FIGURES 1A to 1B, embodiments of the present invention include a plurality of films or networks, for example, at least a third film layer or valve 110 and a second film layer or central network 112, placed or combined together, for example, by sealing or without sealing, to create a new combined film material or layer 114. A convex bubble or valve pocket 116 is formed in a portion of the film material 114 (for example, in layers 110, 112, simultaneously). A first cover film layer network 122 is sealed or otherwise provided to the film material 114 (for example, sealed to film layer 112) below, through or around the bubble pocket 116 to create a complete bubble valve device or apparatus 130, as illustrated in FIGURE 1B. The 122 cover layer can also be sealed along or at the ends of the film material (e.g., 112 film layer).These seals are provided to ensure fluid flow between film layers 110, 112 and to prevent fluid flow between film layers 112, 122. In certain embodiments, one or more unsealed end pieces and generally one or more V-shaped end pieces 126 are defined to allow free separation of the layers between the ends of film layers 110, 112 and the cover layer 122. The V-shaped end piece 126 includes free ends 126a, 126b for sealing to the bag or packaging.

[038] FIGURE 2 provides examples, but is not limited to, material constructions for the various layers 110, 112 and 122. For example, in certain embodiments, the film layer 110 Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 18 / 42 9 / 18 may include an upper sealing surface or layer 110a constructed of polyethylene (PE) and a lower surface or layer 110b constructed of cast polypropylene (CPP). The film layer 112 may include an upper surface or layer 112a constructed of CPP and a lower sealing surface or layer 112b constructed of PE. As detailed below, a fluid valve channel is defined between the lower CPP surface or layer 110b of the film layer 110 and the upper CPP surface or layer 112a of the film layer 112. The cover layer 122 may include an upper surface or layer 122a and a lower surface or layer 122b, both constructed of sealant PE. In various embodiments, the cover layer 122 may be a single layer of PE material. Other materials and combinations of materials may be used to achieve the desired and / or necessary manufacturing, forming, and sealing benefits of the present invention.

[039] FIGURES 3A to 16 illustrate examples of the bubble valve device 130 and exemplary manufacturing or forming steps to create the bubble valve device 130 of the present invention. To solve valve registration forming problems, forming films or networks 110, 112 are aligned one on top of the other. These are separate networks or sections of material that are normally made with two or more different layers of films (for example, each layer may comprise multiple layers of coextruded or laminated materials), which provide different benefits needed in the manufacturing, forming and / or sealing of the valve 116, 130 and sealing of the complete bubble valve device 130 to the packaging subsequently. The individual layers are normally composed of PP, PE, nylon, polyester and other types of films or combinations of similar films, coextruded or laminated together to provide the required benefits.

[040] FIGURES 3A to 4 illustrate the first and second Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 19 / 42 10 / 18 film layers 110, 112 being joined to create the combined film layer network 114 and the fluid valve channel 124, which is defined by one or more channel seals 120. This configuration and the method of creating the channel seals 120 before the formation of the bubble bag 116 are beneficial to prevent bursting or compromise of the bubble bag film 116. This, in turn, allows the channel seals 120 to be more aligned with the top or apex of the bubble bag 116, which creates a better functioning bubble closure device, where the two layers 110, 112 are exactly aligned and combined before air or gas is trapped inside the bubble bag 116 with the cover layer seal 122.As detailed here, when films are sealed together, the edges of the seals can form an undesirable bulge and / or fluid channel that may be flattened or tapered along a portion, length, at the ends or edges to facilitate proper valve operation, for example, primarily for thin liquids.

[041] FIGURES 5 to 8 illustrate the film layers 110, 112 (114) and 122 being joined and sealed in the sealing parts 128. Thus, one or more sealing parts 128 seal the central film layer 112 to the cover film layer network 122, and one or more sealing parts 129 are provided around the bubble pocket 116 to retain air between the central film layer 122 and the cover film layer network 122 in the bubble pocket 116. The retention of air or gas in the formed pocket 116, sealing the cover film layer network 122 only to the underside of the central film layer 112 of the three-layer construction, is beneficial to avoid applying a functional seal between the two previously formed networks or layers 110, 112 (e.g., constituting the combined film material or layer 114).

[042] FIGURE 8 illustrates the valve device or element. Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 20 / 42 11 / 18 130 completed, including the defined fluid valve channel 124, the channel seals 120 and one or more sealing parts 129 around the bubble bag 116. In addition, the end parts 126 are illustrated for sealing or attaching to a corresponding bag pack or panel.

[043] In several embodiments, as explained above, the two individual forming films or nets 110, 112 are made with a CPP on one side and a PE to form the new film material 114. These films or nets 110, 112 are placed so that the CPP sides face each other. The films or nets 110, 112 are then fed into a machine where channel seals are made and then flattened in certain embodiments, to a selected path for the contents of the pouch or package to pass through at a stage where the consumer will use the completed package. The films or nets 110, 112 are then fed together into a molding machine and the pouch 116 is formed in both nets at the same time.

[044] FIGURES 9 to 16 represent various views, including exploded views, of the bubble valve formation process and the final element of the bubble valve 130.

[045] As illustrated in FIGURES 9 to 14 (and FIGURES 3A to 3E), the film layers 110, 112 are joined to define the fluid valve channel 124 (FIGURE 9) and the channel seals 120 can be flattened or shaped 120f (FIGURE 10). The channel seals 120 can be flattened (120f) in certain embodiments during the forming process to better control the fluid flow through the bubble valve device 130. Again, when the films are sealed together, the edges of the seals can form an undesirable protrusion and / or fluid channel that can be flattened or tapered along a portion, a length, at the ends or edges 120f to facilitate proper functioning and precise valve performance, for example, mainly for thin and low-density liquids. Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 21 / 42 12 / 18 viscosity. Flattening or tapering the 120 channel seals reduces or minimizes the protrusions or small channels created by the sealing process that creates the 120 channel seals. The degree or level of flattening may vary depending on the specific configuration required for liquid flow through the fluid valve channel 124, for example, the lower the viscosity of the liquid, the more the channel seals are flattened to ensure proper liquid flow without leaks or undesirable liquid expulsion. Packaging designed to dispense thicker, higher viscosity liquids may not require any flattening of the 120 channel seals, or only minimal flattening. In various embodiments, the flattened 120f seals can be created using a molded bar, a roller, or other known techniques and mechanisms.The molded bar can be a chilled bar and can be applied to the 120 channel seals immediately after the 120 channel seals have been created. This ensures that the film material is still flexible or malleable to facilitate the flattening process.

[046] The bubble bag 116 is formed with film layers 110, 112 with one or more sealing portions 129 around the bubble bag 116 (FIGURES 13 to 14). The bottom cover layer 122 is then sealed or applied to the bottom of the central film layer 112 in one or more seals 123 (FIGURE 14) to create the complete bubble valve device 130 (FIGURE 15). A registration notch or punch 131 may be provided in a part of the bubble valve device 130 (FIGURE 16).

[047] As illustrated in FIGURES 17 to 19, one or more embodiments of the present invention may employ a manufacturing and forming system. A forming machine 113 (for example, rotary in the exemplary embodiments) with a plurality of pockets or cavities 115 defined along the perimeter or circumference of the machine 113 receives or aspirates parts of the material. Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 22 / 42 13 / 18 of film 114 (e.g., the joining of film layers 110, 112) through one or more forming dies 118, or similar equipment and techniques. A portion of the film 114 is thus shaped as the bubble pocket 116 formed within the cavities 115 of the machine 113, for example, through the forming die 118. Other non-rotating equipment and techniques may also be employed to shape or form the bubble pocket. The bubble pocket 116 may be formed in different sizes, shapes, and configurations to suit the viscosity of the liquid it is intended to contain during use. As detailed above, a lower or flatter bubble valve (e.g., lower apex) may be used to control the flow of the fluid product within the packaging when the fluid is a thicker liquid with higher viscosity.A higher or deeper bubble valve (e.g., higher apex) can be used for a thinner liquid with a lower viscosity (e.g., water, alcohol, etc.) where greater resistance of the bubble valve against the fluid and fluid flow is desired. Thus, the cavities and / or forming matrix can be constructed in a myriad of sizes, shapes, and orientations to provide the desired structure and configuration of the bubble bag 116. Channel seals 120 can be created in these networks or film layers before they are formed or, alternatively, set later after the bag 116 has formed.

[048] Before entering or being fed into machine 113, the individual nets or layers 110, 112 may be fed through a channel sealing station 111 to set the channel seals 120 and seal the nets or layers 110, 112 together to the combined film layer net or net 114. Then the channel seals 120 may be flattened or tapered in a flattening station 111a.

[049] Once the 116 exchanges are formed, the networks or Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 23 / 42 14 / 18 layers 110, 112 are fed into another section 117 of the machine, where the third cover mesh or film layer 122 is introduced and sealed over the bottom of the bubble bag 116 to trap air or gas between the cover film layer mesh 122 and the central film layer 112 inside the bubble bag 116. For this example, the cover film layer mesh 122 is composed of PE on both sides and, alternatively, with a layer of nylon or film stiffener interleaved between them. The layers of cover material can be joined by lamination, co-extrusion or a similar process.

[050] Next, if the channel seals 120 have not been made before the forming steps, the channel seals 120 will then be made or set between the two forming film layers 110, 112 (e.g., FIGURE 9). These channel seals 120 will direct the liquid, through channel 124, from the inside of the bag or packaging to the bubble valve device 130 that has been created. The bubble valve device 130 will prevent the liquid from passing through it and exiting the bag until sufficient pressure is exerted on the bag to force the liquid to pass through the air trapped in the bubble valve device 130 through the valve channel 124 that has been created between the two forming mesh layers (e.g., layers 110, 112).

[051] Other seals may be made on or within the bubble valve device 130 to seal different layers of film layers (e.g., three or more layers of film) together in different locations to assist in the function of the bubble valve device 130 (e.g., seals added along the sides or longitudinal edges to stiffen the valve and help prevent twisting), the formation of the bubble valve device 130, as well as the sealing of the bubble valve device 130 to the bag or package. A Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 24 / 42 The 15 / 18 valve can be placed in a pre-made bag or package to be filled and sealed later, or added to a package during the bag or package forming, filling, and sealing stages.

[052] A registration notch or punch 131 may be provided in a part of the bubble valve device 130 at the punching station 133. The registration notch or punch 131 is provided for registering the bubble valve elements 130 when cutting or removing a bubble valve device 130 from a serial chain 134 of bubble valve elements 130.

[053] In various embodiments, the forming and sealing steps of the process can be performed using a rotary or continuous motion process or mechanism. However, other systems, techniques, and manufacturing processes can be employed for the forming and sealing steps and phases without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, various embodiments will form and seal the various parts of the bubble valve device using linear and intermittent motion, a machine that uses thermal seals. The various seals can be made using ultrasonic seals or other known sealing processes and techniques.

[054] As illustrated in FIGURES 18 to 19, the roll of bubble valve elements 130 in the serial chain 134 can be spirally wound onto a reel 132, so that the individual bubble valve elements 130 can be cut or removed from the reel and placed and sealed in the desired bag or packaging.

[055] FIGURES 20 to 25 illustrate exemplary bags or packages 140 with the bubble valve element or device 130 fixed, sealed or otherwise incorporated into a part of the bags or packages 140. The bubble valve elements 130 are configured to prevent liquid (of low or high viscosity) from passing through the bubble valve device. Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 25 / 42 16 / 18 130 and exit the bag until sufficient pressure is exerted on the bag or packaging 140 to force the liquid to pass through the pressurized and air trapped in the bubble valve device 130 through the valve channel that has been created between the two forming mesh layers 110, 112. Furthermore, the precise construction of the bubble valve device 130 of the present invention also ensures that the liquid product does not leak (even thin and low-viscosity liquids) through the bubble valve device 130 when the bags or packaging 140 are tilted or inverted (e.g., turned upside down). Various embodiments may include one or more removable bag or film sections 142, including tear areas 144 defined by laser markings, perforations, weakened areas and the like, to facilitate tearing or removal of the section 142 by the consumer or user and provide access to and use of the bubble valve device 130.

[056] With respect to the packaging that includes the bubble valve device 130, side, front, back and bottom parts, with or without reinforcement, may also be included. The side parts are often referred to as nets, films or layers. References to “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “side”, “back” and the like are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed invention.

[057] The packaging for use with the invention may include packaging constructed, in whole or in part, of flexible, rigid, semi-rigid or semi-flexible materials or panels. Briefly, the panel portions of the packaging are generally constructed of flexible sheet material, such as PE, polyester, nylon, metal foil, PP or PE or PP laminated, or otherwise bonded, with other materials such as nylon, polyester and similar films. To provide barrier properties Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 26 / 42 17 / 18 enhanced embodiments, the embodiments may utilize composite or laminated layers of said materials and similar materials. Generally, in these composite or laminated embodiments, a material with preferred sealing characteristics may be bonded, glued, or laminated to a material with a different preferred characteristic (e.g., beneficial oxygen barrier properties). Regardless, single sheets, composites, or laminates and a myriad of other materials and techniques known to a person skilled in the art may be implemented based on specific use and manufacturing needs, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[058] In several embodiments, the panel parts will be formed from a contiguous material in the form of a network. In other embodiments, at least one of the panel parts may be made up of distinct materials in the form of a network joined or sealed to other respective parts of the panel to form the bags or packages of the present invention.

[059] The present invention can be incorporated into other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential attributes, and therefore it is desirable that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Similarly, the methods and techniques described above for forming the present invention are illustrative processes and are not intended to limit the methods of manufacturing or forming the present invention to those specifically defined herein. A multitude of various unspecified steps and procedures can be performed to create or form the inventive packagings. Furthermore, the features and aspects of the various embodiments described herein can be combined to form additional embodiments within the scope of the invention, even if such combination is not specifically described herein.

[060] References to the front, rear and side panels Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 27 / 42 The dimensions 18 / 18 of the corresponding packaging described herein are provided for the purpose of providing guidance and direction and are not intended to be limiting. For example, closure devices, access devices, filling devices, seals and other structures or parts of the packaging may be provided for or along any part of the packaging, regardless of references made herein to the front, back, side, bottom and the like. Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 28 / 42

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Method for forming a bubble valve device, characterized in that it comprises: feeding a first film layer network and a second film layer network into a channel sealing station to form one or more channel seals, defining one or more fluid channels, between the first film layer network and the second film layer network, and to seal the first film layer network and the second film layer network together to define a combined film layer network; feeding the combined film layer network into a forming station to create a plurality of bubble pockets in both the first film layer network and the second film layer network simultaneously, wherein the forming station includes a plurality of cavities to receive the combined film layer network and form the plurality of bubble pockets;and feed the combined film layer network, including the plurality of formed bubble pockets, into a covering station to create a bubble valve device network including a plurality of formed bubble valve devices, wherein a covering film layer network is sealed under the plurality of formed bubble pockets in the combined film layer network to retain a gas between the combined film layer network and the covering film layer network within the plurality of bubble pockets.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises receiving a bubble valve device network at a logging station to drill a portion of the bubble valve device network for each of the plurality of bubble valve devices formed.

3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises receiving the bubble valve device network in a winding station to wind the bubble valve device network, including the plurality of bubble valve devices formed.

4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of one or more channel seals is flattened or tapered to control the flow of a fluid through one or more fluid channels defined by one or more channel seals.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the fluid is a low viscosity liquid.

6. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first film layer network comprises at least a first layer and a second layer.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the first layer of the first film layer network is constructed of polyethylene (PE) material.

8. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second layer of the first film layer network is constructed of a polypropylene (PP) material.

9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second film layer network comprises at least a first layer and a second layer.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the first layer of the second film layer network is constructed of a PP material.

11. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the second layer of the second film layer network is constructed of a PE material.

12. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering film layer network comprises at least a first layer and a second layer.

13. Method, according to claim 12, characterized in that the first layer and the second layer of the net of Petition 870250085459, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 30 / 42 3 / 3 covering film layer are constructed of a PE material.

14. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of bubble seals is applied around the plurality of formed bubble pockets.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the plurality of bubble seals extends into one or more fluid channels and through one or more channel seals.

16. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the forming station includes a rotary forming die machine or an intermittent linear motion machine. Petition 870250085459, dated 22 / 09 / 2025, pp. 31 / 42

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