Flexible containers with easily variable sizing

Abstract

Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers with easily variable sizing. Line ups of flexible containers have similar sizes, shapes, and constructions, but hold differing amounts of fluent product at unexpected fill heights.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to flexible containers, and in particular, to flexible containers having readily changing dimensions, lines of such containers, and methods of making such lines. Background technique [0002] "If you can't make pure stuff and full weight, make something solid, even if it's just gravel." James Gamble, co-founder of The Procter and Gamble Company, mid-18th century. An "item" of "full weight" is a product whose actual dimensions conform to its label; it delivers the product according to the listed dimensions. While the quotes provided above are from some time ago, the principles live on as standards that product manufacturers should aspire to. Moreover, this principle can be applied in many different contexts, including the flexible container embodiments described herein. [0003] Fluid products include liquid products and / or pourable solid products. In various embodiments, a container can be used to receive, co...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Both types of manufacturing are energy-intensive processes, which may require complex equipment

[0009] Second, some conventional rigid containers for fluid products may require significant amounts of material

This may require a significant amount of material, which increases the cost of the container and makes its disposal difficult

[0010] Third, some conventional rigid containers for fluid products can be difficult to decorate

The size, shape (e.g. curved surfaces) and / or material of some rigid containers make it difficult to print directly on their exterior surfaces

Labeling requires additional materials and handling, and limits the size and shape of decorations

Packaging provides a large decorative area, but also requires additional materials and handling, often at significant cost

[0011] Fourth, some conventional rigid containers used for fluid products may be prone to certain kinds of damage

If a rigid container is pressed against a hard object, the container can become dented, which can make it look unsightly

And if a rigid container is dropped, the container may break, which can result in loss of its fluid product

[0012] Fifth, some fluid products in conventional rigid containers can be difficult to dispense

Other users may need to apply so much hand force that they cannot easily control the degree to which the container is deformed; these users may dispense more fluid product than they desire

[0013] Sixth, when using conventional rigid containers, it may be difficult for manufacturers to change such containers from one product size to another

[0018] Thus, while product manufacturers often need to vary the amount of fluid product in their containers, doing so can be costly, time-consuming, and challenging to fit; thus, when using conventional rigid containers, manufacturers may have difficulty Changing such containers from one product size to another

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