Flexible containers with venting structure

Abstract

In a container (100) made of flexible laminate sheets (180-1, 180-2) and including a product space and dispensing and optional venting structures, a flow channel (159) in fluid communication with theproduct space (150) and with a normally closed dispenser (160) is provided. When a squeeze force is applied to the product space (150) the dispenser (160) opens and the container dispenses the fluentproduct from the product volume, through the flow channel, and out the dispenser.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to flexible containers, and in particular to flexible containers having vented structures. Background technique [0002] Flowable products include liquid products and / or pourable solid products. In various embodiments, a container can be used to receive, contain and dispense one or more fluent products. Also, in various embodiments, containers may be used to receive, hold and / or dispense individual articles or separately packaged portions of products. A container may contain one or more product spaces. The product space is configured to be filled with one or more fluent products. While filling the product space of the container, the container receives the fluent product. Once filled to the desired volume, the container can be configured to hold the fluent product in its product space until the fluent product is dispensed. The container holds the fluent product by providing a barrier around the fluent produc...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

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

[0008] Second, some conventional rigid containers for flowable products may require significant amounts of material

This may require a significant amount of material, which increases the cost of the container and may lead to difficulties in its disposal

[0009] Third, some conventional rigid containers for flowy 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

[0010] Fourth, some conventional rigid containers used for flowable 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 the rigid container is dropped, the container can break, which can cause loss of its flowable product

[0011] Fifth, some runny 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 runny product than they desire

[0012] Sixth, when using conventional rigid containers, it may be difficult for manufacturers to change such containers from one product size to another

Unfortunately, making new sizes of said containers can be expensive, time consuming and challenging to coordinate

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