Structured reclosable packaging

Abstract

Disclosed herein is flexible packaging with a relative rigid structure portion, and an efficient method for manufacturing the same, that provides flexible packaging with an interior support that is able to contain products such as snacks, confections, pet foods, and liquids. The present invention provides for shearing and reinforcing portions of a primary web to form a bag. A supportive structure is also sheared and configured into a predetermined shape. The supportive structure is affixed inside the lower portion of the bag and provides form and support to the bag. The bag may also have a reclosable top portion that encloses the contents of the packaging.

Description

[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 698,009, filed Oct. 26, 2000, entitled “CUTTING AND LAMINATING APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING REINFORCED WEB,” and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 410,149, filed Sep. 12, 2002, entitled “FLAT-BOTTOMED RECLOSABLE PACKAGE WITH GUSSETS.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to reclosable packaging with interior support, and manufacturing processes for the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to packaging that may include properties of both a reclosable / resealable bag, but more specifically the characteristics of a structured canister that provides support and protection to the contents of the packaging. The packaging of the present invention may be used to contain foodstuffs in a structured and supported manner that has the outward look and feel of a flexible bag. [0003] Various existing packaging designs provide a reclosable feature that allows the contents of the packag...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention provides a cost effective rigid packaging that maintains the versatility and manufacturing benefits of a more flexible bag / package. The structured packaging of the present invention minimizes the materials required for producing each bag and reduces the overall production expenses by decreasing the number of manufacturing steps. Additionally, the present invention provides a reclosable structured packaging that is not limited to the methods of enclosing rigid canisters. Any of the existing methods of enclosing bag packaging are usable with the structured packaging of the present invention. This and other benefits of the dual nature of a structured bag are achieved by the present invention.

Problems solved by technology

However, the designs fail to address certain needs of the modern consumer.

For instance, the bag designs offer little if any protection for the contents they enclose.

Further, bag packaging generally cannot maintain a predetermined shape or configuration, nor stand upright.

While pouch packaging can usually maintain its upright position, it fails to offer strong protection for its contents.

Pouch packaging typically requires more side seals than exist on standard bag packaging, thereby incurring additional time and expense for the manufacturing process of pouch packaging.

Canister designs typically provide more support and protection to their contents than bag designs, but available canisters have a limited number of shapes or configurations and are restricted in the types of reclosable lids they can use.

Perhaps even more significant, canister designs require dense materials that are expensive to acquire, manufacture, and transport.

Images