Flexible pouch with flat seam and method of forming

Abstract

A flexible pouch with a flat seam for containing a product and a method of forming the pouch is provided. The pouch includes a panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, and an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and two side edges extending therebetween. One side edge is positioned over the second edge and sealed to form a flat seam that lies flat against the outer surface of the panel. An upper edge of the pouch includes a first ultrasonic closing seal, and a second seal is positioned above the first closing seal. The pouch also includes opening means integral with the panel for accessing a product contained within the pouch.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 598,394 filed Aug. 3, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to a flexible pouch for packaging a product and, more specifically, to a flexible pouch with a flat seam for packaging a product and a method of manufacturing the same. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Various types of disposable, portable containers are known in the art for storing a fluid or dry product, such as a liquid, granular material, powder or the like. Examples of containers include a cup, a metal can, a plastic bottle, a glass bottle or a flexible pouch. Consumers prefer the convenience of flexible pouches over other types of containers due to their shape, size, shelf life and storage adaptability. Manufacturers recognize the packaging benefits of a flexible pouch, since th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] One advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch with a flat seam and an improved method of making the flexible pouch is provided. Another advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and method of making a flexible pouch is provided that utilizes a laminate material that includes PET, foil, nylon and cast polypropylene. Still another advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and the method of making a flexible pouch is provided that includes a flat seam with edges that overlap. A further advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and method of making a flexible pouch is provided that includes a flat seam with edges that fold over to form a flap, and the flap lies flat against the pouch with no sharp edges. Still a further advantage of the present invention is a flexible pouch and a method of making a flexible pouch filled with a product is provided that is cost effective to manufacture. Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch retains its shape as the product is removed. Still yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch includes an insert so that it can stand upright unsupported. Another advantage is that the pouch stands up and is made of a laminate material with an opening means.

Problems solved by technology

However, their use with other types of beverages, including carbonated beverages, has been limited.

The presence of oxygen in the filled pouch increases the chance of bacteria forming, or may affect the taste.

Also, the potential shapes for the pouch are limited using a “fin” edge.

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