Flexible pouch with ergonomic shape and method of forming

Abstract

An ergonomically beneficial flexible 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. The flexible pouch may include 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. For an ergonomic flexible pouch containing a carbonated product, the pressure in the pouch from the carbonated product ergonomically shapes the pouch, such that the front wall and the back wall each have a longitudinally oriented convex shape and the sealed side edge and the smooth side edge each have a longitudinally oriented concave shape.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 195,906 filed Aug. 3, 2005, which 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 an ergonomically beneficial shape 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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] One advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch with an ergonomical shape 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 of the present invention is that the pouch stands up and is made of a laminate material with an opening means. Still another advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch is filled with a carbonated product, has an ergonomic shape and is comfortable for a user to hold. A further advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pouch is filled with a carbonated product and has a spout fitment and cap.

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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