Flexible pouch for an alcoholic beverage and method of forming

Abstract

A flexible pouch for packaging an alcoholic beverage and a method of forming is provided. The flexible pouch includes a panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, and an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and a first side edge and a second side edge. The upper edge is sealed by a first seal and a second seal spaced a predetermined distance from the first seal, so that some of the beverage is trapped between the first seal and second seal. The pouch also includes an opening means disposed in the panel for accessing the beverage. The method includes the steps of forming a body of the pouch from a roll of laminate material, and sealing the lower edge, first side edge and second side edge, applying an opening means to the panel and finishing the pouch.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This Application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 779,796 filed Mar. 7, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a flexible pouch for packaging a product and, more specifically, to a flexible pouch for packaging a beverage containing alcohol and a method of manufacturing the same. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART [0003] 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 adaptabilily. Manufacturers recognize the packaging benefits of a flexible pouch, since the pouch can be formed and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] One advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch for an alcoholic beverage 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 layers of 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 an angled top seal to facilitate pouring the product from the pouch. A further advantage of the present invention is that a flexible pouch and method of making a flexible pouch 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 a flexible pouch and method of making the flexible pouch is provided that retains its flavor over the shelf life of the product. Another advantage is that a flexible pouch and method of making a flexible pouch is provided that includes a hanging hole in an upper portion of the pouch.

Problems solved by technology

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

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

While the above-described pouch functions well for some products, it doesn't function satisfactorily for a beverage having an alcoholic content, such as wine, beer or liquor or the like.

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