Flexible package and method of forming a cuff

Abstract

A package having a foldable top region is provided. The package generally includes panel portions that at least partially define an interior cavity therebetween and accessible through an access opening. The top portion can provide a cuff member or cuff region that can be folded and unfolded to facilitate use of the package as a bowl or other cuffed container for material contents. The package can be adapted to hold its shape as a bowl or cuffed container.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 080,102, filed Jul. 11, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to packages having a cuff, and methods for forming a cuff or cuffed region, or using packages as a bowl.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Flexible packages used for items like food, liquid and other material content are meant to store, transport and serve as the consumption container. Namely, it is often desirable to have a package adapted for the end user to consume the contents directly from the package, rather than transferring the contents to a bowl, plate, or other container or device. Such conventional designs are often cumbersome and difficult to use. For instance, typical stand-up packages are not capable of use as a bowl or to drink out of because they are not genera...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The package can include a top region proximate the access opening, the top region having a cuff member, such as an access device for one-time or re-closeable use. The access device can permit selective access into the internal cavity of the package through the access opening. The top region can be foldable about a fold area proximate the cuff member such that a cuff is presented. It is envisioned that various creases, or added structures such as rigid or semi-rigid members, can be provided along or proximate the fold area to facilitate folding along the fold area.

Problems solved by technology

Such conventional designs are often cumbersome and difficult to use.

For instance, typical stand-up packages are not capable of use as a bowl or to drink out of because they are not generally stable, are not able to hold their shape, and present sharp points or edges that can cause injury.

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