High-Clarity, Cast Polypropylene Produce Pouch and Method

Abstract

A high-clarity, cast polypropylene produce pouch with first and second sidewalls and a bottom panel joined to form a pouch wherein the first and second sidewalls and the bottom panel are formed from cast polypropylene. The bottom panel can be a bottom gusset panel. The first and second sidewalls and the bottom gusset panel can have edges joined by side welding or heat sealing. Zipper or slide closures can close the first and second sidewalls. A method for forming a high-clarity, cast polypropylene produce pouch comprises creating a polypropylene (PP) resin, passing the polypropylene (PP) resin through a cast extruding machine and extruding molten polypropylene (PP) to produced extruded polypropylene (PP), rolling the extruded polypropylene (PP) in a cooling roller, and applying a surface-modifying corona treatment to the extruded polypropylene (PP).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to flexible containers. More particularly, disclosed herein is a flexible, self-standing produce pouch of high-clarity, cast polypropylene film for containing loose produce, particularly fruits and vegetables.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Prior art bags or pouches for fruits, vegetables, and other produce are often crafted from an extruded tube of thermoplastic film. The thermoplastic film is assembled by heat sealing and processed to yield a finished pouch. Processing steps commonly include hole punching, perforating, and potentially further manufacturing steps designed to produce a specified pouch. Pouches are commonly crafted with rectangular or tapered shapes. Some pouches have zipper or slide closures with engaging male and female strips that can be selectively engaged to seal the mouth of the pouch. Other pouches are designed for being tied or fastened in a closed configuration. Pouches can incorporate hand...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]A further object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a produce pouch with high-clarity characteristics that better tolerates temperature variations.

[0011]An additional object of the invention is to provide a produce pouch that can be manufactured and sold with cost efficiency.

[0012]Still another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a high-clarity produce pouch that is capable of being self-standing when retaining goods.

[0013]These and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious not only to one wh

Problems solved by technology

However, the laminated film is approximately three times the cost of coextruded polyethylene.

However, although desirable, high-clarity packaging can entail increased production costs.

Moreover, existing hig

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