Flexible container with pop-up spout

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In one embodiment, the flexible container includes a first multilayer film and a second multilayer film. Each multilayer film includes an inner sealing layer. The multilayer films are arranged in such a manner that the sealing layers face each other and the second multilayer film is superimposed on the first multilayer film. The multilayer films are sealed along a common peripheral edge. The flexible container includes an aperture in one of the multilayer films, and a pop-up spout extends through the aperture. The pop-up spout has a flange that seals to the multilayer film around the orifice. The pop-up spout includes an ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer.

Description

[0001] This invention application is a divisional application based on a patent application with an application date of September 27, 2017, application number 201780055128.X (international application number PCT / US2017 / 053643), and invention name “Flexible container with pop-up spout”. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to fitments for flexible containers.

[0003] Flexible bags with a fitment are known. The fitment is a rigid pouring spout for delivering a flowable material from a flexible container or bag. Such bags are often referred to as "pour bags".

[0004] Conventional pour bags typically include a fitment having a canoe-shaped base that is sandwiched between opposing flexible films and heat sealed along the peripheral edge of the bag. As such, the position of the fitment is constrained - limited to the edge of the pour bag. The limited peripheral position of the fitment also limits the pouring geometry of the pour bag. Furthermore, sealing the fitment to the bag edge is problematic because it requires precise alignment between the fitment base and the flexible film in order to reduce the risk of a poor seal. As a result, the production process without the necessary precision suffers from a high rate of seal failures.

[0005] The art recognizes the need for flexible bags that are not limited to fitment locations along the peripheral edge of the package, and also recognizes the need to reduce the incidence of leaks during flexible bag production. The art further recognizes the need for flexible bags with alternating pouring geometries other than those provided by peripheral edge fitments. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a flexible container with a surface mounted pop-up spout. The pop-up spout location is not limited to the peripheral edge of the flexible container. The pop-up spout has a retractable spout design, which provides improved flow direction and volume control for the flexible container.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In one embodiment, the flexible container includes a first multilayer film and a second multilayer film. Each multilayer film includes an internal sealing layer. The multilayer films are arranged in a manner such that the sealing layers are opposite to each other and the second multilayer film is superimposed on the first multilayer film. The multilayer films are sealed along a common peripheral edge. The flexible container includes an orifice in one of the multilayer films, and a pop-up spout extends through the orifice (or extends from the orifice). The pop-up spout has a flange of the multilayer film sealed to the orifice. The pop-up spout includes an ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer.

[0008] The present disclosure provides another flexible container. In one embodiment, the flexible container includes: a front panel and a rear panel. The front panel is superimposed on the rear panel. A first gusset and a second gusset are located between the front panel and the rear panel. Each panel is composed of a multilayer film, and each multilayer film includes an internal sealing layer. The panels are heat sealed along a common peripheral edge. The flexible container includes an orifice in one of the panels, and a pop-up spout extends through the orifice (or extends from the orifice). The pop-up spout has a flange sealed to the internal sealing layer of the panel at the orifice. The pop-up spout includes an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

[0009] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container having a pop-up spout that can be used with form-fill and seal manufacturing equipment.

[0010] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container having an injection molded pop-up spout with a flexible valve made in the same injection molding operation and from the same material as the pop-up spout.

[0011] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container with a pop-up spout that provides improved flow control for pouring flowable materials, such as liquids.

[0012] An advantage of the present disclosure is that the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer pop-up spout provides comfort to the user when the spout is brought directly to the person's mouth to consume the food contained in the flexible container.

[0013] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container having a flexible and resilient pop-up spout that can act as a tip or straw for aspirating the contents from the flexible container.

[0014] The advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container having a pop-up spout protected by a pressure-sensitive-adhesive (PSA) film, which prevents the spout from prematurely extending. The PSA also provides sterility for the pop-up spout before use and acts as tamper evidence for the consumer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flexible container with a pop-up spout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a pop-up spout of FIG. 1 , with the pop-up device in a retracted position.

[0017] Figure 2A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge of the pop-up spout in the retracted state Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A.

[0018] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A perspective view of a pop-up spout of FIG. 1 , wherein the pop-up spout is in a neutral state.

[0019] Figure 3A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge of the pop-up nozzle in a neutral state Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A.

[0020] Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a person will be in Figure 3 A perspective view of a pop-up spout in a neutral position moving to an extended position.

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a pop-up spout in an extended state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge of the pop-up nozzle in the extended state Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A.

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a flowable material being dispensed through a pop-up spout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another flexible container with a pop-up spout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 0026] A front view of a flexible container illustrating dispensing of a flowable material through a pop-up spout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] definition

[0027] All references herein to the periodic table of the elements shall refer to the periodic table of the elements published and copyrighted by CRC Press, Inc. in 2003. In addition, any reference to one or more families shall be to the family or families reflected in this periodic table using the IUPAC system for family numbering. Unless stated to the contrary, implied by the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight. For purposes of U.S. patent practice, the contents of any patent, patent application, or publication mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety (or their equivalent U.S. versions are so incorporated by reference), especially in terms of disclosure of synthesis techniques, definitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitions provided herein), and common knowledge in the art.

[0028] The numerical range disclosed herein includes all values ​​from the upper limit and the lower limit, and includes the upper limit and the lower limit. For the range containing the exact value (e.g., 1 or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7), any sub-range between any two exact values ​​is included (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6, etc.).

[0029] Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight, and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

[0030] As used herein, the term "composition" refers to a mixture comprising materials of the composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition.

[0031] The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and derivatives thereof are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional components, steps, or procedures, whether or not the components, steps, or procedures are specifically disclosed. For the avoidance of any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additives, adjuvants, or compounds, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary. Conversely, the term "consisting essentially of excludes from the scope of any subsequently recited component, step, or procedure, except those that are not essential to operability. The term "consisting of excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically recited or listed.

[0032] Density was measured according to ASTM D792.

[0033] Elastic recovery was measured as follows. Using an Instron TM Universal testing machine with 300% min. -1 The deformation rate measures the stress-strain properties in uniaxial tension. 300% elastic recovery is determined using ASTM D 1708 microtensile specimens by loading to 300% strain followed by unloading cycles. The percent recovery for all experiments is calculated after an unloading cycle using a strain that returns the load to the baseline. The percent recovery is defined as:

[0034] Recovery% = 100*(Ef-Es) / Ef

[0035] where Ef is the strain employed for cyclic loading and Es is the strain at which loading returns to baseline after an unloading cycle.

[0036] As used herein, "ethylene-based polymer" is a polymer that contains greater than 50 mole percent polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.

[0037] Melt flow rate (MFR) was measured according to ASTM D 1238, Condition 280°C / 2.16 kg (g / 10 min).

[0038] Melt index (MI) is measured according to ASTM D 1238, Condition 190°C / 2.16 kg (g / 10 min).

[0039] Shore A hardness was measured according to ASTM D 2240.

[0040] As used herein, Tm or "melting point" (also referred to as melting peak, with reference to the shape of the DSC curve plotted) is typically measured by the DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) technique for measuring the melting point or peak of polyolefins as described in USP 5,783,638. It should be noted that many blends containing two or more polyolefins will have more than one melting point or peak, and many individual polyolefins will contain only one melting point or peak.

[0041] As used herein, "olefin-based polymers" are polymers containing greater than 50 mole % polymerized olefin monomers (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and optionally may contain at least one comonomer. Non-limiting examples of olefin-based polymers include ethylene-based polymers and propylene-based polymers.

[0042] "Polymer" is a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or different types, that provide multiple and / or repeating "units" or "monomer units" constituting the polymer in polymerized form. Therefore, the general term polymer encompasses the term homopolymer, which is generally used to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer, and the term copolymer, which is generally used to refer to polymers prepared from at least two types of monomers. It also encompasses all forms of copolymers, for example, random copolymers, block copolymers, etc. The terms "ethylene / α-olefin polymer" and "propylene / α-olefin polymer" refer to copolymers prepared by polymerizing ethylene or propylene with one or more additional polymerizable α-olefin monomers, respectively, as described above. It should be noted that although polymers are often referred to as being "made of" one or more specific monomers, "based on" a specific monomer or monomer type, "containing" a specific monomer content, etc., in this context, the term "monomer" should be understood to refer to the polymerized remains of a specific monomer, rather than an unpolymerized species. In general, the polymer herein refers to a "unit" based on the corresponding monomer in polymerized form.

[0043] A "propylene-based polymer" is a polymer that contains greater than 50 mole percent polymerized propylene monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers), and optionally may contain at least one comonomer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In one embodiment, the flexible container includes a first multilayer film and a second multilayer film. Each multilayer film includes an inner sealing layer. The multilayer films are arranged in a manner such that the sealing layers are opposite to each other and the second multilayer film is superimposed on the first multilayer film. The multilayer films are sealed along a common peripheral edge. An orifice is present in one of the multilayer films. A pop-up spout extends from the orifice. The pop-up spout has a flange of the multilayer film sealed to the orifice. The pop-up spout is composed of an ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer.

[0045] 1. Multilayer film

[0046] The flexible container of the present invention comprises a first multilayer film and a second multilayer film. It should be understood that the flexible container may comprise two, three, four, five or six or more multilayer films. Each multilayer film is flexible and has at least two or at least three layers. The flexible multilayer film is elastic, flexible, deformable and bendable. The structure and composition of each multilayer film may be the same or different. For example, each of the two opposing multilayer films may be made of a separate web, each having a unique structure and / or a unique composition, finishing or printing. Alternatively, each multilayer film may be of the same structure and the same composition.

[0047] The flexible multilayer film is composed of a polymer material. Non-limiting examples of suitable polymer materials include olefin-based polymers; propylene-based polymers; ethylene-based polymers; polyamides (such as nylon), ethylene-acrylic acid or ethylene-methacrylic acid and ionomers thereof with zinc, sodium, lithium, potassium or magnesium salts; ethylenevinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers; and blends thereof. The flexible multilayer film may be printable or compatible to receive a pressure-sensitive label or other type of label for displaying indicia on a flexible container.

[0048] In one embodiment, a flexible multilayer film is provided and comprises at least three layers: (i) an outermost layer, (ii) one or more core layers, and (iii) an innermost sealing layer. The outermost layer (i) and the innermost sealing layer (iii) are surface layers, wherein the one or more core layers (ii) are sandwiched between the surface layers. The outermost layer may include (ai) HDPE, (b-ii) a propylene-based polymer or a combination of (ai) and (b-ii) alone or with other olefin-based polymers such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Non-limiting examples of suitable propylene-based polymers include propylene homopolymers, random propylene / alpha-olefin copolymers (mostly propylene with less than 10% by weight of ethylene comonomers) and propylene impact copolymers (heterogeneous propylene / ethylene copolymer rubber phases dispersed in a matrix phase).

[0049] For one or more core layers (ii), the total number of layers in the multilayer film of the present invention can be three layers (one core layer), or four layers (two core layers), or five layers (three core layers), or six layers (four core layers), or seven layers (five core layers) to eight layers (six core layers), or nine layers (seven core layers), or ten layers (eight core layers), or eleven layers (nine core layers), or more layers.

[0050] The thickness of each multilayer film is 75 micrometers, or 100 micrometers, or 125 micrometers, or 150 micrometers to 200 micrometers, or 250 micrometers, or 300 micrometers, or 350 micrometers, or 400 micrometers.

[0051] In one embodiment, each multilayer film is a flexible multilayer film having the same structure and the same composition.

[0052] The flexible multilayer film can be (i) a coextruded multilayer structure or (ii) a laminate or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has at least three layers: a sealing layer, an outer layer and a tie layer therebetween. The tie layer adjoins the sealing layer to the outer layer. The flexible multilayer film can include one or more optional inner layers disposed between the sealing layer and the outer layer.

[0053] In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film with at least two layers, or three layers, or four layers, or five layers, or six layers, or seven to eight layers, or nine layers, or 10 layers, or 11 layers, or more layers. For example, some methods for configuring the film are by casting coextrusion or blow molding coextrusion method, adhesive lamination, extrusion lamination, thermal lamination and coating such as vapor deposition. The combination of these methods is also possible. Except polymeric material, the film layer can include additives commonly used in the packaging industry, such as stabilizer, slip additive, anti-adhesive additive, processing aid, clarifying agent, nucleating agent, pigment or coloring agent, filler and reinforcing agent etc. Particularly useful is to select additives and polymeric material with suitable sense organ and / or optical property.

[0054] In one embodiment, the outermost layer comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE). In another embodiment, the HDPE is a substantially linear multicomponent ethylene-based copolymer (EPE), such as ELITE PE provided by The Dow Chemical Company. TM Resin.

[0055] In one embodiment, each core layer comprises one or more linear or substantially linear ethylene-based polymers or block copolymers having a density of 0.908 g / cc, or 0.912 g / cc, or 0.92 g / cc, or 0.921 g / cc to 0.925 g / cc, or less than 0.93 g / cc. In one embodiment, each of the one or more core layers comprises one or more ethylene / C3-C8 alpha-olefin copolymers selected from the group consisting of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), multicomponent ethylene-based polymers ("EPE"), olefin block copolymers (OBC), plastomers / elastomers, and single-site catalyzed linear low density polyethylene (m-LLDPE).

[0056] In one embodiment, the sealing layer comprises one or more ethylene-based polymers having a density of 0.86 g / cc, or 0.87 g / cc, or 0.875 g / cc, or 0.88 g / cc, or 0.89 g / cc to 0.90 g / cc, or 0.902 g / cc, or 0.91 g / cc, or 0.92 g / cc. In another embodiment, the sealing layer comprises one or more ethylene / C3-C8 alpha-olefin copolymers selected from EPE, plastomers / elastomers or m-LLDPE.

[0057] In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film, and the sealant layer is composed of an ethylene-based polymer such as a linear or substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an α-olefin monomer (such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene), or a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer, wherein the ethylene-based polymer has a Tm of 55° C. to 115° C. and a density of 0.865 to 0.925 g / cm 3 , or 0.875 to 0.910 g / cm 3 , or 0.888 to 0.900 g / cm 3 , and the outer layer is composed of polyamide with a Tm of 170°C to 270°C.

[0058] In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film and / or laminated film having at least five layers, wherein the coextruded film has a sealing layer and an outermost layer, wherein the sealing layer is composed of an ethylene-based polymer such as a linear or substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an α-olefin comonomer (such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene), or a linear or substantially linear polymer catalyzed by a single site, wherein the ethylene-based polymer has a Tm of 55° C. to 115° C. and a density of 0.865 to 0.925 g / cm 3 , or 0.875 to 0.910 g / cm 3 , or 0.888 to 0.900 g / cm 3 , and the outermost layer is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of HDPE, EPE, LLDPE, OPET (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate), OPP (oriented polypropylene), BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), polyamide and combinations thereof.

[0059] In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film and / or a laminated film having at least seven layers. The sealing layer is composed of an ethylene-based polymer such as a linear or substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an α-olefin comonomer (such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene), or a linear or substantially linear polymer catalyzed by a single site, wherein the ethylene-based polymer has a Tm of 55° C. to 115° C. and a density of 0.865 to 0.925 g / cm 3 , or 0.875 to 0.910 g / cm 3 , or 0.888 to 0.900 g / cm 3 The outer layer is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of HDPE, EPE, LLDPE, OPET, OPP, BOPP, polyamide and combinations thereof.

[0060] In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded (or laminated) film of three or more layers, wherein all layers are composed of ethylene-based polymers. In another embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded (or laminated) film of three or more layers, wherein each layer is composed of an ethylene-based polymer, and (1) the sealing layer is composed of a linear or substantially linear ethylene-based polymer, or a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an α-olefin comonomer (such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene), wherein the ethylene-based polymer has a Tm of 55° C. to 115° C. and a density of 0.865 to 0.925 g / cm 3 , or 0.875 to 0.910 g / cm 3 , or 0.888 to 0.900 g / cm 3; and (2) the outer layer comprises one or more ethylene-based polymers selected from HDPE, EPE, LLDPE or m-LLDPE; and (3) each of the one or more core layers comprises one or more ethylene / C3-C8 α-olefin comonomers selected from LDPE, LLDPE, ULDPE, VLDPE, EPE, olefin block copolymers (OBC), plastomers / elastomers and m-LLDPE.

[0061] In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded and / or laminated five-layer film, or a coextruded (or laminated) seven-layer film, having at least one layer containing OPET or OPP.

[0062] In one embodiment, the flexible multi-layer film is a coextruded (or laminated) five-layer film, or a coextruded (or laminated) seven-layer film, which has at least one layer containing polyamide.

[0063] In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a seven-layer coextruded (or laminated) film having a sealing layer, wherein the sealing layer is composed of an ethylene-based polymer or a linear or substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an α-olefin monomer (such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene) with a Tm of 90°C to 106°C, or a linear or substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an α-olefin monomer (such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene), or a linear or substantially linear polymer catalyzed by a single site. The outer layer is a polyamide with a Tm of 170°C to 270°C. The film has an inner layer (first inner layer) composed of a second ethylene-based polymer different from the ethylene-based polymer in the sealing layer. The film has an inner layer (second inner layer) composed of a polyamide that is the same as or different from the polyamide in the outer layer. The thickness of the seven-layer film is 100 microns to 250 microns.

[0064] In one embodiment, if Figure 1-6 A flexible container 10 is provided as shown in FIG. The flexible container 10 includes a first multilayer film 12 (front film 12) and a second multilayer film 14 (rear film 14). The multilayer films 12, 14 can be any flexible multilayer film as previously disclosed herein. The rear film 14 is superimposed on the front film 12. Each film 12, 14 has a corresponding sealing layer containing an olefin-based polymer. The sealing layer of the front film 12 is opposite to the sealing layer of the rear film 14.

[0065] The flexible container 10 also includes a gusset 16. The gusset 16 is formed by the front film 12 and / or the back film 14. The gusset 16 includes a gusset edge 18. The gusset 16 provides (1) structural integrity to support the flexible container and its contents from leaking and (2) stability to allow the flexible container to stand upright (supporting the gusset edge on a surface such as a horizontal surface or a substantially horizontal surface) without tipping over. In this sense, the flexible container 10 is a "stand up pouch" or "SUP (stand up pouch)".

[0066] The front film 12 and the back film 14 are sealed around a common peripheral edge 20. In one embodiment, the front film 12, the back film 14 and the gusset edge 18 are heat-sealed to each other along the common peripheral edge 20. As used herein, the term "heat sealing process" or "heat sealing" and similar terms are operations of placing two or more films of polymeric materials between opposing heat sealing bars, which move toward each other, sandwich the films to apply heat and pressure to the films so that the opposing inner surfaces (sealing layers) of the films contact, melt and form a heat seal or weld to connect the films to each other. Heat sealing includes suitable structures and mechanisms to move the sealing bars toward and away from each other in order to perform the heat sealing process.

[0067] In one embodiment, the handle 21 is present in the top heat seal 23 of the flexible bag 10. In yet another embodiment, the handle 21 is a cut handle formed by side cuts and a bottom cut in the top seal 23, wherein the flaps of the film are connected along the top of the cut area. The flaps are folded to extend outwardly, and thereby the flexible container 10 is carried or otherwise handled with the help of the handle 21 to provide comfort for the human hand.

[0068] The orifice 22 is present in one of the multilayer films. The orifice 22 is sized or otherwise configured so that a portion of the pop-up spout 24 extends through the orifice 22 and the diameter of the flange 28 is too large to pass through the orifice 22. In this way, the flange 28 is positioned inside the container and the remainder of the spout extends outward from the multilayer film. Alternatively, the flange 28 is adhered to the outermost layer of the multilayer film and the pop-up spout 24 extends outward from the orifice 22. The flange is adhered to the outer surface of the multilayer film by means of heat sealing, adhesive sealing, and combinations thereof.

[0069] 2. Pop-up spout

[0070] Pop-up spout 24 is made of ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer. Pop-up spout 24 is hollow and has a passage 26 extending through it. Pop-up spout 24 includes a flange 28 located at the proximal end and a distribution outlet 30 (or outlet 30) located at the distal end. There are a plurality of integrally connected foldable panels 32a-32e between flange 28 and outlet 30. The foldable panels are integrally connected by means of a plurality of flexible elbows 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d and 34e. Flange 28, outlet 30, foldable panels 32a-32e and flexible elbows 34a-34e are connected, and each is made of the same ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer (or the same polymer blend as will be discussed below). Flexible elbows connect foldable panels to each other and make adjacent foldable panels bend or move hingedly relative to each other. Pop-up spout 24 is an integral part. In other words, the flange 28, outlet 30, foldable panels 32a-32e and flexible elbows 34a-34e are each part of the same molded article, each formed from the same polymer material - a single unitary part.

[0071] In one embodiment, two or more components of the pop-up spout 24 are made of different polymer materials. For example, the outlet 30 and / or the flexible valve 36 can be made of a polymer material (to form a bite valve) that is harder than another polymer material (such as ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer / HDPE blend) that forms the other components-foldable panels, foldable elbows, flanges. As another example, the flange 28 can be made of a polymer material that promotes heat sealing with a multi-layer film, while the other components (foldable panels, foldable elbows, outlets, valves) are formed of another and different polymer material (such as ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer / HDPE blend) to achieve the pop-up feature of the spout 24. Such multi-material spouts can be produced by means of a two-molding process or a multi-molding process.

[0072] In one embodiment, the foldable panels 32a-32e are arranged concentrically relative to each other. Figure 1-6 A pop-up spout 24 is shown with five foldable panels, but it should be understood that the pop-up spout 24 can have 2, or 3, or 4, or 5 to 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10 or more foldable panels. The flexible elbows 34a-34e enable the foldable panels to fold over themselves in an accordion-like manner, whereby the panels fold in an alternating manner, similar to the bellows of an accordion, and as Figure 2A. Each flexible elbow 34a-34e is elastic and movable, and each flexible elbow has the ability to bend to a retracted state and extend to a partially extended state, or to a fully extended state. A restraining member extending across the diameter of the flange 28 is required to maintain the pop-up spout 24 in the retracted state. The pop-up spout has an inherent compression force or an inherent outward thrust that naturally moves at least one of the flexible elbows to a fully extended state, as will be disclosed in detail below.

[0073] Individually, each foldable panel is a hollow tube that is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape. Figure 2A , 3A As shown in Fig. 5A, the diameter of each foldable panel 32a-32e decreases from the proximal end of the flexible spout (i.e., flange 28) to the distal end of the spout (i.e., outlet 30). In other words, the diameter of each panel (cylinder) is smaller than the diameter of the front panel (cylinder) from the flange (proximal end) to the outlet (distal end). The foldable panels 32a-32e provide vertical rise for the pop-up spout 24.

[0074] In one embodiment, the outlet 30 has a radius A such as Figure 5A Radius A is smaller than radius B of foldable panel 32a, which is smaller than radius C of foldable panel 32b, which is smaller than radius D of foldable panel 32c, which is smaller than radius E of foldable panel 32d, which is smaller than radius F of foldable channel 32e, which is smaller than radius G of flange 28. In this way, when in a position such as Figure 2A When in the retracted state X shown in FIG. , the foldable panels are nested concentrically with each other. As used herein, the term "retracted state" (or "retracted state X") is the configuration of the pop-up spout 24 whereby each flexible elbow 34a-34e is retracted. Figure 2A As shown in , when in the retracted state X, the outlet 30 is concentrically the innermost panel. Figure 2A , 3A As shown in FIG. 5A , the outlet 30 has the smallest diameter and the flange 28 has the largest diameter.

[0075] In one embodiment, a portion of the pop-up spout 24 extends through the orifice 22. The flange 28 is positioned inside the flexible container 10 and contacts one of the multi-layer films, in this case the sealing layer of the front film 12. The flange 28 is connected along the peripheral area of ​​the front film 12, which defines the orifice. The connection between the film sealing layer and the flange 28 is made by means of (i) heat sealing, (ii) adhesive sealing, and (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii).

[0076] Alternatively, the flange 28 may be sealed to the outermost layer of the front film 12 (or the back film 14). The bonding between the flange 28 and the outermost layer may be by means of (i) heat sealing, (ii) adhesive sealing, and (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii).

[0077] In one embodiment, the pop-up spout 24 has a wall thickness T such as Figure 2A , 3A 5A. Each of the components of the pop-up spout—flange 28, outlet 30, foldable panels 32a-32e, and flexible elbows 34a-34e—has the same or substantially the same wall thickness. In yet another embodiment, the wall thickness T of each component of the pop-up spout 24 is the same and is 0.2 mm, or 0.3 mm, or 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, or 0.8 mm, or 0.9 mm, or 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm, or 1.5 mm, or 1.7 mm, or 1.9 mm, or 2.0 mm.

[0078] 3. Ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer

[0079] The pop-up nozzle 24 is formed by an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer. The term "ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer" includes ethylene and one or more copolymerizable α-olefin comonomers in polymerized form, characterized by multiple blocks or segments of two or more polymerized monomer units that are different in chemical or physical properties. The term "ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer" includes block copolymers having two blocks (diblocks) and more than two blocks (multi-blocks). The terms "interpolymer" and "copolymer" are used interchangeably herein. When the amount of "ethylene" or "comonomer" is mentioned in the copolymer, it is understood that this means its polymerized unit. In some embodiments, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer can be represented by the following formula:

[0080] (AB) n

[0081] Wherein n is at least 1, preferably an integer greater than 1, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or more, "A" represents a hard block or segment and "B" represents a soft block or segment. Preferably, A and B are connected or covalently bonded in a substantially linear manner, or in a linear manner, relative to a substantially branched or substantially star-shaped manner. In other embodiments, the A blocks and B blocks are randomly distributed along the polymer chain. In other words, the block copolymer generally does not have the following structure:

[0082] AAA-AA-BBB-BB

[0083] In still other embodiments, the block copolymers generally do not have a third type of block comprising a different comonomer. In yet other embodiments, each of block A and block B has monomers or comonomers that are substantially randomly distributed within the block. In other words, neither block A nor block B comprises two or more sub-segments (or sub-blocks) of different compositions, such as end segments, which have a composition that is substantially different from the rest of the block.

[0084] Preferably, ethylene accounts for most of the mole fraction of the whole block copolymer, i.e., ethylene accounts for at least 50 mol% of the whole polymer. More preferably, ethylene accounts for at least 60 mol%, at least 70 mol% or at least 80 mol%, wherein the substantially remaining portion of the whole polymer comprises at least one other comonomer, which is preferably an alpha-olefin with 3 or more carbon atoms. In some embodiments, ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymers may include 50 mol% to 90 mol%, or 60 mol% to 85 mol%, or 65 mol% to 80 mol% of ethylene. For a variety of ethylene / octene multi-block copolymers, the composition includes an ethylene content greater than 80 mol% of the whole polymer and an octene content of 10 mol% to 15 mol%, or 15 mol% to 20 mol% of the whole polymer.

[0085] Ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymers include various amounts of "hard" segments and "soft" segments. "Hard" segments are blocks of polymerized units, wherein based on the weight of the polymer, ethylene is present in an amount greater than 90 wt %, or 95 wt %, or greater than 95 wt %, or greater than 98 wt %, up to 100 wt %. In other words, based on the weight of the polymer, the comonomer content (excluding the content of the monomer of ethylene) in the hard segments is less than 10 wt %, or 5 wt %, or less than 5 wt %, or less than 2 wt %, and can be as low as zero. In certain embodiments, the hard segments include all or substantially all units derived from ethylene. "Soft" segments are blocks of polymerized units, wherein based on the weight of the polymer, the comonomer content (excluding the content of the monomer of ethylene) is greater than 5 wt %, or greater than 8 wt %, greater than 10 wt %, or greater than 15 wt %. In some embodiments, the comonomer content in the soft segments may be greater than 20 wt%, greater than 25 wt%, greater than 30 wt%, greater than 35 wt%, greater than 40 wt%, greater than 45 wt%, greater than 50 wt%, or greater than 60 wt%, and may be as high as 100 wt%.

[0086] The soft segment can be present in the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer in an amount of 1% to 99% by weight of the total weight of the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer, or 5% to 95% by weight, 10% to 90% by weight, 15% to 85% by weight, 20% to 80% by weight, 25% to 75% by weight, 30% to 70% by weight, 35% to 65% by weight, 40% to 60% by weight, or 45% to 55% by weight of the total weight of the ethylene / alpha-olefin multi-block copolymer. On the contrary, the hard segment can exist in a similar range. The soft segment weight percentage and the hard segment weight percentage can be calculated based on the data obtained from DSC or NMR. Such methods and calculations are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668, entitled "Ethylene / α-Olefin Block Interpolymers", filed on March 15, 2006 in the name of Colin L.P. Shan, Lonnie Hazlitt, et al. and assigned to Dow Global Technologies Inc., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In particular, the hard segment and soft segment weight percentages and comonomer content can be determined as described in columns 57 to 63 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668.

[0087] Ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymers are polymers comprising two or more chemically distinct regions or segments (referred to as "blocks") preferably joined (or covalently bonded) in a linear manner, i.e., polymers comprising chemically distinguishable units joined end-to-end with respect to the polymerized olefinic functionality, rather than joined in a pendant or grafted manner. In one embodiment, the blocks differ in the amount or type of comonomer incorporated, density, crystallinity, crystallite size attributable to polymers of such composition, type or degree of stereoisomerism (isotactic or syndiotactic), regioregularity or regio-irregularity, amount of branching (including long chain branching or hyperbranching), homogeneity, or any other chemical or physical property. Compared to prior art block interpolymers, including those prepared by sequential monomer addition, stereolabile catalysts, or anionic polymerization techniques, the inventive ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymers are characterized by a unique distribution of polymer polydispersity (PDI or Mw / Mn or MWD), polydisperse block length distribution, and / or polydisperse block number distribution, in one embodiment, due to the effects of shuttling agents in combination with various catalysts used in their preparation.

[0088] In one embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer is prepared in a continuous process and has a polydispersity index (Mw / Mn) of 1.7 to 3.5, or 1.8 to 3, or 1.8 to 2.5, or 1.8 to 2.2. When prepared in a batch or semi-batch process, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer has a Mw / Mn of 1.0 to 3.5, or 1.3 to 3, or 1.4 to 2.5, or 1.4 to 2.

[0089] In addition, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer has a PDI (or Mw / Mn) that fits the Schultz-Flory distribution rather than the Poisson distribution. The ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer of the present invention has both a polydisperse block distribution and a polydisperse distribution of block sizes. This results in the formation of a polymer product with improved and distinguishable physical properties. The theoretical benefits of a polydisperse block distribution have been previously described in Potemkin, Physical Review E ( Physical Review E ) (1998) 57(6), pp. 6902-6912 and Dobrynin, chemicals Journal of Science ( J.Chem.Phvs. )》(1997)107(21), pp.9234-9238.

[0090] In one embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymers of the present invention have a most probable distribution of block lengths.

[0091] In yet another embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymers of the present disclosure, especially those produced in a continuous solution polymerization reactor, have the most probable distribution of block lengths. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ethylene multi-block interpolymer is defined as having:

[0092] (A) an Mw / Mn of from about 1.7 to about 3.5, at least one melting point Tm in degrees Celsius, and a density d in grams per cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values ​​of Tm and d correspond to the relationship:

[0093] Tm>-2002.9+4538.5(d)-2422.2(d) 2 ,or

[0094] (B) an Mw / Mn of from about 1.7 to about 3.5, and is characterized by a heat of fusion, ΔH, in J / g, and a delta quantity, ΔT, in degrees Celsius, defined as the temperature difference between the tallest DSC peak and the tallest Crystallization Analysis Separation ("CRYSTAF") peak, wherein the values ​​of ΔT and ΔH have the following relationship:

[0095] For ΔH greater than zero and up to 130 J / g, ΔT>-0.1299(ΔH)+62.81

[0096] For ΔH greater than 130 J / g, ΔT ≥ 48 °C

[0097] wherein at least 5% of the cumulative polymer is used to determine the CRYSTAF peak, and if less than 5% of the polymer has an identifiable CRYSTAF peak, then the CRYSTAF temperature is 30°C; or

[0098] (C) an elastic recovery Re in percent measured at 300% stress and 1 cycle with a compression molded ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer film, and a density d in grams per cubic centimeter, wherein when the ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer is substantially free of a crosslinked phase, the values ​​of Re and d satisfy the following relationship:

[0099] Re>1481–1629(d); or

[0100] (D) having a molecular weight fraction which elutes between 40°C and 130°C when fractionated using TREF, characterized in that the fraction has a molar comonomer content at least 5 percent higher than a comparable random ethylene interpolymer fraction eluting between the same temperatures, wherein the comparable random ethylene interpolymer has the same comonomer within 10% of the ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer and has a melt index, density, and molar comonomer content (based on the whole polymer); or

[0101] (E) has a storage modulus G'(25°C) at 25°C and a storage modulus G'(100°C) at 100°C, wherein a ratio of G'(25°C) to G'(100°C) is in a range of about 1:1 to about 9:1.

[0102] The ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer may also have:

[0103] (F) a molecular fraction eluting between 40°C and 130°C when fractionated using TREF, characterized in that the fraction has a block index of at least 0.5 and up to about 1 and a molecular weight distribution Mw / Mn greater than about 1.3; or

[0104] (G) an average block index greater than zero and up to about 1.0 and a molecular weight distribution, Mw / Mn, greater than about 1.3.

[0105] Suitable monomers for preparing the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer of the present invention include ethylene and one or more addition polymerizable monomers other than ethylene. Examples of suitable comonomers include linear or branched α-olefins of 3 to 30, or 3 to 20, or 4 to 8 carbon atoms, such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, and 1-eicosene; cycloolefins of 3 to 30, or 3 to 20 carbon atoms, such as cyclopentene, cycloheptene, norbornene, 5-methyl-2-norbornene, tetracyclododecene, and 2-methyl-1,4,5,8-dimethylbridge-1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydro Naphthalene; diolefins and polyolefins, such as butadiene, isoprene, 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, 1,4-hexadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, 1,3-octadiene, 1,4-octadiene, 1,5-octadiene, 1,6-octadiene, 1,7-octadiene, ethylidene norbornene, vinyl norbornene, dicyclopentadiene, 7-methyl-1,6-octadiene, 4-ethylidene-8-methyl-1,7-nonadiene and 5,9-dimethyl-1,4,8-decatriene; and 3-phenylpropylene, 4-phenylpropylene, 1,2-difluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene and 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propylene.

[0106] In one embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer is free of styrene (ie, is styrene-free).

[0107] Ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymers can be prepared by a chain shuttling process as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,706, which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, suitable chain shuttling agents and related information are listed at column 16, line 39 to column 19, line 44. Suitable catalysts are described at column 19, line 45 to column 46, line 19, and suitable co-catalysts are described at column 46, line 20 to column 51, line 28. The process is described throughout the literature, but specifically at column 51, line 29 to column 54, line 56. The process is also described, for example, in: U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,668; U.S. Pat. No. 7,893,166; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,793.

[0108] In one embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer has hard segments and soft segments, is free of styrene, consists only of (i) ethylene and (ii) C4-C8 α-olefin comonomers, and is defined as having:

[0109] Mw / Mn of 1.7 to 3.5, at least one melting point Tm in degrees Celsius and a density d in g / cm3, wherein the numerical values ​​of Tm and d correspond to the relationship:

[0110] Tm<-2002.9+4538.5(d)-2422.2(d) 2 ,

[0111] wherein d is 0.86 g / cc, or 0.87 g / cc, or 0.88 g / cc to 0.89 g / cc;

[0112] and

[0113] Tm is 80°C, or 85°C, or 90°C to 95°C, or 99°C, or 100°C, or

[0114] 105°C to 110°C, or 115°C, or 120°C, or 125°C.

[0115] In one embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer is an ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer and has one, some, any combination or all of the following properties (i)-(ix):

[0116] (i) a melt temperature (Tm) of 80°C, or 85°C, or 90°C to 95°C, or 99°C, or 100°C, or 105°C to 110°C, or 115°C, or 120°C, or 125°C;

[0117] (ii) a density of 0.86 g / cc, or 0.87 g / cc, or 0.88 g / cc to 0.89 g / cc;

[0118] (iii) 50-85 wt% soft segments and 40-15 wt% hard segments;

[0119] (iv) 10 mol%, or 13 mol%, or 14 mol%, or 15 mol% to 16 mol%, or 17 mol%, or 18 mol%, or 19 mol%, or 20 mol% of octene in the soft segment;

[0120] (v) 0.5 mol%, or 1.0 mol%, or 2.0 mol%, or 3.0 mol% to 4.0 mol%, or 5 mol%, or 6 mol%, or 7 mol%, or 9 mol% of octene in the hard segments;

[0121] (vi) a melt index (MI) of 1 g / 10 min, or 2 g / 10 min, or 5 g / 10 min, or 7 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min, or 15 g / 10 min to 20 g / 10 min;

[0122] (vii) a Shore A hardness of 65, or 70, or 71, or 72 to 73, or 74, or 75, or 77, or 79, or 80;

[0123] (viii) 300% min at 21°C as measured according to ASTM D 1708 ·1 50%, or 60% to 70%, or 80%, or 90% elastic recovery (Re) at deformation rate.

[0124] (ix) Polydispersity distribution of blocks and polydispersity distribution of block sizes.

[0125] In one embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer is an ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer.

[0126] The inventive ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0127] In one embodiment, the ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer is sold under the trade name INFUSE TM In another embodiment, the ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer is INFUSE TM 9817.

[0128] In one embodiment, the ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer is INFUSE TM 9807.

[0129] In one embodiment, the ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer is INFUSE TM 9500.

[0130] In one embodiment, the ethylene / octene multi-block copolymer is INFUSE TM 9507.

[0131] 4. Polymer blends

[0132] In one embodiment, the pop-up spout 24 is composed of a polymer blend consisting of an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and a high-density polyethylene. "High-density polyethylene" (or "HDPE") is an ethylene homopolymer or a polyolefin having at least one C3-C 10The HDPE is an ethylene / α-olefin copolymer having an α-olefin comonomer and a density of greater than 0.94 g / cc, or 0.945 g / cc, or 0.95 g / cc, or 0.955 g / cc, or 0.96 g / cc to 0.97 g / cc, or 0.98 g / cc. Non-limiting examples of suitable comonomers include propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene and 1-octene. The HDPE includes at least 50% by weight of units derived from ethylene, i.e., polymerized ethylene, or at least 70% by weight, or at least 80% by weight, or at least 85% by weight, or at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% by weight of ethylene in polymerized form. The HDPE can be a unimodal copolymer or a multimodal copolymer. A "unimodal ethylene copolymer" is an ethylene / C4-C5 copolymer having a distinct peak in a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) showing a molecular weight distribution. 10 α-olefin copolymers. "Multimodal ethylene copolymers" are ethylene / C4-C6 copolymers having at least two distinct peaks in the GPC showing molecular weight distribution. 10 Alpha-olefin copolymers. Multimodal includes copolymers having two peaks (bimodal) as well as copolymers having more than two peaks.

[0133] In one embodiment, the HDPE has one, some, any combination or all of the following properties (i)-(iv):

[0134] (i) a density of 0.945 g / cc, or 0.95 g / cc, or 0.955 g / cc, or 0.960 g / cc to 0.965 g / cc, or 0.970 g / cc, or 0.975 g / cc, or 0.980 g / cc; and / or

[0135] (ii) a melt index (MI) of from 0.5 g / 10 min, or 1.0 g / 10 min, or 1.5 g / 10 min, or 2.0 g / 10 mils to 2.5 g / 10 min, or 3.0; and / or

[0136] (iii) a melt temperature (Tm) of 125°C, or 128°C, or 130°C to 132°C, or 135°C, or 137°C; and / or

[0137] (iv) Bimodal molecular weight distribution.

[0138] In one embodiment, the HDPE has a density of 0.955 g / cc, or 0.957 g / cc, or 0.959 g / cc to 0.960 g / cc, or 0.963 g / cc, or 0.965 g / cc and a melt index of 1.0 g / 10 min, or 1.5 g / 10 min, or 2.0 g / 10 min to 2.5 g / 10 min, or 3.0 g / 10 min.

[0139] Non-limiting examples of suitable commercially available HDPE include, but are not limited to, those sold under the trade name CONTINUUM TM and UNIVAL TM Dow high density polyethylene resins for sale.

[0140] HDPE is distinct from each of the following types of ethylene-based polymers: linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene LLDPE (m-LLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), multicomponent ethylene-based copolymers (EPE), ethylene-α-olefin multi-block copolymers, ethylene plastomers / elastomers, and low density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0141] The polymer blend of ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and HDPE includes greater than 70wt%, or 75wt%, or 80wt%, or 85wt% to 90wt%, or 95wt%, or 99wt% of ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and a relative amount of HDPE or less than 30wt%, or 25wt%, or 20wt%, or 15wt% to 10wt%, or 5wt%, or 1wt% of HDPE.

[0142] In one embodiment, the entire pop-up spout is composed only of ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and HDPE polymer blend, which includes 75wt% to 78wt%, or 80wt%, or 83wt%, or 85wt%, or 87wt%, or 90wt% of ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and relative amount of HDPE or 25wt% to 22wt%, or 20wt%, or 17wt%, or 15wt%, or 13wt%, or 10wt% of HDPE, and the polymer blend has one, some or all of the following properties:

[0143] (i) a Shore A hardness of 80 (29), or 83 (31), or 85 (33), or 87 (35), or 89 (38), or 90 (39), or 91 (40), or 93 (44), or 95 (46), or 97 (50), or 99 (56), or 100 (59) (Shore D hardness in parentheses); and / or

[0144] (ii) an elongation at break of 180%, or 200%, or 220%, or 240%, or 260%, or 280%, or 300%, or between 320% and 340%, or 360%, or 380%, or 400%, or 410%; and / or

[0145] (iii) a tensile modulus of 50 MPa, or 75 MPa, or 100 MPa, or 125 MPa, or 150 MPa, or 175 MPa, or 200 MPa to 225 MPa, or 250 MPa, or 275 MPa; and / or

[0146] (iv) an elastic recovery of 30%, or 35%, or 40%, or 45% to 50%, or 55%, or 60%, or 65%, or 70%.

[0147] Non-limiting examples of ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymers and HDPE polymer blends useful in pop-up spouts and associated properties are listed in Table 1 below.

[0148] Table 1 - Polymer blends with ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymers and varying amounts of HDPE

[0149]

[0150] * The relative amount of ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer is in brackets

[0151] -Ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer–INFUSE 9817

[0152] -HDPE=DMDC-1250NT 7

[0153] 5. Flexible valve

[0154] In one embodiment, the pop-up spout 24 includes a flexible valve 36 such as Figure 5 and 6 A flexible valve 36 is located in the outlet 30 .

[0155] The flexible valve 36 controls the flow of the flowable material through the channel 26. The shape of the flexible valve 36 can be flat, convex or concave. The thickness of the flexible valve 36 is 0.1 mm, or 0.2 mm, or 0.3 mm, or 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.7 mm, or 0.8 mm, or 0.9 mm, or less than 1.0 mm, or 1.0 mm.

[0156] The flexible valve 36 includes an opening 38 that opens to allow flow therethrough. In one embodiment, the flexible valve 36 is integral with the pop-up spout 24 and is constructed or formed from the same blend of ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and optional HDPE as the other pop-up spout components.

[0157] 6. Sealing film

[0158] In one embodiment, the flexible container 10 includes a sealing membrane 42, such as Figure 1 , 23. The sealing film 42 is a flexible film and covers the pop-up spout 24 when the pop-up spout 24 is in the retracted state X, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A As shown in . The sealing film 42 acts as a restraining member to maintain the pop-up spout 24 in the retracted state X. The sealing film 42 is an olefin-based polymer film and includes an inner surface on which an adhesive material is applied. When in the retracted state X, the pop-up spout 24 has an outermost surface, which abuts against or otherwise impacts the inner surface of the flexible film 42. The inner surface of the sealing film 42 is adhesively connected to at least the flange 28, and optionally can be applied to other areas of the inner surface to contact the outlet 30 and / or retract one or more of the flexible elbows. In this way, the sealing film 42 covers all or substantially all of the pop-up spout 24 before use, and protects the pop-up spout 24 from dirt, contaminants and other foreign matter until the flexible container 10 is ready. The sealing film 42 also prevents accidental leakage of the pop-up spout and can be a closure.

[0159] In one embodiment, the sealing film 42 is comprised of LLDPE with an adhesive material applied to its inner surface. A non-limiting example of a suitable LLDPE for the sealing film 42 is Dowlex 2049, available from The Dow Chemical Company.

[0160] In one embodiment, the sealing film 42 is a PSA film.

[0161] In one embodiment, the sealing film 42 includes Figure 1 , 2 3 and the tab 44. In this embodiment, the sealing film 42 is a pressure sensitive adhesive peeling sealing film. The tab 44 is an area on the inner surface of the sealing film without adhesive material. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, pulling or otherwise causing the tab 44 to peel off the flexible container 10 exposes the pop-up spout 24, thereby freeing the pop-up spout from the constraint of the sealing film 42. Therefore, as used herein, the term "pop-up spout" is an extendable spout that naturally or otherwise automatically moves from a retracted state to a neutral state when a restraining member (e.g., a sealing film) located on the retracted pop-up spout is removed.

[0162] Applicants have discovered that (1) molding or otherwise injection molding the pop-up spout 24 in a neutral state and / or (2) utilizing a 75-90 wt% ethylene / α-olefin and 25-10 wt% HDPE blend as the polymer material for the pop-up spout 24 advantageously imparts an inherent extension characteristic to at least one of the flexible elbows 34a-34e. The elastic recovery of the ethylene / α-olefin and HDPE polymer blend combined with the in-mold formation of the pop-up spout 24 creates an outward compressive force (or thrust) for at least one of the flexible elbows 34a-34e to automatically extend from a retracted state to a neutral state after the sealing film 42 is removed. The tendency and speed of the automatic pop-up can be adjusted by varying the amount of HDPE blended with the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer. When the pop-up spout is in the neutral state Y, the pop-up spout 24 of the present invention provides the user with ready use of the outlet 30. In the neutral state Y, the spout 30 is raised above the flange 28, allowing a person to easily clamp or grasp and pull the spout 30 to fully extend the pop-up spout 24. The configuration and operation of the pop-up spout 24 of the present invention is advantageous compared to conventional designs that require an additional pull ring or handle to drive the spout extension. In addition, molding the pop-up spout in the neutral state improves the durability of the pop-up spout by minimizing stress and permanent deformation of the flexible elbow.

[0163] In the retracted state X, all flexible elbows 34a-34e are in the retracted state. A restraining member (such as a sealing membrane) is required to hold or otherwise maintain the pop-up spout in the retracted state X. In the "neutral state" (or "neutral state Y"), as shown in FIG. Figure 3A , at least one but not all of the flexible elbows 34-34e are in a partially extended state or a fully extended state. Similarly, in the neutral state, at least one but not all of the flexible elbows 34a-34e are in a retracted state. In the neutral state Y, one or more but not all of the foldable panels extend outwardly and away from the front multilayer film 12.

[0164] The pop-up nozzle 24 of the present invention has sufficient inherent compression force (or thrust) to move from the retracted state X ( Figure 2A ) naturally (or automatically) moves to the neutral state Y ( Figure 3A ). Figure 3A An embodiment of a neutral state Y is shown, wherein the flexible elbow 34e is fully extended and the flexible elbows 34a, 34b, 34c and 34d are partially extended. In the neutral state Y, the outlet 30 is raised above the partially extended flexible elbow, so that the outlet 30 can be easily held between two fingers of a human hand, such as Figure 4 as shown in .

[0165] From the neutral state Y, when the outlet 30 is pulled by the user, the pulling force fully extends the flexible elbows 34a, 34b, 34c and 34d and lifts the outlet 30 from the neutral state Y to the extended state Z. The "extended state" (or "extended state Z") is the configuration whereby each flexible elbow 34a-34e is fully extended. Figure 5 and 5A Each flexible elbow 34a-34e is shown fully extended, thereby depicting the extended state Z. In the extended state Z, all of the foldable panels 32a-32e are unfolded. Once the pop-up spout 24 is in the extended state Z, the flexible container 10 is ready for use.

[0166] In the extended state Z, each flexible elbow has its own radius of curvature R C Non-limiting examples of radius of curvature values ​​for each of the flexible elbows 34a-34e are provided in Table 2 below.

[0167] Table 2

[0168]

[0169] Each radius of curvature (R C1 -R C5 ) may be of the same or different sizes. In one embodiment, at least two or at least three radii of curvature have different values ​​relative to each other.

[0170] In one embodiment, the squeezing force applied to the flexible container 10 by a human hand 48 is sufficient to dispense the flowable material 50 from the interior of the flexible container, such as Figure 6 as shown in .

[0171] In one embodiment, the extended configuration Z( Figure 5A ) wherein the length of the pop-up nozzle 24 is 20 mm, or 40 mm, or 60 mm, or 80 mm, or 100 mm to 120 mm, or 140 mm, or 160 mm, or 180 mm, or 200 mm.

[0172] 7. Closure

[0173] In one embodiment, the pop-up spout 24 may include a closure. The outlet 30 may include threads or other structures to receive the closure. The closure is configured to cooperate with the outlet 30. Non-limiting examples of suitable closures include: screw caps, flip caps, snap caps, tamper-evident pouring spouts, vertical twist caps, horizontal twist caps, aseptic caps, vitop pushers, push plugs, push plugs, rod caps, conro accessory connectors, and other types of removable (and optionally resealable) closures.

[0174] In one embodiment, the pop-up spout includes a "back plug" closure. The back plug closure is fixed in the proximal portion of the pop-up spout 24. When the spout is in the retracted state X, the back plug closure completely closes the pop-up spout 24.

[0175] although Figure 1-6 The flexible container 10 is shown in the form of a stand-up bag, but the flexible container of the present invention can be a box bag, a pillow bag, a spout K-seal bag, a spout side gusset bag. It should be understood that the pop-up spout can be installed on any film surface of the flexible container, including the front surface, the back surface, the side surface and the gusset surface.

[0176] The flexible container 10 of the present invention may be formed with or without a handle.

[0177] In one embodiment, the volume of the flexible container 10 is 0.05 liters (L), or 0.1L, or 0.25L, or 0.5L, or 0.75L, or 1.0L, or 1.5L, or 2.5L, or 3L, or 3.5L, or 4.0L, or 4.5L, or 5.0L to 6.0L, or 7.0L, or 8.0L, or 9.0L, or 10.0L, or 20L, or 30L.

[0178] 8. Flexible Container

[0179] The present disclosure provides another flexible container. In one embodiment, as Figure 7-8 A flexible container 110 is provided as shown in FIG. The flexible container 110 has four panels, namely a front panel 112, a rear panel 114, a first gusset 116 and a second gusset 118. The four panels 112, 114, 116, 118 form a top section 120 and a bottom section 122, respectively. The gussets 116, 118 are opposite to each other. When the flexible container 110 is in an empty or fully collapsed configuration, the gussets 116, 118 are folded inwardly. When the container 110 is inverted, the top and bottom positions relative to the flexible container 110 change. However, for consistency, the handle adjacent to the pop-up spout 124 will be referred to as the upper handle 125 (or top handle 125), and the opposite handle will be referred to as the lower handle 127 (or bottom handle 127).

[0180] Each of the four panels 112, 114, 116, 118 can be made of a separate flexible multilayer film web. The flexible multilayer film can be any flexible multilayer film as previously disclosed herein. The composition and structure of each multilayer film web can be the same or different. Alternatively, one film web can be used to make all four panels and the top and bottom sections. In yet another embodiment, two or more webs can be used to make each panel.

[0181] In one embodiment, four multilayer film webs are provided, one for each corresponding panel 112, 114, 116 and 118. The structure and composition of each multilayer film used for the panels are the same. The front panel 112 is superimposed on the back panel 114, wherein the gussets 116, 118 are located between the front panel and the back panel. The inner sealing layers for the panels face each other. The edges of the front panel 112, the back panel 114, the first gusset 116 and the second gusset 118 are aligned and form a common peripheral edge. The edges of each panel are heat sealed to the adjacent panel to form a peripheral seal 141.

[0182] To form the top section 120 and the bottom section 122, four multilayer film panels are brought together and sealed together at respective ends. For example, the top section 120 may be defined by extensions of the panels 112, 114, 116, 118 sealed together at the top end 144. Similarly, the bottom section 122 may be defined by extensions of the panels 112, 114, 116, 118 sealed together at the bottom end 146. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the tapered portions of the panels 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 at the bottom end 146 provide sufficient support, stability, and structure to enable the flexible container 110 to be a stand-up pouch or “SUP”.

[0183] The flexible container 110 in this case includes, in one of the panels, an orifice 121 in the front panel 112. A pop-up spout 124 extends through the orifice 121. The pop-up spout 124 has a flange 128 that is sealed to the inner sealing layer of the front panel 112 at the orifice 121. Alternatively, as previously disclosed herein, the flange 128 can be sealed to the outermost layer of the front film 112. As previously disclosed, the pop-up spout 124 is composed of an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and optionally HDPE.

[0184] The pop-up spout 124 may be any pop-up spout as previously disclosed herein (eg, pop-up spout 24 ). The pop-up spout 124 includes a channel 126 , a flange 128 , an outlet 130 , foldable panels 132a - 132e , flexible elbows 134a - 134e , and a flexible valve 136 .

[0185] As previously disclosed herein, the flexible container 110 may include a sealing membrane to cover the pop-up spout 124 .

[0186] In one embodiment, a sealing film can be connected to the underside of the upper handle 125. The sealing film can be any sealing film as previously disclosed herein. When the user lifts the handle 125, the upward lifting force moves the pop-up spout 124 from the retracted state X to the neutral state Y. Then, the user (e.g., person 152) can hold the outlet 130 in a clamping manner and pull the pop-up spout 124 to the extended state Z. In other words, lifting the upper handle 125 peels off the sealing film, moving the pop-up spout from the retracted state X to the neutral state Y.

[0187] In one embodiment, the pop-up spout 124 enables controlled pouring of the flowable material from the flexible container. Figure 8 As shown in FIG, a person can hold the upper handle 125 with one hand 150 and the lower handle 127 with the other hand 152 to invert the flexible container 110 and precisely control the direction in which the flowable material 154 is discharged from the fully extended spout 124.

[0188] In one embodiment, the volume of the flexible container 110 is 0.05 liters (L), or 0.1L, or 0.25L, or 0.5L, or 0.75L, or 1.0L, or 1.5L, or 2.5L, or 3L, or 3.5L, or 4.0L, or 4.5L, or 5.0L to 6.0L, or 7.0L, or 8.0L, or 9.0L, or 10.0L, or 20L, or 30L.

[0189] In one embodiment, the flexible container 10 and / or the flexible container 110 is made of 90 wt% to 100 wt% of an ethylene-based polymer - the multilayer film is composed of a flexible multilayer film, wherein the layer materials are selected from ethylene-based polymers such as LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE and combinations thereof, and the accessory 10 is composed of an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer. The weight % is based on the total weight of the flexible container (excluding the contents). Flexible containers made of 90 wt% to 100 wt% of an ethylene-based polymer are advantageous because they can be easily recycled.

[0190] Flexible containers of the present invention are suitable for storing flowable materials, including but not limited to liquid foods (such as beverages), oils, coatings, greases, chemicals, suspensions of solids in liquids, and solid particulate matter (powders, crystals, granular solids). Non-limiting examples of suitable liquids include liquid personal care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, lotion, gel, cream, balm, and sunscreen. Other suitable liquids include home care / cleaning products and car care products. Other liquids include liquid foods, such as condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise) and baby food.

[0191] The flexible container of the present invention is suitable for storing flowable materials with high viscosity and requiring squeezing force to be applied to the container to be discharged. Non-limiting examples of such squeezable and flowable materials include grease, butter, margarine, soap, shampoo, animal feed, sauce and baby food.

[0192] Examples of the present disclosure are provided by way of example and not limitation.

[0193] Examples

[0194] The pop-up spouts are injection molded from ethylene / α-olefin multiblock copolymers sold under the trade name Infuse TM 9817 and Infuse TM The injection molding machine is a laboratory scale injection molding machine with an injection speed of 350 cubic centimeters per second (cc / second) and a structure and geometry as shown in FIG. Figure 1-6 Each of the polymer materials listed in Table 3 below completely filled the mold and produced a suitable pop-up spout having Figure 1-6 The structure and geometry of the pop-up spout 24 are shown in FIG.

[0195] Table 3

[0196]

[0197] The pop-up nozzles 1-6 in Table 3 have the same Figure 1-6 The dimensions of Pop-Up Spout Examples 1-6 are provided in Table 4 below.

[0198] Table 4 - Dimensions – Pop-up Spouts

[0199]

[0200]

[0201] +FP = Foldable Panel

[0202] & The uniform thickness of the nozzle is 0.5mm, so

[0203] The thickness of each component in Table 2 is 0.5 mm

[0204] Each pop-up spout, Examples 1-6, was mounted onto a preformed stand-up pouch made from the film structure (Film 1) listed below in Table 5. Film 1 is designed to be a strong film for a variety of applications.

[0205] Table 5 - Structure of 120 micron thick film (film 1) used in Example 1

[0206]

[0207] Procedure for installing the pop-up spout:

[0208] 1. Use a scalpel to open a 35 mm diameter hole in the anterior membrane.

[0209] 2. Position the spout with the shut-off outlet on top (Spout 2) inside the package, centered with the hole and supported by a metal ring high enough to completely close the pop-up spout.

[0210] 3. Heat a small section of metal pipe (42 mm outer diameter, 32 mm inner diameter) with exactly the same dimensions as flange 28 to 130°C and press the outside of the package by hand, i.e. press the packaging film for 3 to 5 seconds.

[0211] 4. By using Robond TM The sealing film is prepared in advance by coating a piece of film 1 with 8915 pressure sensitive adhesive, which is commonly used for removable label applications. Both ends of the sealing film are not coated to form tabs that can be used to easily remove the sealing film by hand. The sealing film is firmly adhered to the edges and center portion of the pop-up spout.

[0212] 5. Weld the outlet edge to the sealing membrane by pressing a 130°C heating rod by hand for 3 to 5 seconds to ensure the proper function of the pop-up spout. This operation is not required in industrial scale operations, depending on the spout configuration selected.

[0213] Use of flexible containers

[0214] The use of pop-up spouts can be Figure 3-5 See the picture sequence in .

[0215] 1. The pop-up spout in the retracted state X does not interfere with the overall thickness of the unfilled SUP.

[0216] 2. The side tabs that remain uncoated in the sealing film can be easily pulled away from the flexible container surface by hand.

[0217] 3. Since the edge of the outlet is welded to the sealing membrane, the entire spout can be easily pulled out to its fully extended state Z.

[0218] The ejection characteristics of the spout are the result of (i) the configuration of the spout during molding and (ii) the presence of ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymers in the injection molding material. The formation (molding) of the pop-up spout occurs when the pop-up spout is in a neutral state, that is, between a retracted state and a fully extended state. Molding the spout in this neutral state has at least two advantages. First, molding the spout in a neutral state allows the spout to automatically pop out from a fully retracted state to this neutral state after removing the restraining member (pressure-sensitive adhesive film). The tendency and speed of automatic ejection depend on the elasticity and stiffness of the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer material used. Compared with conventional designs that require additional pull rings or handles, the pop-up spout allows the user to easily reach the tip to pull out the pop-up spout. Secondly, compared with a spout molded in a retracted state or molded in an extended state, the molded spout in a neutral state improves the durability of the spout by minimizing stress and permanent deformation.

[0219] It is particularly intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and descriptions contained herein, but includes modifications of those embodiments including parts of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments occurring within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A flexible container comprising: a first multilayer film and a second multilayer film, each multilayer film comprising an inner sealing layer, the multilayer films being arranged such that the sealing layers are opposite each other and the second multilayer film is superimposed on the first multilayer film, the multilayer films being sealed along a common peripheral edge; an orifice in one of the multilayer membranes; A pop-up spout extending through the orifice and having a flange sealed to the multilayer film about the orifice, the pop-up spout comprising an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

2. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the pop-up spout comprises exit; Multiple foldable panels; a plurality of flexible elbows integrally connecting the foldable panels to each other; and The foldable panel and the flexible elbow integrally connect the flange to the outlet.

3. The flexible container of claim 2, wherein the pop-up spout has a retracted state in which each flexible elbow is retracted; and A sealing film is adhered to the pop-up spout to maintain the pop-up spout in the retracted state.

4. The flexible container of claim 3, wherein when the sealing film is removed from the pop-up spout, the pop-up spout automatically moves to a neutral state.

5. The flexible container of claim 4, wherein at least one flexible elbow automatically moves from a retracted state to a fully extended state when the sealing membrane is removed from the pop-up spout.

6. The flexible container of claim 2, wherein the pop-up spout has an extended state in which each flexible elbow is fully extended.

7. The flexible container of claim 6, wherein each flexible elbow has a corresponding radius of curvature (Rc) when the pop-up spout is in the extended state.

8. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the pop-up spout is comprised of a polymer blend comprising greater than 75 wt% to 99 wt% of the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and less than 25 wt% to 1 wt% of a high density polyethylene.

9. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the pop-up spout defines a channel and the pop-up spout comprises A flexible valve extends across the passageway and opens to permit flow therethrough, the flexible valve comprising the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

10. The flexible container of claim 9, wherein the flexible valve is located in the outlet.

11. The flexible container of claim 1 wherein the pop-up spout is an injection molded spout.

12. A flexible container comprising: A front panel and a rear panel, the front panel being superimposed on the rear panel; a first gusset and a second gusset positioned between the front panel and the back panel, each panel being comprised of a multi-layer film and each multi-layer film comprising an inner sealing layer, the panels being heat sealed along a common peripheral edge; an aperture in one of the panels; A pop-up spout extending through the orifice and having a flange sealed to the inner sealing layer of the panel at the orifice, the pop-up spout comprising an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer.

13. The flexible container of claim 12, wherein an extendable spout is located in the front panel.

14. The flexible container of claim 12, wherein the extendable spout is located in a top section of the flexible container.

15. The flexible container of claim 12, wherein the pop-up spout is comprised of a polymer blend comprising greater than 75 wt% to 99 wt% of the ethylene / α-olefin multi-block copolymer and less than 25 wt% to 1 wt% of high density polyethylene.

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