FLEXIBLE PACKAGE FOR LIQUIDS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH PACKAGE - Patent application

Abstract

The invention relates to a package 1 for liquids, comprising two layers of flexible material, which are placed one on top of the other and sealed together to form a pouch. The two layers are further sealed together in a sealing area 3 extending at a distance from an edge 4 of the package, leaving a transition area 5 unsealed. The sealing area forms a boundary between a receptacle 6 for holding a liquid and an outlet flow channel 7 in fluid communication with the receptacle through the transition area. The sealing area comprises a division 18 extending along a portion of the sealing area, which is shaped and positioned to provide a spout 11 with an outlet flow channel. The spout is obtained by making a separation extending from the edge to the mouth of the division and then along the division, the sealing area having a shape including at least one overhang 15 protruding into the plane of the sealing area. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a package.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible package for liquids, which may be beverages for example. In particular, the present invention relates to such a package with an integrated spout that is used for drinking or pouring.

[0002] In some embodiments of the invention, the spout has a self-closing design, whereby the spout has a normally closed configuration that remains closed when no force is applied after the package is opened. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a package. [Background technology]

[0003] Packages for liquids that are dispensed by using a spout are known from many applications. Such a spout may for example be a drinking spout for consuming a beverage or a spout used to pour the liquid from the package, possibly into another container.

[0004] With regard to the package that holds the beverage, many prior art solutions include a separate drinking straw packaged in a separate thin cover that is fixed to the package by adhesive. This means that three different parts made of different materials are manufactured and assembled. Furthermore, the thin cover is trash and is often thrown on the ground if there is no trash can nearby. If the package is not provided with a closable lid, it can be difficult to store the package without spilling, for example during transport. Other solutions have a built-in rigid plastic spout that is sealed with the edge of the pouch or otherwise provided by a design that includes an additional sealing area.

[0005] When liquid is poured from the package, this may require a separate pour spout or, when liquid is poured over the edge of the package, may pose a spillage risk, particularly if the package is made from a flexible material.

[0006] Therefore, an improved flexible package for liquids would be advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a package for liquids which can be made from sheets of layered material and in which the spout is integrated into the package, thus eliminating the need for a separate component.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a package for liquids that requires fewer components than prior art packages.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a package for liquids that can be manufactured in a more efficient manner than prior art packages.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a package for liquids that can be manufactured in a manner different from that of the prior art packages.

[0011] It is an object of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a package for a liquid having a self-closing outlet from a reservoir that stores the liquid.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art.

[0013] In particular, it can be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a flexible package for liquids that overcomes the problems of the prior art mentioned above.

[0014] The above mentioned objects and certain other objects are intended to be achieved by providing in a first aspect of the present invention a package for liquids, the package comprising an area of ​​two layers of flexible material, the two layers being placed one on top of the other and sealed together to form or close a pouch, The two layers are further sealed together at a sealing area, the sealing area comprising: extending a distance from an edge of the package; and The transition area is left unsealed, The sealing region forms a boundary between a receptacle for holding a liquid and an outlet flow passage, the outlet flow passage being in fluid communication with the receptacle through the transition region; the sealing region includes a splitter extending along a portion of the sealing region, the splitter configured and arranged to provide a spout with an outlet flow passage; The spout is obtained by providing a separation extending from the edge to, and optionally along, the division, and the sealing area (3) has a shape including at least one overhang (15) protruding into the plane of the sealing area (3).

[0015] The liquid may in principle be any liquid suitable for pouring through the spout from a receptacle storing the liquid. The invention has been developed in connection with packaging of beverages such as fruit juice, iced tea, syrup or drinking yoghurt. In such uses the spout may be used as a drinking spout. However, the scope of protection also includes packaging and contents in which the spout is used for pouring liquid into a container, for example. This may be for example pouring into a glass or bowl from which the beverage is consumed, where consuming the beverage from a glass or bowl is preferred to drinking directly from the spout. The spout may also be used for non-potable liquids. Non-exhaustive examples include liquids for drinking or preparing food recipes such as water, milk, syrup, vegetable oil, or vinegar; highly viscous products such as fruit purees or sweetened condensed milk; pastes such as Nutella or other spreads; liquids for medical or pharmaceutical use; technical liquids such as automotive coolant top-up products; cleaning agents such as soap or liquids for washing clothes; liquid cosmetics or fluids such as skin care; paints; adhesives; ice cream; silicone sealants; agricultural products such as fertilizers or pesticides; foods or beverages consumed in space or other weightless environments; foods or beverages consumed in water.

[0016] A package according to the invention has the further advantage of preventing the free flow of liquid from the package. The invention also makes it possible to prevent leakage due to light pressure on the package.

[0017] By "flexible material" is meant a material that has elastic properties that allow it to deform both during filling and emptying of the receptacle, preferably without significant plastic deformation, where "significant" means to an extent that interferes with the intended function of the package.

[0018] By "sealed" it is meant that the layers are joined in a manner that results in a liquid-tight pouch suitable for storing liquids for extended periods of time without leakage. The joining may be, for example, by heat sealing, welding, or gluing, depending on the type of material used. Such sealing methods and how to perform them will be familiar to those skilled in the packaging art. Various methods of obtaining a pouch by folding and sealing layers of material are illustrated.

[0019] The fact that the sealing area extends a distance from the edge of the package does not mean that the distance has to be constant along the sealing area, although the distance may be constant. Several design examples are shown in the figures, according to which it will be apparent that the distance may vary, but may also be different.

[0020] By "optionally along the division" it is meant that in some embodiments, the remainder of the division is already provided in the form of holes, so that the separation is achieved by simply providing a separation extending from the edge to the division, as described below and shown in the figures.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing region comprises: from a first edge of the package along the extension of the sealing region toward an opposite second edge, leaving the transition region unsealed; and a third edge of the package extending between the first edge and the second edge and spaced apart from the third edge of the package; It is extended, The division extends in the direction of extension of the sealing region and the spout is obtained by creating a separation that extends from the third edge to the division and then optionally along the division.

[0022] The edges of the package do not have to be straight, but may be curved, or may be straight and meet at rounded corners. What is referred to as an "edge" may also be referred to as a "side" of the package.

[0023] In some embodiments of the invention, the division is in the form of a first hole and a second hole spaced apart from each other, the first hole and the second hole penetrating and interconnected by a line of weakness provided by a partial cut through the sealing area, the line of weakness extending along the sealing area, the first hole being located such that applying the separation comprises applying the separation extending from the edge to the first hole and then tearing along the line of weakness to the second hole. By providing holes at the ends of the line of weakness, the risk of excessive tearing and thereby possibly resulting in undesirable leakage of liquid is limited. The partial cut may be, for example, a row of dashed lines, dots or dashed dots. The cut may be penetrating the material or only partially penetrating.

[0024] In such an embodiment, the first hole may have an elongated shape with a longitudinal extension along the sealing area. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the spout forms a drinking spout, since the side edges of this elongated hole form part of the outer surface of the spout. This results in a smooth surface of the spout that enters the mouth during drinking. The part of the division in the form of a weakened line allows the package to maintain a good appearance before drinking and provides rigidity to the package, which makes it easier to handle, for example during storage or transportation of the package until use.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the division is in the form of an elongated through third hole that runs along the sealing area, such that separation is only from the edge to the hole, which means that the spout can be provided without the need for tearing using a tool such as scissors.

[0026] In another alternative embodiment, the division is in the form of a line of weakness provided by a partial cut through the sealing area, which preferably runs along a curved path, such as a semicircular shape, in the end region of the line of weakness. This means that no material needs to be removed during the manufacture of the package. The purpose of the curved path in the end region is to prevent unintentional tearing through to the surrounding material, which could result in a leakage point for liquid.

[0027] In any of the above-described embodiments, the package may be provided with a notch extending from the edge in a direction toward the separation. Such a notch ensures that the separation occurs at the intended location and makes it easier to initiate the separation if the separation is performed by hand. The package and the location of the notch are preferably such that the corner piece next to the notch remains connected to the package, thereby preventing small debris from being released by opening the package.

[0028] The overall shape of the package may be rectangular, possibly with rounded corners. However, other shapes are also within the scope of protection, such as packages with a more triangular or circular appearance. By "overall shape" it is meant the shape of the package when it is empty; if the package contains liquid, the exact appearance will depend on the degree of filling of the receptacle. In some embodiments the package comprises a third side made from an additional layer of material, as shown in the figures. Such a third side may for example be a bottom surface, allowing the package to stand upright without support.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the package comprises a seal next to the outlet flow passage, the seal comprising a slit shaped and dimensioned to receive the free end of the spout. By "receive" we mean that the free end is inserted into the slit after bending the spout to reach the slit. During the development of the present invention, it was recognized that by placing the free end of the spout in such a slit, a high degree of self-closing of the spout can be ensured. In at least some embodiments, it has been found that it is very difficult to manually push liquid out of a spout placed in such a slit.

[0030] Preferably, the dimensions of the transition region and the outlet flow passage and any seals adjacent thereto are predetermined to provide a rigidity of the flexible material forming the transition region and the outlet flow passage that results in a self-closing effect of the outlet flow passage such that liquid will not flow out of the receptacle when no pressure is applied to the package after separation has been applied to obtain the spout. Research conducted during the development of the present invention has shown that it is possible to obtain a self-closing effect that is strong enough that liquid will not immediately flow out of the spout even when the opened package container is held upside down.

[0031] According to the invention, the sealing area may have a shape with at least one overhanging part protruding into the plane of the sealing area. The overhanging part may protrude from the sealing area, from the sealing part along the edge, or from both. Such at least one overhanging part has been found to be an efficient way to obtain a desired stiffness, as will be described in more detail in connection with the figures.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the package according to the invention there are two or more protrusions distributed along the outlet flow path, more preferably protruding from either side of the sealing area and even more preferably not facing each other, which allows for the formation of a narrow flow path, which also provides a self-closing effect.

[0033] Additional stiffness may be provided to the package by one or more of embossing one or both layers, heating the layers, applying one or more stiffening bands, or using materials with different stiffness for the two layers. Preferably, "heating the layers" refers to an embodiment in which the seal is obtained by heat sealing. For some materials, this application of heat may cause deformations, such as wrinkling, out of the plane of the layers, which may provide stiffness to the package. If necessary, heating can also be applied as an additional step, even if other methods of sealing are used.

[0034] The layer of flexible material may be made of any material suitable for the purpose, both for the manufacture of the package and for the storage of the particular liquid. It may be the same material throughout, or it may be a laminate of different materials, each of which provides the package with different characteristics, such as rigidity, liquid tightness, abrasion resistance, and oxidation resistance. The different properties may be provided by different types of materials, such as paper-based, polymer-based, and metal-based materials. It may also be appropriate to use coated materials, such as coatings that allow heat sealing or gluing of packages made primarily from materials that are not suitable for such sealing methods themselves.

[0035] By way of example, a flexible laminate that has been found to be suitable for use in a package according to the present invention may be constructed in the following manner.

[0036] A: A print carrier in which the polymer substrate is selected from one or more of the following types: PET, PA, PP, and PE. The thickness can typically be in the range of 4 to 50 microns, preferably in the range of 15 to 30 microns.

[0037] B: An intermediate layer in which the polymer substrate is selected from one or more of the following types: PET, PA, PP, and PE. The layer may be vacuum deposited with aluminum, SiOx (silicon oxide) or AlOx (aluminum oxide). The thickness is typically in the range of 4 to 50 microns, for example in the range of 5 to 30 microns, preferably in the range of 10 to 25 microns.

[0038] C: A sealant film, typically made from PP or PE with less polymer orientation than layers A or B. Thickness typically ranges from 5 to 150 microns. Larger pouches typically require greater thickness to ensure they stay closed after sealing.

[0039] The functionality of the package and its design, including the choice of materials, are determined by two main factors: the stiffness of the flexible material and the geometry of the seal. The above is one example that has been found to be suitable for some of the products mentioned above. However, for other products, other material combinations may be more suitable.

[0040] The volume of the receptacle may be between 40 and 5000 ml, for example between 50 and 1000 ml, or between 1000 and 5000 ml, although any volume is covered by the scope of protection.

[0041] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a package for a liquid, the method comprising the steps of: placing two layers of flexible material one on top of the other; applying heat sealing and scoring, while leaving out a portion of the seal to provide a fill area, resulting in a package like any of the embodiments described above; Filling the receptacle with liquid via a filling region; and sealing the fill region.

[0042] Alternatively, in a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method, the method comprising: Providing two layers of flexible material in the form of a sheet material larger than a package; applying a heat seal resulting in a plurality of partially closed packages as in any of the embodiments described above, the packages comprising receptacles and the heat seal providing a fill area by omitting a portion of the seal; Filling the receptacle with liquid via a filling region; sealing the fill area; making a cut to form a division; and c) cutting along the periphery of the plurality of packages to separate the plurality of packages from one another.

[0043] The steps of the method described above are inclusive, although they may be performed in a different order than listed. Some of the steps may also be performed simultaneously. As an example, the cut between the two packages may be performed prior to the filling. This is typically the case in so-called horizontal fill and seal lines.

[0044] When the layer of flexible material is provided in the form of a sheet material larger than a single package, it is typically fed into the manufacturing machine from a roll of material.

[0045] In either manufacturing method, the filling step may be carried out under aseptic conditions. "Sterile" preferably means free from contamination caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. In other words, aseptic processing can be defined as processing and packaging a commercially sterile product into a sterile container, followed by hermetic sealing with a sterile closure in a manner that prevents common bacterial recontamination of the sterile product.

[0046] The liquid filled into the package may be selected from fruit juice, iced tea, syrup, drinking yoghurt, although as mentioned above the scope of protection also includes a method of manufacturing a package with a content, for example where a spout is used to pour the liquid into the container. Some other examples have been mentioned above.

[0047] The first and second aspects of the invention may each be combined. These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from and be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] The flexible package according to the present invention, as well as the method of manufacturing such a package, will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one way of practicing the invention and should not be construed as limiting other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. [Figure 1] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of various overall designs of prior art packages made from layers of flexible material; [Diagram 2] 1 shows diagrammatically an embodiment of a package according to the invention in which the division is in the form of two holes interconnected by a line of weakness; [Diagram 3] 3 shows a schematic diagram of the package of FIG. 2 after opening; [Figure 4] 13 shows diagrammatically another embodiment of a package according to the invention, in which the division is in the form of an elongated through hole without interconnected lines of weakness; [Diagram 5] 2A-2C show diagrammatically two other embodiments of a package according to the invention, in which the division is in the form of a line of weakness; [Figure 6] 13A-B show schematic diagrams of another embodiment of a package in which a sealing area including a division extends from the same edge where the notch is located. [Figure 7] 13 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the package, in which the sealing area is provided with a protrusion; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a package according to the invention. The figure is used to explain how the design of the package provides a stiffening that results in a self-closing effect when the package is opened. [Figure 9] 2 shows diagrammatically two embodiments of a package provided with a slit for receiving the free end of a spout. [Figure 10] 4 is a flow chart of two different methods of manufacturing a package according to the present invention. [Figure 11] An example of the manufacture of a package of the type shown in FIG. 7 is shown diagrammatically. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Figures 1.a-1.f show, in schematic form, various overall designs of prior art packages made from layers of flexible material. Any of these types of packages may be used with any combination of sealing areas and dividers as shown in the following figures. In the figures, the packages are shown as having a rectangular shape. However, as mentioned above, the scope of protection includes any shape that allows the implementation of the invention. For example, it may be triangular, circular, or partially curved. The package comprises two layers of flexible material, the two layers being placed one on top of the other and sealed together to form a pouch. As shown in the figures, the sealing may be located along four, three, or two sides of the package. The sealing may also be along one of the layers, such as halfway between the two sides of the package, as shown in Figure 1e. Figure 1f shows an example of a package with three layers, one of which forms a bottom surface that allows the package to stand without being held or otherwise supported. Such a bottom surface may also be called a gusset area.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a package 1 according to the invention. In addition to the seal 2 forming the pouch itself, the two layers are further sealed together in a seal area 3 extending at a distance from an edge 4 of the package 1, leaving a transition area 5 unsealed. The seal area 3 thereby forms a boundary between a receptacle 6 for holding a liquid and an outlet channel 7 in fluid communication with the receptacle 6 via the transition area 5. The seal area 3 comprises a division 18 extending along a portion of the seal area 3, which in the embodiment of Figure 2 is in the form of a first hole 8 and a second hole 9 spaced apart from one another, the holes 8, 9 being pierced and interconnected by a line of weakness 10 extending along the seal area 3. The line of weakness 10 is provided by a partial cut through the seal area 3, typically in the form of a dashed and / or dotted line. For all the embodiments shown in this and the following figures, the dividing portion 18 is shaped and arranged so as to provide a spout 11 with an outlet channel 7, which is obtained by applying a separation extending from the edge 4 to the dividing portion 18 and then along the dividing portion 18. See FIG. 3. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first hole 8 is located such that applying the separation involves applying a separation extending from the edge 4 to the first hole 8 and then tearing along the line of weakness 10 terminating at the second hole 9. The package 1 is preferably provided with a notch 12 extending from the edge 4 towards the dividing portion 18 to ensure that the separation can be applied at the desired location. Such a notch 12 facilitates the initiation of the separation when the separation is performed by hand. As a result, an opened package 1 is obtained as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3. By providing the first and second holes 8, 9 at the ends of the line of weakness 10, the risk of excessive tearing and thereby possibly resulting in undesired leakage of liquid is limited.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the package 1 according to the invention, in which the division 18 is in the form of an elongated through third hole 13 with a longitudinal extension along the sealing area 3. In this embodiment, the division 18 does not include interconnected weakened lines. The first hole 8 in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, as well as the third hole 13 in the embodiment of FIG. 4, have an elongated shape with a longitudinal extension along the sealing area 3. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the spout 11 forms a drinking spout, since the sides of such an elongated hole form part of the outer surface of the spout 11. This results in a smooth surface of the spout that enters the mouth during drinking. If necessary, the second hole 9 may also be elongated.

[0052] Figures 5.a and 5.b show diagrammatically two other embodiments of a package 1 according to the invention, in which the division 18 is in the form of a line of weakness 10 provided by a partial cut through the sealing area 3. The line of weakness 10 extends along a semicircular path in its end area 14. This makes it possible to prevent tearing along the line of weakness 10 into the surrounding material, which could cause leakage of liquid. Tests carried out during the development of the invention have shown that by extending the line of weakness 10 in a direction away from the main direction in which the sealing area 3 extends, for example perpendicular to the main direction as shown in figure 5.b, it is easier to fold the spout 11 in the direction of use. Moreover, this makes it easier to move the corner out of the way when using the spout for drinking.

[0053] 6 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the package 1, in which the sealing area 3 with the division 18 extends from the same edge 4 where the notch 12 is located, in order to show that the sealing area 3 may have other shapes than those shown in the above figures.

[0054] In any of the described embodiments, the self-closing effect of the outlet flow passage 7 can be obtained by pre-determining the dimensions of the transition area 5 and the outlet flow passage 7 and any seals adjacent thereto, in order to provide a rigidity of the flexible material forming the transition area 5 and the outlet flow passage 7 resulting in such a self-closing effect. This ensures that no liquid escapes from the receptacle 6 when no pressure is applied to the package 1 after the spout 11 has been obtained by separation. Figure 7 shows, in a schematic way, such an embodiment in which the self-closing effect is obtained by using a sealing area 3 having a shape that includes an overhang 15 protruding in the plane of the sealing area 3. Furthermore, the shape of the seal at the corner 16 is optimized for the given geometry and material of the layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing area 3 has three overhangs 15 arranged in a manner known to obtain the desired self-closing function. In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown here, there are two or more overhangs 15 distributed along the outlet flow passage 7, the two or more overhangs 15 protruding from both sides of the sealing area 3 without facing each other. However, other numbers and positions of overhangs 15 are possible. The exact design of the package 1, both with respect to the sealing area 3 and the dividing portion 18, is typically determined based on all or some of the following parameters: the overall size and shape of the package, the type and thickness of the material used in the package, the sealing method, and the viscosity of the liquid. The design is typically determined based on experimental testing and / or computer simulations.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a schematic of an inventive concept related to the self-closing effect that is the background of some of the present invention. The concept can be explained by considering the outlet flow path 7 and the transition region 5 as a normally closed valve. "Normally closed" means that the valve remains closed when no external force is applied. Points c and d are connected by a seal extending between them. This provides stiffening, meaning that the distance between points c and d remains substantially constant. The same applies to points C and D. The stiffness of the imaginary line between points c and d tends to keep the distance between points a and b constant, which represents the closed position of the valve, i.e., the outlet flow path. Similarly, the imaginary line between points C and D tends to keep the distance between points A and B constant, which represents the closed position of the valve, i.e., the transition region. By designing the package 1 as shown in the figure, stiffness in two directions is used to provide a normally closed valve that is stronger than if only one flow path had to be kept closed. By "stronger" we mean that there is a greater force moving all the points back to their original position so that all surfaces are flat, thereby closing off the exit from the receptacle 6. The stiffening and resulting self-closing effect may be further controlled by providing overhangs 15 in the sealing area 3, as described in relation to Figure 7. Although there are three overhangs in this figure, in some embodiments one overhang may be sufficient to provide the required stiffening effect.

[0056] Figures 9.a and 9.b show diagrammatically two embodiments of the package 1 with a seal next to the outlet channel 7, the seal comprising a slit 16 shaped and dimensioned to receive the free end of the spout 11. The figures show two possible positions of such a slit, but other positions may also be chosen, provided that it is possible to bend the spout to reach the slit. By placing the free end of the spout 11 in the slit as shown in these figures, a high degree of self-closing of the spout 11 is obtained.

[0057] Figures 10.a and 10.b are flow charts of two different methods of manufacturing a package according to the invention. The method of Figure 10.a comprises: A: placing two layers of flexible material one on top of the other; B: applying heat sealing and scoring, while leaving out a portion of the seal to provide a filling area, resulting in a package according to the present invention; C: filling the receptacle with liquid via a filling region; D. sealing the filling area.

[0058] In some embodiments of the invention, steps A and B may be performed on a machine separate from that used for steps C and D. In that case, pouches made by steps A and B may also be temporarily stored or provided by an external pouch manufacturer.

[0059] The method in Figure 10.b is E: Providing two layers of flexible material in the form of a sheet material larger than one package; F: applying a heat seal resulting in a plurality of partially closed packages according to the invention, the packages comprising receptacles and the heat seal providing a fill area by omitting a portion of the seal; G: filling the receptacle with liquid via a filling region; H: sealing the filling area; I: A step of forming a division by making an incision; J: cutting along the periphery of the plurality of packages to separate the plurality of packages from one another.

[0060] Steps H, I and J may also be performed as one main operating step. Often the sealing tool and the cutting tool are combined to perform their individual steps approximately simultaneously in time.

[0061] As described in more detail above, the filling step may in either method be carried out under sterile conditions.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows diagrammatically an example of the manufacture of a package of the type shown in FIG. 7. In this example, the package is manufactured by the method shown in FIG. 10.b. The flexible material is provided in the form of a sheet material, which is folded back on itself and sealed along an edge 17 extending in the longitudinal direction of the material supply to form a tubular shape. A horizontal seal is then provided, as shown in circle F in FIG. 11. This seal forms the receptacle 6 of the upper package in the figure, which can then be filled. This receptacle is then closed by applying a subsequent seal F. Step I of making incisions to form dividers 18 and step J of cutting along the periphery of the packages to separate them from one another can be carried out as two separate steps or as one combined step.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described with specific embodiments, it should not be construed as being limited to the described examples. The scope of the present invention is set by the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the term "comprising" or "comprises" does not exclude other possible elements or steps. References to reference signs such as "a" or "an" should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims for elements shown in the figures should also not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in several different claims may be advantageously combined, and references to these features in several different claims do not exclude that combinations of features are not possible and advantageous.

Claims

1. A package (1) for liquids, comprising an area of ​​two layers of flexible material, said two layers being placed one on top of the other and sealed together to form or close a pouch, The two layers are further sealed together in a sealing area (3), the sealing area comprising: Extending at a distance from the edge (4) of the package (1); and The transition area (5) is left unsealed, Thereby, said sealing area (3) forms a boundary between a receptacle (6) for holding said liquid and an outlet channel (7), said outlet channel (7) being in fluid communication with said receptacle (6) via said transition area (5), the sealing area (3) comprises a dividing portion (18) extending along a portion of the sealing area, the dividing portion (18) being shaped and arranged to be configured to provide a spout (11) comprising the outlet flow passage (7); said spout (11) is obtained by creating a separation from said edge (4) extending up to and optionally along said division (18), said sealing area (3) having a shape including at least one overhang (15) projecting into the plane of said sealing area (3); Package (1).

2. 2. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the division (18) is in the form of a first hole (8) and a second hole (9) spaced apart from one another, the first hole (8) and the second hole (9) passing through and interconnected by a line of weakness (10) provided by a partial cut through the sealing area (3), the line of weakness (10) extending along the sealing area (3), and the first hole (8) is positioned such that effecting the separation comprises effecting the separation extending from the edge (4) to the first hole (8) and then tearing along the line of weakness (10) to the second hole (9).

3. 3. The package (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first hole (8) has an elongated shape with a longitudinal extension along the sealing area (3).

4. 2. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the division (18) is in the form of an elongated through third hole (13) extending along the sealing area (3).

5. 2. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the division (18) is in the form of a line of weakness (10) provided by a partial cut through the sealing area (3), the line of weakness (10) preferably running along a curved path, such as a semicircular shape, in an end region (14) of the line of weakness (10).

6. The package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the package (1) is provided with a notch (12) extending in a direction from the edge (4) towards the dividing portion (18).

7. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the overall shape of the package (1) is rectangular.

8. A package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a seal adjacent the outlet channel (7), the seal comprising a slit (16) shaped and dimensioned to receive a free end of the spout (11).

9. A package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dimensions of the transition area (5) and the outlet flow passage (7) and any sealing parts adjacent thereto are predetermined in order to provide a rigidity of the flexible material forming the transition area (5) and the outlet flow passage (7) resulting in a self-closing effect of the outlet flow passage (7) such that no liquid flows out of the receptacle (6) when no pressure is applied to the package (1) after the spout (11) has been obtained by carrying out the separation.

10. A package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein there are two or more protrusions (15) distributed along the outlet flow path (7), the two or more protrusions (15) preferably protruding from either side of the sealing area (3) without facing each other.

11. A package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein additional stiffness is provided to the package (1) by one or more of the following: embossing one or both layers, heating said layers, applying one or more stiffening bands, or using materials with different stiffness for the two layers.

12. A method for manufacturing a package (1) for a liquid, comprising the steps of: (A) placing two layers of flexible material one on top of the other; a step (B) of applying heat sealing and scoring, while omitting a portion of said sealing to provide a filling area, resulting in a package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; (C) filling the receiver (6) with liquid via the filling area; and (D) sealing said fill area.

13. A method for manufacturing a package (1) for a liquid, comprising the steps of: (E) providing two layers of flexible material in the form of a sheet material larger than one package (1); - a step (F) of applying a heat seal resulting in a plurality of partially closed packages (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said packages (1) comprising said receptacles (6), said heat seal providing a filling area by omitting a portion of said seal; (G) filling the receiver (6) with liquid via the filling area; A step (H) of sealing the filling area; (I) forming the dividing portion (18) by making a cut; and (J) cutting along the periphery of the plurality of packages (1) to separate the plurality of packages (1) from one another.

14. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the filling step is performed under sterile conditions.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the liquid filled in the package (1) is selected from fruit juice, iced tea, syrup, drinking yoghurt.

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