Pouch

Abstract

To provide a pouch capable of effectively applying force to a sealed part that separates an unsealed part from a containing part. [Solution] The pouch has a first unsealed portion separated from a containing portion by a first side seal portion. The first side seal portion has an intermediate seal portion located between the containing portion and the first unsealed portion. The intermediate seal portion includes at least a first portion and a second portion connected at a first connecting portion located closer to the lower seal portion. The first portion extends so as to be displaced downward as it approaches the first side edge. The second portion extends so as to be displaced toward the second side as it approaches the upper portion. The first unsealed portion includes a first edge portion extending along the first portion of the intermediate seal portion and a second edge portion extending along the second portion of the intermediate seal portion. The dimension of the first unsealed portion in the vertical direction is greatest at the portion of the first unsealed portion that overlaps the first side edge of the first side of the pouch.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouch comprising a container portion for containing contents and a first unsealed portion separated from the container portion by a first side seal portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, many pouches made of plastic laminates have been available on the market, filled and sealed with cooked or semi-cooked liquid, viscous material, or a mixture of liquid and solid. In the pouch, the non-sealed portion where the laminates are not joined constitutes the storage portion where the contents are stored. The sealed portion where the laminates are joined seals the storage portion. The contents are, for example, cooked foods such as curry, stew, soup, etc. The contents are heated in a microwave oven or the like while stored in the pouch.

[0003] When contents contained in a sealed pouch are heated in a microwave oven, the moisture in the contents evaporates as the contents are heated, increasing the pressure in the pouch. If the pressure in the pouch's storage compartment increases, the pouch may burst, causing the contents to spill and contaminate the microwave. In consideration of this issue, Patent Document 1, for example, proposes providing a pouch with a steam release mechanism that automatically connects the storage compartment to the outside when the pressure in the storage compartment increases, allowing steam inside the storage compartment to escape. In Patent Document 1, the steam release mechanism includes a bulging portion that bulges toward the storage compartment containing the contents, and an unsealed portion that is isolated from the storage compartment by the bulging portion and extends to reach the side edge of the pouch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-101154 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the bulging portion and the non-sealed portion are located in the vertical center of the pouch. In this case, the distance from the center of the pouch's storage portion to the bulging portion and the non-sealed portion is short, so the pressure generated when the pouch is heated can be effectively applied to the bulging portion. On the other hand, in the pouch of Patent Document 1, the bulging portion is located in the vertical center of the pouch. Since the contents cannot be stored up to the position of the bulging portion, the amount of contents in the pouch of Patent Document 1 is reduced.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a pouch that can effectively solve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a pouch in which a storage section for storing contents is defined between a surface film and a back film, the pouch comprising: a first side seal portion located on a first side of the pouch and joining an inner surface of the surface film to an inner surface of the back film; a second side seal portion located on a second side opposite the first side of the pouch and defining the storage section between itself and the first side seal portion; a bottom seal portion connected to the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; and a front seal portion located near the top of the pouch and a first non-sealed portion separated from the containing portion by the first side seal portion, the first non-sealed portion extending to reach a first side edge of the first side of the pouch, the first side seal portion having an upper seal portion extending from the first non-sealed portion toward an upper portion of the pouch along the first side, and a lower seal portion extending from the first non-sealed portion toward a lower portion of the pouch along the first side, the first side seal portion having one end connected to the upper seal portion and the other end connected to the lower seal portion; and an intermediate sealed portion located between the containing portion and the first non-sealed portion, wherein the intermediate sealed portion includes at least a first portion and a second portion connected at a first connected portion located closer to the lower sealed portion, the first portion and the second portion extending in different directions from each other, the first portion extending from the first connected portion so as to be displaced toward a lower portion of the pouch as it moves from the first connected portion toward the first side edge of the pouch, and the second portion extending from the first connected portion toward an upper portion of the pouch or extending from the first connected portion so as to be displaced toward the second side portion as it moves toward the upper portion of the pouch, the first non-sealed portion including a first edge portion extending along the first portion of the intermediate sealed portion and a second edge portion extending along the second portion of the intermediate sealed portion, and the dimension of the first non-sealed portion in the up-down direction is greatest at a portion of the first non-sealed portion that overlaps the first side edge of the first side of the pouch.

[0008] The present invention provides a pouch having a storage section for storing contents defined between a front film and a back film, the pouch comprising: a first side seal portion located on a first side of the pouch and joining an inner surface of the front film to an inner surface of the back film; a second side seal portion located on a second side of the pouch opposite the first side and defining the storage section between the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; a lower seal portion connected to the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; and a first non-seal portion located toward an upper portion of the pouch and separated from the storage section by the first side seal portion, the first non-seal portion extending to reach a first side edge of the first side of the pouch, the first side seal portion being an upper seal portion extending from the first non-seal portion along the first side toward the upper portion of the pouch. a lower sealed portion extending from the first non-sealed portion toward the bottom of the pouch along the first side portion; and an intermediate sealed portion having one end connected to the upper sealed portion and the other end connected to the lower sealed portion and positioned between the containing portion and the first non-sealed portion, wherein the intermediate sealed portion includes at least a first portion and a second portion connected to form an obtuse angle at a first connected portion positioned closer to the lower sealed portion, and the first non-sealed portion includes a first edge portion extending along the first portion of the intermediate sealed portion and a second edge portion extending along the second portion of the intermediate sealed portion, and the dimension of the first non-sealed portion in the up-down direction is greatest at a portion of the first non-sealed portion that overlaps the first side edge of the first side portion of the pouch.

[0009] In the pouch according to the present invention, the first edge and the second edge of the first non-sealed portion may extend linearly.

[0010] In the pouch according to the present invention, the first and second portions of the intermediate seal portion may extend linearly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a force can be effectively applied to the sealed portion that separates the non-sealed portion from the containing portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pouch shown in FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the middle seal portion and the first non-seal portion of the first side seal portion of the pouch. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the middle seal portion and the second non-seal portion of the second side seal portion of the pouch. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the layer structure of a laminate constituting a pouch. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the pouch when heated. [Figure 7] 10 is a view showing a state in which the middle seal portion of the first side seal portion is peeled off and the containing portion communicates with the first unsealed portion. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how peeling of the intermediate seal portion of the first side seal portion progresses further. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how steam is discharged from the storage section to the first unsealed section. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the intermediate seal portion and the first non-seal portion of the first side seal portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the intermediate seal portion and the first non-seal portion of the first side seal portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the intermediate seal portion and the first non-seal portion of the first side seal portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the intermediate seal portion and the first non-seal portion of the first side seal portion. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the intermediate seal portion and the first non-seal portion of the first side seal portion. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the intermediate seal portion and the first non-seal portion of the first side seal portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the pouch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the drawings accompanying this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the sake of illustration and ease of understanding.

[0014] Furthermore, terms used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and their degrees, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "identical," as well as values ​​of lengths and angles, are not to be construed as being bound by strict meanings, but rather as including a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0015] Pouch FIG. 1 is a front view of a pouch 10 according to the present embodiment, as viewed from the front side. In this embodiment, pouch 10 is a bottom-gusset pouch configured to be self-standing. Pouch 10 includes an upper portion 11, a lower portion 12, a first side portion 13, and a second side portion 14, and has a generally rectangular outline in a front view. Note that terms such as "upper portion," "lower portion," and "side portion," as well as "upper" and "lower," merely describe the relative positions and orientations of pouch 10 and its components relative to a state in which pouch 10 is self-standing with the gusset portion facing downward. The names and terms used in this specification do not limit the orientation of pouch 10 during transportation or use.

[0016] In addition, FIG. 1 shows the pouch 10 in a state where no contents are contained therein. Pouch 10 according to the present embodiment is configured so as to be suitable for use as a microwave pouch in which the contents are heated in a microwave oven. The contents to be stored in pouch 10 are not particularly limited as long as they can be heated in a microwave oven. For example, the contents to be stored in pouch 10 can include cooked foods such as curry, stew, soup, simmered dishes, and hamburger steaks.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the pouch 10 includes a surface film 15 that forms the surface, a back film 16 that forms the back surface, and a bottom film 17 that forms the bottom portion 12. A storage section 18 that stores contents is defined between the surface film 15 and the back film 16. The bottom film 17 is folded back at a fold-back portion 17f and is disposed between the surface film 15 and the back film 16. Note that in Fig. 1, components that are not visible when the pouch 10 is viewed from the surface side, such as the back film 16, are indicated by dotted lines.

[0018] The terms "surface film," "back film," and "lower film" mentioned above merely define the respective films according to their positional relationships, and the terms do not limit the method of providing the films when manufacturing pouch 10. For example, pouch 10 may be manufactured using one film in which surface film 15, back film 16, and bottom film 17 are continuously disposed, or may be manufactured using two films in total: one film in which surface film 15 and bottom film 17 are continuously disposed and one back film 16, or may be manufactured using three films in total: one surface film 15, one back film 16, and one bottom film 17.

[0019] The inner surfaces of the front film 15, back film 16, and bottom film 17 are joined together by a seal. In plan views of the pouch 10, such as FIG. 1, the seal is hatched. The method for forming the seal is not particularly limited, as long as it is possible to join the opposing films together. For example, the seal may be formed by melting the inner surfaces of the films by heating or the like, fusing the inner surfaces together, i.e., by heat sealing. Alternatively, the seal may be formed by bonding the inner surfaces of the opposing films together using an adhesive or the like.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , the sealed portion of pouch 10 has a first side sealed portion 30, a second side sealed portion 35, and a bottom sealed portion 25. First side sealed portion 30 is located on a first side 13 of pouch 10. Second side sealed portion 35 is located on a second side 14 of pouch 10 that faces first side 13. Bottom sealed portion 25 is located on a bottom portion 12 of pouch 10 and is connected to first side sealed portion 30 and second side sealed portion 35. The non-sealed portion surrounded by first side sealed portion 30, second side sealed portion 35, and bottom sealed portion 25 functions as a storage portion 18 that stores contents.

[0021] The first side seal portion 30 and the second side seal portion 35 join the inner surface of the front film 15 and the inner surface of the back film 16. On the other hand, the bottom seal portion 25 joins the inner surface of the front film 15 and the inner surface of the bottom film 17, or the inner surface of the back film 16 and the inner surface of the bottom film 17.

[0022] 1, in addition to the unsealed portion that functions as the storage portion 18, the pouch 10 further includes a first unsealed portion 40 that is separated from the storage portion 18 by a first side seal portion 30, and a second unsealed portion 45 that is separated from the storage portion 18 by a second side seal portion 35. Both the first unsealed portion 40 and the second unsealed portion 45 are located closer to the upper portion 11 of the pouch 10. "Close to the upper portion 11" means that the first unsealed portion 40 and the second unsealed portion 45 are located closer to the upper portion 11 than the center point C of the storage portion 18.

[0023] 1 , the first unsealed portion 40 extends to reach the first side edge 13a of the first side 13 of the pouch 10. In other words, the first unsealed portion 40 overlaps the first side edge 13a and has an opening edge 41 that is open to the outside. The second unsealed portion 45 extends to reach the second side edge 14a of the second side 14 of the pouch 10. In other words, the second unsealed portion 45 overlaps the second side edge 14a and has an opening edge 46 that is open to the outside.

[0024] The first side seal portion 30 and the first non-seal portion 40 will now be described in further detail.

[0025] 1, first side seal portion 30 has an upper seal portion 31, a lower seal portion 32, and an intermediate seal portion 33. Upper seal portion 31 extends along first side 13 from first non-seal portion 40 toward the top 11 of pouch 10. Lower seal portion 32 extends along first side 13 from first non-seal portion 40 toward the bottom 12 of pouch 10. Intermediate seal portion 33 is located between container portion 18 and first non-seal portion 40. The middle seal portion 33 includes one end connected to the upper seal portion 31 and the other end connected to the lower seal portion 32 .

[0026] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of pouch 10 shown in Fig. 1 taken along line II-II. When pouch 10 is heated and steam is generated in storage section 18, increasing the pressure in storage section 18, intermediate sealed portion 33 partially peels off, connecting storage section 18 and first non-sealed portion 40. Steam that flows from storage section 18 into first non-sealed portion 40 is discharged to the outside from opening edge portion 41. In this way, intermediate sealed portion 33 and first non-sealed portion 40 function as a steam release mechanism that discharges steam from storage section 18 to the outside.

[0027] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the intermediate sealed portion 33 and the first non-sealed portion 40 of the first side seal portion 30 of the pouch 10. The intermediate sealed portion 33 includes a first portion 331, a second portion 332, and a third portion 333. The first portion 331 and the second portion 332 are connected at a first connecting portion 334 located closer to the lower sealed portion 32. "Close to the lower sealed portion 32" means that the first connecting portion 334 is located closer to the lower sealed portion 32 than the center of the opening edge 41 in the vertical direction D1. Furthermore, the second portion 332 and the third portion 333 are connected at a second connecting portion 335 located closer to the upper sealed portion 31. "Close to the upper sealed portion 31" means that the second connecting portion 335 is located closer to the upper sealed portion 31 than the center of the opening edge 41 in the vertical direction D1.

[0028] The first portion 331 and the second portion 332 extend in different directions. For example, the first portion 331 extends linearly from the first connecting portion 334 toward the first side edge 13a, displacing toward the lower portion 12, and is connected to the lower seal portion 32. On the other hand, the second portion 332 extends linearly from the first connecting portion 334 toward the upper portion 11 in the up-down direction D1. In this case, the angle θ1 formed between the first portion 331 and the second portion 332 at the first connecting portion 334 is an obtuse angle. The angle θ1 is, for example, greater than 90° and less than 150°, preferably greater than 95° and less than 140°, and more preferably greater than 100° and less than 130°. The extending direction and angle of each portion of the intermediate seal portion 33 are determined based on the inner edge of the intermediate seal portion 33 (the edge on the housing portion 18 side).

[0029] The second portion 332 and the third portion 333 also extend in different directions. For example, the third portion 333 extends linearly in the left-right direction D2 from the second connecting portion 335 toward the first side edge 13a, and is connected to the upper seal portion 31.

[0030] Next, we will explain the edge portion that defines the outer edge of the first unsealed portion 40. As shown in Fig. 3, the edge portion of the first unsealed portion 40 includes a first edge portion 431, a second edge portion 432 connected to the first edge portion 431 at a first connecting portion 434, a third edge portion 433 connected to the second edge portion 432 at a second connecting portion 435, and the opening edge portion 41 described above.

[0031] The first edge portion 431 extends along the first portion 331 of the intermediate seal part 33. That is, the first edge portion 431 extends so as to be displaced toward the lower part 12 as it moves from the first connecting portion 434 toward the first side edge 13a. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the first edge portion 431 extends linearly until it reaches the first side edge 13a.

[0032] The second edge 432 extends in the up-down direction D1 from the first connecting portion 434 toward the upper portion 11 along the second portion 332 of the intermediate seal part 33. In this case, the angle θ2 formed between the first edge 431 and the second edge 432 at the first connecting portion 434 is an obtuse angle similar to the angle θ1 described above. The angle θ2 is, for example, greater than 90° and less than or equal to 150°, preferably greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 140°, and more preferably greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 130°. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second edge 432 extends linearly from the first connecting portion 434 to the second connecting portion 435.

[0033] The third edge portion 433 extends in the left-right direction D2 from the second connecting portion 435 toward the first side edge 13a along the third portion 333 of the intermediate seal part 33. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the third edge portion 433 extends linearly until it reaches the first side edge 13a.

[0034] Next, the dimensions of the first side seal portion 30 and the first non-seal portion 40 will be described.

[0035] 3, the symbols W1, W2, and W3 respectively represent the width of the upper seal portion 31, the width of the lower seal portion 32, and the width of the middle seal portion 33. The width W3 of the middle seal portion 33 is preferably smaller than the width W1 of the upper seal portion 31 and the width W2 of the lower seal portion 32. Also, the width W1 of the upper seal portion 31 is preferably larger than the width W2 of the lower seal portion 32. For example, the width W1 of the upper seal portion 31 is 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less, the width W2 of the lower seal portion 32 is 4 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and the width W3 of the middle seal portion 33 is 2 mm or more and 6 mm or less.

[0036] 3, symbol L1 represents the dimension of the opening edge portion 41 in the vertical direction D1, and symbol L2 represents the dimension of the second edge portion 432 in the vertical direction D1. Preferably, the first non-sealed portion 40 is configured so that the dimension of the first non-sealed portion 40 in the vertical direction is greatest at the portion of the first non-sealed portion 40 that overlaps the first side edge 13a of the first side portion 13 of the pouch 10, i.e., at the opening edge portion 41. For example, the dimension L1 of the opening edge portion 41 is greater than the dimension L2 of the second edge portion 432. This allows steam to be smoothly discharged from the opening edge portion 41 to the outside.

[0037] The dimension L1 of the opening edge 41 is, for example, 4 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and the dimension L2 of the second edge 432 is, for example, 3 mm or more and 25 mm or less. In addition, the difference between the dimension L1 of the opening edge 41 and the dimension L2 of the second edge 432 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

[0038] Next, the second side seal portion 35 and the second non-seal portion 45 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 4. Figure 4 is an enlarged front view showing the intermediate seal portion 38 of the second side seal portion 35 and the second non-seal portion 45.

[0039] 1 and 4, the second side seal portion 35 has an upper seal portion 36, a lower seal portion 37, and an intermediate seal portion 38. The upper seal portion 36 extends along the second side 14 from the second non-seal portion 45 toward the top 11 of the pouch 10. The lower seal portion 37 extends along the second side 14 from the second non-seal portion 45 toward the bottom 12 of the pouch 10. The intermediate seal portion 38 is located between the containing portion 18 and the second non-seal portion 45. The intermediate seal portion 38 includes one end connected to the upper seal portion 36 and the other end connected to the lower seal portion 37.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4 , the edge of the second non-sealed portion 45 includes a first edge 481, a second edge 482, a third edge 483, and an opening edge 46. The opening edge 46 overlaps the second side edge 14a of the second side portion 14. The second edge 482 includes a lower end connected to the first edge 481 and an upper end connected to the third edge 483, and extends in the up-down direction D1. The first edge 481 of the second non-sealed portion 45 extends in the same direction as the first edge 431 of the first non-sealed portion 40. Furthermore, the third edge 483 of the second non-sealed portion 45 extends in the same direction as the third edge 433 of the first non-sealed portion 40. The second non-sealed portion 45 having such a shape is formed simultaneously with the first non-sealed portion 40 by cutting one non-sealed portion, as disclosed in JP 2016-74457 A, for example. When, for example, a front film 15, a back film 16, and a bottom film 17 that are partially joined to one another and extend along the conveyance direction are cut along the sealed portion and the non-sealed portion to manufacture a plurality of pouches 10, one of the cut non-sealed portions becomes the first non-sealed portion 40, and the other becomes the second non-sealed portion 45.

[0041] 4, the symbols W4, W5, and W6 represent the width of the upper seal portion 36, the width of the lower seal portion 37, and the width of the intermediate seal portion 38, respectively. Preferably, the width W4 of the upper seal portion 36 is larger than the width W5 of the lower seal portion 37 and the width W6 of the intermediate seal portion 38. Furthermore, the width W6 of the intermediate seal portion 38 of the second side seal portion 35 is larger than the width W3 of the intermediate seal portion 33 of the first side seal portion 30. For example, the width W4 of the upper seal portion 36 is 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less, the width W5 of the lower seal portion 37 is 4 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and the width W6 of the intermediate seal portion 38 is 2 mm or more and 14 mm or less.

[0042] Next, a description will be given of the layer structure of the laminate 50 that constitutes the front film 15 and the back film 16. FIG.

[0043] The laminate 50 includes at least a base layer 51 and a sealant layer 52. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the base layer 51 forms an outer surface 50y of the laminate 50, and the sealant layer 52 forms an inner surface 50x of the laminate 50. The laminate 50 may further include an adhesive layer 53 that bonds the base layer 51 and the sealant layer 52 together. The thickness of the laminate 50 is, for example, 60 μm or more, and more preferably 70 μm or more. The thickness of the laminate 50 is, for example, 110 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or less.

[0044] The base layer 51 can be made of plastics such as polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon, and polyolefins such as high density polyethylene and polypropylene. The thickness of the base layer 51 is, for example, not less than 10 μm and not more than 30 μm.

[0045] Examples of materials that can be used to form the sealant layer 52 include polyethylene and polypropylene, such as ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (EMMA), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The thickness of the sealant layer 52 is, for example, 40 μm or more, and more preferably 50 μm or more. The thickness of the sealant layer 52 is, for example, 100 μm or less, and more preferably 70 μm or less.

[0046] The laminate 50 may include layers other than the base layer 51, the sealant layer 52, and the adhesive layer 53. For example, the laminate 50 may further include an intermediate layer located between the base layer 51 and the sealant layer 52. An appropriate intermediate layer may be selected depending on the required performance, such as water vapor and other gas barrier properties, light blocking properties, and various mechanical strengths.

[0047] Next, the layer structure of the lower film 17 will be described. The layer structure of the lower film 17 is arbitrary as long as it has an inner surface that can be bonded to the inner surfaces of the front film 15 and the back film 16. For example, the above-mentioned laminate 50 may be used as the lower film 17, similar to the front film 15 and the back film 16. Alternatively, a film whose inner surface is formed by a sealant layer and has a different structure from the laminate 50 may be used as the lower film 17.

[0048] Pouch manufacturing method Next, a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned pouch 10 will be described. First, a surface film 15 and a back film 16 made of a laminate 50 are prepared. A folded-over bottom film 17 is inserted between the surface film 15 and the back film 16. Next, the inner surfaces of each film are heat-sealed to form seals such as a bottom seal 25, a first side seal 30, and a second side seal 35. The films joined together by heat sealing are then cut into an appropriate shape to obtain the pouch 10 shown in FIG. 1. Next, contents are filled into the pouch 10 through the opening in the top portion 11. After that, the top portion 11 is heat-sealed along the upper edge 11a to form the top seal 20. In this manner, a pouch 10 containing and sealed with contents can be obtained, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0049] How to open the pouch Next, a method for opening the above-described pouch 10 will be described. First, the pouch 10 is placed inside a microwave oven with the bottom 12 facing down. Next, the contents are heated using the microwave oven. This increases the temperature of the contents, and as a result, the water contained in the contents evaporates, increasing the pressure in the storage section 18.

[0050] When the pressure in the storage section 18 increases, the pouch 10 expands, for example, into a circular shape around the center point C of the storage section 18, as shown by the dashed line labeled 18a in FIG. Therefore, a force is applied to each position of the seal portion in a direction from the center point C toward the seal portion. The force applied to each position of the seal portion increases as the distance from the center point C decreases. In this embodiment, the first side seal portion 30 includes an intermediate seal portion 33 that is located closer to the second side portion 14 than the inner edge 32a of the lower seal portion 32. Therefore, the force F applied to the intermediate seal portion 33 is greater than the forces applied to the upper seal portion 31 and the lower seal portion 32.

[0051] The center point C of the storage section 18 is defined as the midpoint of the line segment connecting the midpoint Y1 of the inner edge 20a of the upper seal section 20 and the midpoint Y2 of the inner edge 25a of the lower seal section 25. In Fig. 6, symbol H1 represents the distance in the vertical direction D1 from the midpoint Y1 of the inner edge 20a of the upper seal section 20 to the midpoint Y2 of the inner edge 25a of the lower seal section 25. Symbol H2 represents the distance in the vertical direction D1 from the center point C of the storage section 18 to the first continuous portion 334 of the intermediate seal portion 33. The distance H2 is, for example, not less than 0.05 × H1 and not more than 0.5 × H1.

[0052] When force F is applied to the intermediate seal portion 33, peeling of the intermediate seal portion 33 progresses. Peeling of the intermediate seal portion 33 first progresses in the first portion 331 and the second portion 332 near the first continuous portion 334, for example. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a state in which peeling of the intermediate seal portion 33 has reached the first continuous portion 434 of the first non-sealed portion 40, forming a communication opening 44.

[0053] 7, only a small portion of the intermediate sealed portion 33 has peeled to the edge of the first unsealed portion 40, and therefore only a small amount of steam can escape from the storage portion 18 to the first unsealed portion 40 through the peeled portion of the intermediate sealed portion 33. In order to quickly vent the steam generated inside the storage portion 18 to the outside and reduce the pressure inside the storage portion 18, it is preferable to allow the peeling of the intermediate sealed portion 33 to progress further.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first portion 331 of the intermediate seal portion 33 extends from the first continuous portion 334 toward the first side edge 13a, displacing toward the lower portion 12. Therefore, compared to when the first portion 331 extends in the left-right direction D2, the angle θ3 between the direction of force F from the center point C of the storage portion 18 toward the first portion 331 and the direction of extension of the inner edge of the first portion 331 can be closer to 90°. This allows the force F to be applied effectively to the entire first portion 331, thereby accelerating the peeling of the first portion 331, as shown in FIG. 8 . This allows the dimensions of the communication opening 44 formed between the storage portion 18 and the first unsealed portion 40 by peeling of the intermediate seal portion 33 to be increased early. This shortens the time the interior of the storage portion 18 is maintained at high pressure and temperature, thereby preventing damage to the front film 15, back film 16, bottom film 17, and other components during heating. The angle θ3 is, for example, greater than 0° and less than 90°.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second portion 332 of the intermediate seal portion 33 extends in the up-down direction D1 from the first continuous portion 334 toward the upper portion 11. Therefore, compared to when the second portion 332 extends at an angle toward the first side portion 13, the angle θ4 formed between the direction of the force F directed from the center point C of the storage portion 18 to the second portion 332 and the direction in which the inner edge of the second portion 332 extends can be made closer to 90°. This allows the force F to be applied effectively to the entire second portion 332, thereby promoting the progress of peeling of the second portion 332, as in the case of the first portion 331. The angle θ4 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 90°.

[0056] 9 is a diagram showing how steam passes through the communication port 44 formed between the storage section 18 and the first unsealed section 40. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the symbol T1 represents steam flowing from the center point C of the storage section 18 toward the sealed section. Furthermore, the symbol T2 represents steam flowing from the upper portion 11 toward the first unsealed section 40 after convection inside the storage section 18.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the dimensions of the communication port 44 can be made large, so that the resistance that the steam T1 that flows from the storage section 18 into the first unsealed section 40 experiences can be reduced. Furthermore, the first edge 431 of the first non-sealed portion 40 extends so as to be displaced toward the lower portion 12 as it moves from the first connected portion 434 toward the first side edge 13a. This allows the dimension L1 of the opening edge 41 in the up-down direction D1 to be larger than when the first edge 431 extends in the left-right direction D2. This reduces the resistance experienced by the steam T1 that is discharged from the first non-sealed portion 40 through the opening edge 41 to the outside of the pouch 10. This prevents steam from accumulating in the first non-sealed portion 40 and causing the opening edge 41 to close.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the first edge portion 431 of the first non-sealed portion 40 extends so as to be displaced toward the lower portion 12 as it moves from the first connected portion 434 toward the first side edge 13a. Therefore, compared to when the first edge portion 431 extends in the left-right direction D2, the steam T2 that flows into the first non-sealed portion 40 from the upper portion 11 can be smoothly guided along the first edge portion 431 to the opening edge portion 41. This makes it possible to prevent steam from accumulating in the first non-sealed portion 40 and causing the opening edge portion 41 to become blocked.

[0059] It should be noted that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Below, modifications will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, parts that can be configured similarly to the above-described embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, if it is clear that the effects obtained in the above-described embodiment can also be obtained in the modified embodiment, the explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0060] First Modification In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the second portion 332 of the intermediate seal portion 33 extends in the up-down direction D1 from the first continuous portion 334 toward the upper portion 11. However, this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the second portion 332 of the intermediate seal portion 33 may extend so as to be displaced toward the second side portion 14 as it moves from the first continuous portion 334 toward the upper portion 11. In this case, too, the angle θ1 formed between the first portion 331 and the second portion 332 at the first continuous portion 334 is an obtuse angle. As in the above-described embodiment, the angle θ1 is, for example, greater than 90° and less than or equal to 150°, preferably greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 140°, and more preferably greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 130°.

[0061] In this modification, the force generated by the generation of steam in the storage section 18 can also be effectively applied to the entire second section 332, thereby accelerating the progress of peeling of the second section 332. This allows the dimensions of the communication opening 44 formed between the storage section 18 and the first unsealed section 40 by peeling of the intermediate sealed section 33 to be secured large early on.

[0062] Second Variant In the above-described embodiment or first modified example, the second portion 332 of the intermediate seal portion 33 extends in the vertical direction D1 from the first continuous portion 334 toward the upper portion 11, or extends so as to be displaced toward the second side portion 14 as it moves from the first continuous portion 334 toward the upper portion 11. However, this is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 11 , for example, the second portion 332 of the intermediate seal portion 33 may include both a portion extending in the vertical direction D1 and a portion extending so as to be displaced toward the second side portion 14 as it moves toward the upper portion 11. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the second portion 332 includes a portion extending so as to be displaced toward the second side portion 14 as it moves from the first continuous portion 334 toward the upper portion 11, and a portion extending in the vertical direction D1 from that portion to the second continuous portion 335.

[0063] Third Variant In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the third portion 333 of the intermediate seal portion 33 extends in the left-right direction D2 from the second continuous portion 335 toward the first side edge 13a. However, this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the third portion 333 of the intermediate seal portion 33 may extend so as to be displaced toward the upper portion 11 as it moves from the second continuous portion 335 toward the first side edge 13a. In this case, the third edge portion 433 of the first unsealed portion 40 may similarly extend along the third portion 333 so as to be displaced toward the upper portion 11 as it moves from the second continuous portion 435 toward the first side edge 13a.

[0064] Fourth Variant In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the intermediate seal portion 33 includes the third portion 333 that protrudes from the upper seal portion 31 toward the storage portion 18 (the second side portion 14). However, this is not limited to this, and the intermediate seal portion 33 does not have to include the third portion 333, for example, as shown in Fig. 13. For example, the second portion 332 extending from the first connecting portion 334 toward the upper portion 11 may be connected to the upper seal portion 31.

[0065] Fifth Variant In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the first portion 331 of the intermediate seal portion 33 extends linearly from the first continuous portion 334 to the lower seal portion 32. However, the shape of the first portion 331 may be curved as shown in FIG. 14 , as long as the first portion 331 is displaced toward the lower portion 12 as it moves from the first continuous portion 334 toward the first side edge 13 a.

[0066] 14, first portion 331 is curved so as to be convex toward first unsealed portion 40. This allows the entire first portion 331 to more effectively withstand the force that is generated when pouch 10 is heated and that is directed from center point C of storage portion 18 toward first portion 331.

[0067] Although not shown, the first portion 331 may be curved so as to be convex toward the center point C of the storage section 18. This allows the first portion 331 to more effectively receive the force directed from the center point C toward the curved portion of the first portion 331. Specifically, the force is first applied to the apex of the curved portion of the first portion 331, and then the force is transmitted to the entire curved portion of the first portion 331, causing the curved portion of the first portion 331 to peel off. This is the order in which the peeling of the first portion 331 can be achieved.

[0068] Sixth Variant In the above-described embodiment, the first portion 331 of the intermediate seal portion 33 extends from the first connecting portion 334 toward the first side edge 13a and is connected to the lower seal portion 32. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the intermediate seal portion 33 may further include a fourth portion 336 located between the first portion 331 and the lower seal portion 32. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the fourth portion 336 extends in the left-right direction D2 from the connecting portion with the first portion 331 toward the first side edge 13a and is connected to the lower seal portion 32. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15 , the inner edge of the first unsealed portion 40 may further include a fourth edge portion 436 that extends in the left-right direction D2 along the fourth portion 336 of the intermediate seal portion 33 and reaches the first side edge 13a.

[0069] Seventh Variation In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which pouch 10 is a gusset-type pouch including front film 15, back film 16, and bottom film 17. However, this is not limited thereto, and pouch 10 may be a so-called flat pouch including front film 15 and back film 16, as shown in FIG. 16 . In this case, pouch 10 is heated in a microwave oven while maintaining the posture of pouch 10 such that middle seal portion 33 is positioned vertically above center point C of storage section 18. For example, if pouch 10 is sold housed in a paper box (not shown), the box can be used to maintain pouch 10 in a predetermined posture.

[0070] Although several modifications of the above-described embodiment have been described, it is of course possible to combine a plurality of modifications as appropriate.

[0071] (Other aspects) Another aspect of the present invention is a pouch having a storage section for storing contents defined between a front film and a back film, the pouch comprising: a first side seal portion located on a first side of the pouch and joining an inner surface of the front film to an inner surface of the back film; a second side seal portion located on a second side opposite the first side of the pouch and defining the storage section between the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; a bottom seal portion connected to the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; and a first non-seal portion located toward an upper portion of the pouch and separated from the storage section by the first side seal portion, the first non-seal portion extending to reach a first side edge of the first side of the pouch, the first side seal portion comprising an upper seal portion extending from the first non-seal portion along the first side toward the upper portion of the pouch, and a lower seal portion extending from the first non-seal portion along the first side toward the lower portion of the pouch. the first non-sealed portion includes a first edge portion extending along the first portion of the intermediate seal portion and a second edge portion extending along the second portion of the intermediate seal portion. The first edge portion extends from the first non-sealed portion toward the first side edge of the pouch, and the second edge portion extends from the first non-sealed portion toward the second side edge of the pouch. The first non-sealed portion includes a first edge portion extending along the first portion of the intermediate seal portion and a second edge portion extending along the second portion of the intermediate seal portion.

[0072] Another aspect of the present invention is a pouch having a storage section for storing contents defined between a front film and a back film, the pouch comprising: a first side seal portion located on a first side of the pouch and joining an inner surface of the front film to an inner surface of the back film; a second side seal portion located on a second side opposite the first side of the pouch and defining the storage section between the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; a bottom seal portion connected to the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; and a first non-seal portion located toward an upper portion of the pouch and separated from the storage section by the first side seal portion, the first non-seal portion extending to reach a first side edge of the first side of the pouch, the pouch comprises an upper sealed portion extending from a first non-sealed portion toward the top of the pouch along the first side portion; a lower sealed portion extending from the first non-sealed portion toward the bottom of the pouch along the first side portion; and an intermediate sealed portion having one end connected to the upper sealed portion and the other end connected to the lower sealed portion and positioned between the containing portion and the first non-sealed portion, wherein the intermediate sealed portion includes at least a first portion and a second portion connected to each other so as to form an obtuse angle at a first connected portion located closer to the lower sealed portion, and the first non-sealed portion includes a first edge portion extending along the first portion of the intermediate sealed portion and a second edge portion extending along the second portion of the intermediate sealed portion.

[0073] In the pouch according to another aspect of the present invention, the first edge and the second edge of the first unsealed portion may extend linearly.

[0074] In the pouch according to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second portions of the intermediate seal portion may extend linearly.

[0075] In a pouch according to another aspect of the present invention, the dimension of the first non-sealed portion in the vertical direction may be greatest at the portion of the first non-sealed portion that overlaps the first side edge of the first side portion of the pouch. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 pouches 11 Upper 12 Lower 13 First side 13a 1st side edge 14 Second side 14a Second side edge 15 Surface film 16 Back film 17 Lower film 18 Storage section 20 Upper seal part 25 Lower seal 30 First side seal 31 Upper seal part 32 Lower seal part 33 Intermediate seal part 331 Part 1 332 Part 2 333 Part 3 334 First Connecting Section 335 Second Connecting Section 336 Part 4 35 Second side seal 36 Upper seal part 37 Lower seal part 38 Intermediate seal part 40 First unsealed part 41 Opening edge 431 First edge 432 Second edge 433 Third edge 434 First Connecting Section 435 Second Connecting Section 436 Fourth edge 45 Second unsealed part 50 laminate 50x inner surface 50y external surface 51 Base material layer 52 Sealant layer 53 Adhesive layer

Claims

1. A microwave pouch in which a storage section for storing contents is defined between a front film and a back film, a first side seal portion located on a first side of the pouch and joining the inner surface of the front film and the inner surface of the back film; a second side seal located on a second side of the pouch opposite the first side, the second side seal defining the containing section between the first side seal and the second side seal; a lower seal portion connected to the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; a first unsealed portion located toward an upper portion of the pouch and separated from the containing portion by the first side seal portion, the first unsealed portion extending to a first side edge of the first side of the pouch; the first side seal portion includes an upper seal portion extending from the first non-seal portion toward an upper portion of the pouch along the first side, a lower seal portion extending from the first non-seal portion toward a lower portion of the pouch along the first side, and an intermediate seal portion having one end connected to the upper seal portion and the other end connected to the lower seal portion and positioned between the containing portion and the first non-seal portion, the intermediate seal portion includes at least a first portion and a second portion connected to each other at a first connecting portion located closer to the lower seal portion, the first portion and the second portion extending in different directions from each other; the first portion extends from the first connected portion toward the first side edge of the pouch so as to be displaced toward a lower side of the pouch, the first portion is curved so as to be convex toward the first non-sealed portion, the second portion extends in a vertical direction from the first connected portion toward an upper portion of the pouch, or extends so as to be displaced toward the second side portion as it moves from the first connected portion toward the upper portion of the pouch, the first non-sealed portion includes a first edge portion extending along the first portion of the intermediate sealed portion and a second edge portion extending in the up-down direction along the second portion of the intermediate sealed portion, The dimension of the second edge portion in the up-down direction is 3 mm or more, the second edge portion is located closer to the second side portion than the inner edge of the lower seal portion; a dimension of the first non-sealed portion in the up-down direction is greatest at a portion of the first non-sealed portion that overlaps the first side edge of the first side portion of the pouch, A pouch, wherein after the pouch is heated in a microwave oven and peeling of the intermediate sealed portion reaches the first unsealed portion, peeling of the intermediate sealed portion further progresses in the first portion and the second portion.

2. A microwave pouch in which a storage section for storing contents is defined between a front film and a back film, a first side seal portion located on a first side of the pouch and joining the inner surface of the front film and the inner surface of the back film; a second side seal located on a second side of the pouch opposite the first side, the second side seal defining the containing section between the first side seal and the second side seal; a lower seal portion connected to the first side seal portion and the second side seal portion; a first non-seal portion located toward an upper portion of the pouch and separated from the containing portion by the first side seal portion, the first non-seal portion extending to a first side edge of the first side of the pouch; the first side seal portion comprises: an upper seal portion extending from the first non-seal portion toward an upper portion of the pouch along the first side; a lower seal portion extending from the first non-seal portion toward a lower portion of the pouch along the first side; and an intermediate seal portion having one end connected to the upper seal portion and the other end connected to the lower seal portion and positioned between the containing portion and the first non-seal portion; the intermediate seal portion includes at least a first portion and a second portion connected to each other so as to form an obtuse angle at a first connecting portion located closer to the lower seal portion, the first portion extends from the first connecting portion toward the first side edge of the pouch, the first portion is curved so as to be convex toward the first non-sealed portion, the first non-sealed portion includes a first edge portion extending along the first portion of the intermediate seal portion, and a second edge portion connected to the first edge portion at a first connecting portion and extending along the second portion of the intermediate seal portion; an angle formed between the first edge portion and the second edge portion at the first connected portion is an obtuse angle; The dimension of the second edge portion in the up-down direction is 3 mm or more, the second edge portion is located closer to the second side portion than the inner edge of the lower seal portion; a dimension of the first non-sealed portion in the up-down direction is greatest at a portion of the first non-sealed portion that overlaps the first side edge of the first side portion of the pouch, A pouch, wherein after the pouch is heated in a microwave oven and peeling of the intermediate sealed portion reaches the first unsealed portion, peeling of the intermediate sealed portion further progresses in the first portion and the second portion.

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