Resealable packaging for a flowable substance

Abstract

A container for holding a flowable substance such as liquids, gels, slurries, and particulate materials. The container has a main portion with flexible walls and a spout portion. The spout portion is of lesser internal width or lesser average internal width or lesser maximum internal width or lesser internal volume than that of the main portion. A closure extends across the main portion, or across the spout portion, or between the main portion and the spout portion. In a first state the closure prevents passage of the flowable substance. In a second state the closure allows passage of the flowable substance.

Description

[0001] IRN20105117

[0002] RESEALABLE PACKAGING FOR A FLOWABLE SUBSTANCE

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates generally to resealable containers for holding and delivering flowable substances such as. Exemplary products which may be held and delivered by the present containers include personal care products, household cleaning agents, horticultural products, industrial products, food and beverage products.

[0005] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0006] Many consumer products are packaged in plastic containers. While light in weight, strong and cost-effective, plastic containers are often discarded into landfill and can take decades to break down. Recycling efforts have improved over time, however the packaging industry seeks to reduce the use of plastics as far as possible.

[0007] The prior art provides a range of refill products to reduce the amount of plastic waste. Typically, a main container of substantial construction is refilled with product multiple times by a refill product made from a container of a less substantial construction. For example, the main container may be a rigid plastic pump-pack for holding a shampoo, and the refill product is a container fabricated from a relatively low amount of a flexible plastic. Pouch-type containers are well used in that context. The refill container is sealed at purchase, with the user opening the container at home and pouring product therefrom into the main container. Refill containers are typically provided with a spout of some description to cleanly direct the product into the opening of the main container thereby avoiding spillage and waste.

[0008] In some instances, a refill container contains a bulk amount of product allowing for the main container to be refilled multiple times. The refill container must be resealable after opening to allow the user to secure the contents until the next time the main container is refilled. To that end, a pouch-type refill container may comprise a rigid plastic spout laminated to the flexible plastic material, the spout being threaded to accept a screw cap or a flip cap.

[0009] Spouted resealable pouches are also used for non-refill applications. For example, a laundry detergent may be held in a resealable pouch, with small volumes being periodically dispensed through a spout into a washing machine detergent dispenser. Other products amenable to packaging in spouted resealable pouches include yoghurt, facial cleansers, fertilizer granules, and lubricating grease.

[0010] Resealable containers may be expensive to produce and difficult to recycle given that the rigid and flexible plastic components must be separated for processing in different streams. IRN20105117

[0011] Consumers and regulators demand sustainable packaging comprising less plastic, lower emissions and high levels of recyclability (and particularly the use of mono-materials).

[0012] Companies developing container-type packaging struggle meet both current and upcoming legislative requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance related to sustainability, environmental impact, and material use. Many jurisdictions are introducing stringent recycling mandates requiring all packaging to be completely recyclable. Traditional spouted pouches often fail to meet new recycling requirements due to their mixed material construction, making them difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. Container developers therefore for single material construction ensuring full recyclability and compliance with regulatory mandates.

[0013] Container developers also face challenges satisfying Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation which mandates that manufacturers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste management. Traditional pouches, with their multi-material construction, create a higher burden for manufacturers, as they are costly to recycle and dispose of. Mono-material construction reduces material, cutting down on recycling costs and fulfilling EPR obligations more efficiently.

[0014] Moreover, containers developers aim to reduce Eco-modulated fees, which incentivise packaging that is more eco-friendly. Manufacturers pay lower EPR fees when their packaging uses less material, is easier to recycle, and reduces environmental impact. Conventional pouches having rigid components are subject to higher fees due to their complex, non- recyclable construction.

[0015] Conventional pouches non-compliance with growing restrictions on single-use plastics. Container developers strive to align with regulations such as the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.

[0016] Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) benefits are also sought by minimising plastic usage and emissions, while ensuring full recyclability.

[0017] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improvement to prior art spouted resealable pouches. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to prior art spouted resealable pouches.

[0018] The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. IRN20105117

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a container for holding a flowable substance, the container comprising: a main portion for holding a flowable substance, the main portion having flexible walls; a spout portion allowing passage of the flowable substance from the main portion to outside the container through a spout portion opening, the spout portion being of lesser internal width or lesser average internal width or lesser maximum internal width or lesser internal volume than that of the main portion; and a closure extending across the main portion, or across the spout portion, or between the main portion and the spout portion, the closure configured to adopt a first state preventing passage of the flowable substance, and a second state allowing passage of the flowable substance, and then return to the first state.

[0021] In one embodiment, the spout portion is equal to or less than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 49%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6% or 5% the width, the average width, the maximum width or the volume of the main portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, the spout portion and / or the spout portion opening is / are of sufficiently small internal dimension so as to prevent entry of 1 , 2 or 3 fingers of an adult female or an adult male thereinto.

[0023] In one embodiment, the main portion narrows toward the spout portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the closure delimits the spout portion from the main portion, or the spout portion from external the container.

[0025] In one embodiment, the flowable substance flows directly from the main portion to the spout portion, or the spout portion from external the container.

[0026] In one embodiment, the closure comprises opposing portions configured such that a user transitions the closure from the first state to the second state by moving the opposing portions apart, and from the second state to the first state by moving the opposing portions together.

[0027] In one embodiment, the main portion or the spout portion comprises internally opposing faces, and the opposing portions of the closure are disposed respectively on the internally opposing faces. IRN20105117

[0028] In one embodiment, the spout portion comprises an opening to external the container, the opening having opposing edges, and the opposing portions of the closure are disposed respectively on the opposing edges.

[0029] In one embodiment, the main portion or the spout portion comprises externally directed gripping surfaces or gripping structures configured and positioned to allow a user to grip the main portion or the spout portion on opposing sides thereof and to move the opposing sides apart so as to transition the closure from the first state to the second state.

[0030] In one embodiment, one or more of the gripping surfaces are surfaces of the main portion that are flexible so as to be foldable to form a folded portion that is grippable between two fingers.

[0031] In one embodiment, one or more of the gripping structures is grippable between two fingers, or allows a finger to engage therewith.

[0032] In one embodiment, one or more of the gripping structures is a member, a formation, a depression, a frictional coating, a tab, a lug, an ear, a panel, a handle, a string, a ribbon, or a loop.

[0033] In one embodiment, one or more of the gripping structures comprises an aperture or a space dimensioned to allow one of more fingers of an adult male or adult female to extend therethrough.

[0034] In one embodiment, the closure is transitionable from the second state to the first state by a user pressing the opposing portions together.

[0035] In one embodiment, the closure is elongate and substantially linear.

[0036] In one embodiment, the opposing portions of the closure comprises complimentary formations allowing for mutual engagement therebetween.

[0037] In one embodiment, closure is a zipper-type enclosure

[0038] In one embodiment, the closure, when in the first state, forms a substantially watertight seal.

[0039] In one embodiment, the container is fabricated predominantly from a flexible sheet-like material. IRN20105117

[0040] In one embodiment, the material is a laminated or an unlaminated material comprising any one or more of a polymer, a paper, a fibre, a foil.

[0041] In one embodiment, the main portion and the spout portions and the closure are comprised of materials that are the same, or materials that are recyclable in a single recycling process.

[0042] In one embodiment, the spout comprises a tearable, cuttable or another type of removable closure.

[0043] In one embodiment, the container is configured as a pouch, a gusseted pouch or a stand-up pouch.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] FIG. 1A illustrates in lateral front view a preferred container of the present invention having a closure that is separable by the user grasping and pulling apart opposing walls of the container.

[0046] FIG. IB is a lateral side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 A.

[0047] FIG. 1C and FIG. ID each illustrate in lateral front view an embodiment that is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 A, although having a significantly shorter spout portion.

[0048] FIG. IE illustrates in lateral front view an embodiment that is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1A, although having the closure at the opening of the spout portion to the external environment.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates in lateral front view a preferred container of the present invention having a closure that is separable by the user grasping and pulling apart two panels formed in opposing walls of the container.

[0050] FIG. 3 A illustrates in lateral perspective view a preferred container of the present invention having a closure that is separable by the user grasping and pulling apart two pockets formed in opposing walls of the container.

[0051] FIG. 3B illustrates in lateral perspective view the embodiment of FIG.3 A whereby the user has separated the pockets so as open the closure and also expand the opening of the spout.

[0052] FIG. 3C illustrates in lateral perspective view the embodiment of FIG.3 A whereby the user has separated the pockets so as open the closure and also expand the opening of the spout, IRN20105117 and has tipped the spout downwardly so as to assist exit of the contents. The pocket assists in holding the container during pouring.

[0053] FIG. 3D illustrates in lateral perspective view the embodiment of FIG.3A showing the user resealing the closure after dispensing contents.

[0054] FIG. 4A illustrates in lateral front view a preferred container of the present invention having a closure that is separable by the user grasping and pulling apart two tabs fixed to opposing walls of the container.

[0055] FIG. 4B is a lateral side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates in lateral front view a preferred container of the present invention having a closure that is separable by the user grasping and pulling apart two rings formed in opposing walls of the container.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows various alternatives to the rings used in FIG. 5A.

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates in lateral front view a preferred container of the present invention having a closure that is separable by the user grasping and pulling apart two pockets fixed to opposing walls of the container.

[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates in lateral front view various containers of the present invention having alternative arrangements of spout and closure.

[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates in lateral front view various containers of the present invention having apertures for hanging the container from a hook or similar.

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates is lateral perspective view a heavy duty container having handles to facilitate carrying.

[0062] FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 each illustrate a heavy duty container having handles to facilitate carrying, with the handles being contoured to expose the spout.

[0063] FIG. 14 illustrates in lateral perspective view a spout of the present container having internally directed formations to maintain patency of the spout opening.

[0064] FIG. 15 illustrates in lateral perspective view a spout of the present container having a preformed fold to open and maintain patency of the spout opening. IRN20105117

[0065] FIG. 16 illustrates in plan view, formations that are alternative to those shown in FIG. 14. These formations may be implemented in the spout portion or the main portion

[0066] Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.

[0067] The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.

[0068] DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims.

[0070] Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0071] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

[0072] As used herein, positional terms such as “lateral”, “across”, “above”, “below”, “higher”, “lower”, “upward”, “downward”, and the like are to be considered with reference to a container in its normal upright position for storage. Where indicated in the description, a container may be used in a lateral orientation or even an inverted orientation in which case the meaning of such positions will be modified accordingly.

[0073] In a first aspect, there is provided a container for holding a flowable substance, the container comprising: a main portion for holding a flowable substance, the main portion having flexible walls; a spout portion allowing passage of the flowable substance from the main portion to outside the container through a spout portion opening, the spout portion being of IRN20105117 lesser internal width or lesser average internal width or lesser maximum internal width or lesser internal volume than that of the main portion; and a closure extending across the main portion, or across the spout portion, or between the main portion and the spout portion, the closure configured to adopt a first state preventing passage of the flowable substance from passing from the main portion into the spout portion, and a second state allowing passage of the flowable substance to pass from the main portion into the spout portion, and then return to the first closed state..

[0074] The present invention is particularly applicable to pouch-type containers fabricated from plastic sheet material, and having a spout. Such containers are generally formed by laminating, gluing or welding opposed sheet material together at their edges to form a seal. Laminations are also used to form a narrow channel above the main portion of the container.

[0075] The present invention provides for a resealable container that comprises a spout, but the spout is not reliant on a rigid portion to threadingly engage with a crew cap for resealing. Instead, a zipper-type closure is provided. As is understood, zipper-type closures comprise of two parts which are alternately engageable and disengageable by the user pulling the parts apart or pressing the parts together. This arrangement works well where the container opening is wide (i.e. no spout is formed), given that the zipper- type closure is readily pulled apart, such as in a zipper-type sandwich bag. As will be appreciated however, the wide opening of sandwich bag cannot provide a narrow spout of any type to facilitate the clean pouring of the flowable contents.

[0076] Against this background it has been found that a zipper-type closure can be used to alternately seal and unseal a spouted container. In some embodiments the zipper-type closure is disposed well away from the spout or the spout opening and toward the interior (main portion) of the container. Being disposed away from the narrow spout, and in a wide portion of the container allows for the zipper-type enclosure to be easily pulled apart by the user (even without any dedicated gripping structures), thereby allowing pouring of any contents from the container. Once the required amount is poured, the zipper-type closure is resealed by the application of finger pressure in the usual manner.

[0077] In some embodiments, the closure is disposed proximal to or at the spout opening. In that circumstance, the closure may nevertheless be openable by a user pulling apart opposing walls of the main portion or the spout portion.

[0078] A zipper-type closure disposed about a narrow spout portion or even about the main portion may be difficult to open given that the user may be unable to gain sufficient purchase with their fingers on the outer faces of container to pull the two halves of the closure apart. In IRN20105117 these circumstances, dedicated gripping structures (such as tabs) may present on the outer surfaces of the container to provide the necessary purchase.

[0079] As a separate issue, even if the closure is openable, a very short zipper-type closure is prone to returning to the closed state given the inherent elastic resilience of the plastic material fabrication. Such undesired closing interferes with the passage of contents through the spout and therefore causes difficulty for the user. This issue may be addressed by the use of crease marks in the spout portion wall, or formations extending into the spout portion lumen to assist in keeping the spout portion patent.

[0080] Advantageously, the act of the user pulling apart the closure may assist in the formation of an open spout. The spout may be in a collapsed state initially, with internally opposing faces in mutual contact. This initial state is often present where the spout is formed from two sheets of flexible material laminated together at the edges. When the closure is pulled apart, the walls of the spout may also become separated thereby encouraging the internal volume of the spout to become more open. The spout opening may also become more open allowing for the free flow of the contents from the container.

[0081] The function of the closure is to prevent loss of contents from the container. To that end, contents may be prevented from moving within the main portion, between the main portion and the spout portion, within the spout portion, or externally from the spout portion. Where the container contents are a liquid, the closure may provide a watertight seal. For dried contents, a watertight seal is not required.

[0082] The closure is typically presented on internally opposing faces of the container. The internally opposing faces are provided by the container walls, the container walls being flexible. In some embodiments the closure is presented at the externally-facing edges of the spout portion. The closure is also flexible so as to flex with the container walls.

[0083] The closure is able to alternate between a first closed state and a second open state. When in the closed state, the container walls about the closure are brought together so as to also bring together the two parts of the closure. When a user desires to remove product from the container, they manually separate the two parts of the closure thereby allowing for contents to enter the spout and exit via the spout opening. When sufficient contents has been dispensed, the user presses together the container walls about the closure such that the two parts of the closure re-engage so as to prevent egress of contents.

[0084] The present invention is described mainly by reference zipper-type closures, of which Ziploc™-types are exemplary species, typically being a polyethylene or polypropylene zipper closure having a channel as one part and another part being a formation with a profile which IRN20105117 snugly fits into the channel. Some deformation of one or both parts may be involved to achieve a close fit. Such closures include string zippers, flange zippers and the like. Finger pressure is applied to engage the zipper parts, with the parts being manually pulled apart to open the closure. Such closures may be “double track” having two parallel closures to improve the seal.

[0085] A zipper-type closure may operable with a slider, rather than by finger pressure, In these types, a sliding part functions to alternately bring the two parts together when moved in one direction, and separate the parts when moved in the opposite direction.

[0086] A further alternative is the Aplix™ zipper, which is closed by applying finger pressure. This zipper-type closure comprises many small hooks on both side of the closure that anchor together and thus provide a secure hold. The closure works even when small particles, such as grains of sand or powder contaminate the surfaces.

[0087] Other types of closure will be operable, and are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, where the contents is a granular material the closure may be of the hook-and-loop type (such as Velcro™).

[0088] A further alternative is provided by releasable adhesives. In such an arrangement, one or both opposing internal faces may present a releasable adhesive which maintains a seal when pressed together, but can be pulled apart to allow passage of contents, and then pressed together again to reseal. Of course, the releasable adhesive should be compatible with the contents so as to retain adhesiveness after contact therewith. For example, a powder will likely render any adhesive inoperable. However, operability may be maintained where the adhesive is hydrophobic and the contents is substantially aqueous.

[0089] The closure may be a single length which extends across the container main portion. Alternatively, multiple discrete closures may be arranged side-by-side across the container main portion.

[0090] The closure extends across the main portion of the container. It is understood that in this context there is no requirement for the closure to extend across any widest part of the container. Similarly, there is no requirement for the closure to extend horizontally. The closure may extend at any angle to the horizontal and may even extend vertically. The position and / or orientation of the spout may be set so as to best accommodate the position and / or orientation of the closure, or vice versa.

[0091] The closure may be transition from the closed state to the open state by the user simply gripping the container on each of the opposing sides and pulling the closure parts apart. The gripping may be accomplished by the user forming a fold in the container wall between the IRN20105117 thumb and forefinger. In that scenario, the container walls may have a frictional surface to prevent the fingers from slipping.

[0092] In other embodiments, dedicated structures are provided on the container to facilitate the user pulling apart the opposing faces of the container, and therefore separating the closure parts. Many options for the structure present including those that are gripped between the fingers, or allow for the insertion of one or more fingers so as to provide sufficient purchase for the user. A number of non-limiting structures are described in reference to the drawn embodiments, infra.

[0093] Where a slider zipper-type is used, no means for separating the opposing walls of the container may be provided. A slider zipper-type closure may be particularly applicable to embodiments having the closure disposed at the spout opening (i.e. the external terminus of the spout). In such embodiments a user is not required to pull apart opposing walls of the container, and instead moves the slider so as to disengage the two opposing formations of the closure.

[0094] In a typical use scenario, the container is purchased completely sealed at the spout terminus. A teary-away portion may be used on the spout. The closure may be in the open state. The user removes the tear-away portion on the spout and dispenses a required amount of contents. Subsequently, the user actuates the closure (say, by applying finger pressure) so as to assume the closed state thereby sealing the contents within the container. . When it is desired to dispense further contents, the user transitions the closure to the open state by pulling apart opposing walls of the container, or moving a sliding portion of the closure. Again, product is dispensed via the spout and when done the user applies finger pressure to the closure to assume the closed state.

[0095] The present invention will now be more fully described by reference to certain nonlimiting embodiments.

[0096] Turning firstly to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB there is illustrated a pouch-type container (10) being configured to maintain the upright position as illustrated. The container (10) is typically formed from a single sheet of flexible material being folded at the bottom to form opposing walls (15) and (20). The walls (15) and (20) are laminated together to form a main portion (25) and a spout portion (30). A closure (40) delimits the main portion (25) from the spout portion (30), and functions to reversibly divide the two portions (25) and (30). The container (10) has rigidised portions (32) which assist in formation of the spout (30) and the adjacent region of the main portion (25). The container is drawn in as would be purchased by a consumer, being completely sealed. At purchase, a least the main portion (25) and optionally the spout portion (30) comprises contents. IRN20105117

[0097] The spout portion (30) is sealed at purchase, although before dispensing contents the terminal region is removed by the user tearing or cutting horizontally from the notch (35a) or (35b).

[0098] The closure (40) is of the zipper-type and is illustrated extending horizontally across the main region. To open the closure (40) the user grips the opposing walls (15) and (20) by forming a fold between the thumb and forefinger on each side, and pulls them apart. The gripping preferable occurs below the closure (40) where sufficient wall material is present to allow for the formation of a fold between the fingers, although may occur at the level of the closure (40), or above the closure (40). In other embodiments described infra, dedicated structures presenting on the outside of the container facilitate gripping, such structures being disposed below, at, or above the level of the closure.

[0099] FIG. 1C and FIG. ID illustrate embodiments having very short spout regions (30), the former drawn embodiment having a narrowing spout portion and the latter having a spout portion of uniform width. In these embodiments, any of the container contents remaining in the spout portion after dispensing will be small. Accordingly, the amount of contents that may be retained in or seep from the spout portion (30) when the closure (40) is closed is small. This limits any mess or spoilage of contents left in the spout portion and exposed to the environment.

[0100] The embodiment of FIG. IE has the closure (40) across the external edge of the spout. The closure (40) may be openable by a user separating the opposing container walls in the main portion or the spout portion, optionally with the assistance of gripping structures. In other embodiments, a slider-type closure is used negating the need any manual separation. Manual separation may nevertheless be performed even if only to open the spout for patency.

[0101] In each of the embodiments FIG. 1 A, FIG. IB, FIG. 1C, FIG. ID and FIG. IE the external edge of the spout may have been formed by the previous removal of a tearable portion

[0102] The embodiment of FIG. 2 provides dedicated structures to assist the user in pulling apart the two container walls (15) and (20). In this embodiment, those structures are grippable panels (50a) and (50b) being conveniently formed by forming folds in the respective container walls (15) and (20) respectively as illustrated by the circled inset. Plastic welding is used to secure the two leaves of the fold. The panels (50a) and (50b) maybe lightly plastic welded against the container exterior at purchase, to be freed by the user when the closure (40) is to be opened. Exemplary weld points are illustrated at (55) and (60).

[0103] The embodiment of FIGs. 3 A, 3B, 3C and 3D comprise pockets (80) on both sides of the container (50) allowing for one or more fingers to be inserted therein. When the pockets (80) IRN20105117 are pulled away from each other (FIG. 3B) so as to open the closure (40), the spout portion (30) walls are separated, leading to an expansion of the spout opening (30a) thereby facilitating exit of the container contents (FIG. 3C). After sufficient contents is dispensed, the container is returned to the upright position (FIG. 3D) and the closure (40) closed by the user thereby sealing the remaining contents in the main portion (25).

[0104] The embodiment of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B comprises tabs (70) having apertures formed therein to assist in opening the closure (40). A finger can insert through the aperture thereby avoiding any slippage of the finger that may occur if the tabs (70) were simply grasped.

[0105] The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows the formation of a folded panels (as for FIG. 2) however a profile cut is made in the outmost leaf of the fold to leave the ring (75) which may be separated from the underlying leaf and through which a user may insert a finger. FIG. 6 shows variations formations that may be used as an alternative to the ring (75).

[0106] The embodiment of FIG. 7 shows an alternative to the pocket of FIG. 3. A small pocket (80) is formed from a triangle of material that it welded around the edges to the underlying surface of walls (15) and (20). The pocket (80) accommodates a single finger. In this embodiment, and other embodiments, a vertical crease line (85) may be formed about the terminus of spout portion (30) to encourage the spout opening to expand and remain expanded as contents is exiting to container (10). Crease lines may be pressed into the material during production, or thermo-formed (much like embossing) to create deformations in the container body that encourage the formation of a spout. Multiple crease lines, operationally defining various shapes achieve a desired deformation.

[0107] Further exemplary embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 8 showing various alternative arrangements of spout portion (30), main portion (25) and closure (40).

[0108] FIG. 9 illustrates various embodiments comprising apertures (90) formed in areas of the container away from contents. An aperture (90) may be used to hang the container (10) from a hook or similar.

[0109] FIG. 10 illustrates a large volume container (50) designed to carry a significant weight of contents, for example at least 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg or 5 kg. Panels (100) formed similarly as to those in FIG 2 are extend much higher. Each of the panels (100) has a broad aperture to allow for insertion of a hand so as to function as a handle, similar to that of a carry bag. The two panels (100) are brought together, and a single hand extended through both for carrying. The location of a light plastic weld (105) to secure the panel (100) to the container exterior. The panel (100) is detached by the user when required. In his embodiment, the panels (100) form the dual function of a handle, also as a means for separating the closure (40). IRN20105117

[0110] FIG. 11, FIG 12 and FIG. 13 show alternatives to the embodiment of FIG. 10, with the panels (100) being generally shorter, but contoured to allow for exposure of the spout portion opening (30a).

[0111] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary spout portion (30) having opposed formations (110) embossed in the inner walls so as to maintain patency of the spout opening (30a).

[0112] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary spout portion (30) having a crease(115) pre-formed in the inner walls so as to maintain patency of the spout opening (30a) once it is opened.

[0113] FIG. 16 shows various alternative formations that may be used in place of the formations (110) shown in FIG. 14. The lowermost alternative is an elongate formation that may function as a drinking straw.

[0114] These formations may be implemented in the spout portion or the main portion, on either side of the closure, or on both sides of the enclosure.

[0115] Any embodiment of the present invention may be used for holding and / or dispensing flowable substances such as a liquid composition, a liquid solution, a liquid emulsion, a liquid mixture, a slurry, a foam, a gel, a powdered substance or a granulated substance. Alternatively, the substance may have limited flowability such as a face cream or a thick gel, possibly necessitating the user squeezing the container to effect dispensing.

[0116] The flowable substance may be a personal care substance including but not limited to a liquid soap, a shampoo, a bath additive, a hair conditioner, a hair styling composition (such as a gel), a hair remover, skin conditioner, a skin moisturiser, an artificial tanning composition, a tanning accelerator, a topical medicament, a cosmetic, a sunscreen, a dentifrice, a mouthwash, a shaving lotion, a cologne, an after shave, a skin scrub, and a talcum powder.

[0117] The flowable substance may be a household agent including but not limited to a cleaning composition, an air freshener, an ironing aid, an insecticide, a herbicide, a lubricant, and a dishwasher drying aid.

[0118] The flowable substance may be a food, and particularly a non-beverage food, including a sauce, a salad dressing, a mayonnaise, a puree, a concentrate, a condensed milk, or a powdered milk for example.

[0119] The flowable substance may be used in a heavy or a light industry, and may be an adhesive, a solvent, a diluent, an abrasive, a thermally conducting substance, an electrically conducting IRN20105117 substance, a thermally insulating substance, an electrically insulating substance, a catalyst, a dye, a mordant, an etching substance, an acid, or a base.

[0120] It will appreciated that any feature described in reference to one embodiment of the invention is applicable to any other aspect, unless the contrary is explicitly stated or is inferred.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0122] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments illustrated and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0123] Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

IRN20105117CLAIMS:

1. A container for holding a flowable substance, the container comprising: a main portion for holding a flowable substance, the main portion having flexible walls; a spout portion allowing passage of the flowable substance from the main portion to outside the container through a spout portion opening, the spout portion being of lesser internal width or lesser average internal width or lesser maximum internal width or lesser internal volume than that of the main portion; and a closure extending across the main portion, or across the spout portion, or between the main portion and the spout portion, the closure configured to adopt a first state preventing passage of the flowable substance, and a second state allowing passage of the flowable substance, and then return to the first state.

2. The container of clam 1, wherein the spout portion is equal to or less than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 49%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6% or 5% the width, the average width, the maximum width, or the volume of the main portion.

3. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spout portion and / or the spout portion opening is / are of sufficiently small internal dimension so as to prevent entry of 1, 2 or 3 fingers of an adult female or an adult male thereinto.

4. The container of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main portion narrows toward the spout portion.

5. The container of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the closure delimits the spout portion from the main portion, or delimits the spout portion from external the container.

6. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flowable substance flows directly from the main portion to the spout portion, or from the spout portion to external the container.

7. The container of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the closure comprises opposing portions configured such that a user transitions the closure from the first state to the second state by moving the opposing portions apart, and from the second state to the first state by moving the opposing portions together.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the main portion or the spout portion comprises internally opposing faces, and the opposing portions of the closure are disposed respectively on the internally opposing faces.IRN201051179. The container of claim 7, wherein the spout portion comprises an opening to external the container, the opening having opposing edges, and the opposing portions of the closure are disposed respectively on the opposing edges.

10. The container of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the main portion or the spout portion comprises externally directed gripping surfaces or gripping structures configured and positioned to allow a user to grip the main portion or the spout portion on opposing sides thereof and to move the opposing sides apart so as to transition the closure from the first state to the second state.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein one or more of the gripping surfaces are surfaces of the main portion or the spout portion that are flexible so as to be foldable to form a folded portion that is grippable between two fingers.

12. The container of claim 10, wherein one or more of the gripping structures is grippable between two fingers, or allows a finger to engage therewith.

13. The container of claim 10 or claim 12, wherein one or more of the gripping structures is a member, a formation, a depression, a frictional coating, a tab, a lug, an ear, a panel, a handle, a string, a ribbon, or a loop.

14. The container of any one of claims 10, 12 or 13, wherein one or more of the gripping structures comprises an aperture or a space dimensioned to allow one of more fingers of an adult male or adult female to extend therethrough.

15. The container of any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the closure is transitionable from the second state to the first state by a user pressing the opposing portions together.

16. The container of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the closure is elongate and substantially linear.

17. The container of any one of claims 7 to 16, wherein the opposing portions of the closure comprise complimentary formations allowing for mutual engagement therebetween.

18. The container of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the closure is a zipper-type enclosure19. The container of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the closure, when in the first state, forms a substantially watertight seal.IRN2010511720. The container of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the container is fabricated predominantly from a flexible sheet-like material.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein the material is a laminated or an unlaminated material comprising any one or more of a polymer, a paper, a fibre, a foil.

22. The container of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the main portion and the spout portions and the closure are comprised of materials that are the same, or materials that are recyclable in a single recycling process.

23. The container of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the spout comprises a tearable, cuttable or another type of removable closure.

24. The container of any one of claims 1 to 23 configured as a pouch, a gusseted pouch or a stand-up pouch.

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