Flexible single-use container and method for manufacturing same
The flexible container design with connected upper edges of front and rear walls addresses material inefficiencies by enhancing rigidity and preventing bottom collapse, ensuring compact and hygienic use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KHAKIM AIDAR AZATOVICH
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing flexible containers require additional material for forming folded side walls and bottoms, leading to significant bending and loss of flat shape when filled with liquid.
A flexible disposable container design comprising a bottom and front, rear, and side walls forming a right parallelepiped, with the front and rear walls connected along their upper edges to form a reinforcing element with the side walls, enhancing rigidity.
The design maintains the container's shape and prevents bottom collapse under liquid load, offering increased rigidity and ease of handling, while being compact and hygienic for single-use applications.
Smart Images
Figure RU2025050439_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] FLEXIBLE DISPOSABLE CONTAINER
[0002] AND THE METHOD OF ITS MANUFACTURING DESCRIPTION
[0003] Field of technology to which the invention relates
[0004] The present invention generally relates to containers for storing and / or transporting fluids, in particular to a flexible disposable container and a method for manufacturing the same.
[0005] State of the art
[0006] The prior art discloses flexible containers with seams, which are currently manufactured using flexible films that are folded to form seams and heat-sealed around the perimeter. The seam section of the body opens to form a flexible container with a square or rectangular cross-section. The seams terminate at the base of the container, forming a substantially flat base that provides stability when the container is partially or completely filled. See, for example, decisions on Russian Federation patents for inventions No. 2,678,635 (published January 30, 2019) or No. 2,673,856 (published
[0007] (November 30, 2018).
[0008] The key disadvantage of such products is the additional consumption of material required to form the folded side walls and bottom of the container.
[0009] If we exclude the formation of folded walls and additional reinforcement of the bottom by folding adjacent sections of the side walls and bottom, as illustrated in the indicated prior art solutions, then the problem of “bottom folding” arises, when, as a result of the impact of the mass of liquid filling the container, a significant bending of the bottom surface occurs, and the bottom essentially loses its flat rectangular shape.
[0010] Disclosure of invention
[0011] Despite advances in technology, the task of creating a simple, reliable flexible container that does not require additional material remains relevant.
[0012] In order to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention proposes a flexible disposable container for filling with liquid, comprising a bottom made of a polymeric material, and a front wall made of a polymeric material connected to it, a rear wall located opposite it, two oppositely located side walls connecting the front wall and the rear wall, together forming a right parallelepiped, open at the top for filling with liquid, wherein the front and rear walls are made connectable along their upper edges to form a reinforcing element together with the side walls.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a flexible disposable container is provided, in which:
[0014] - cut out blanks from polymer material for the bottom, front wall, rear wall and two side walls;
[0015] - connect the bottom, the front wall, the rear wall located opposite it and two opposite side walls to form a right parallelepiped;
[0016] - fill the container with liquid and dry the inner surfaces of all walls above the liquid level;
[0017] - connect the front and rear walls along the upper edge to form a reinforcing element together with the side walls.
[0018] The technical problem solved by the creation of the present invention consists in creating a flexible container that has sufficient rigidity to avoid folding of the bottom when the flexible container is filled with liquid.
[0019] The present invention provides a technical result consisting of increasing the rigidity of a flexible container having a simple design, in order to eliminate folding of the bottom when filling the container with liquid.
[0020] The said technical result is achieved due to the fact that the flexible single-use container for filling with liquid comprises a bottom made of a polymeric material, and a front wall made of a polymeric material connected to it, a rear wall located opposite it, two oppositely located side walls connecting the front wall and the rear wall, together forming a right parallelepiped, open at the top for filling with liquid, wherein the front and rear walls are made connected along their upper edges to form a reinforcing element together with the side walls. A similar technical result is achieved by implementing a method for manufacturing a flexible single-use container, in which:
[0021] - cut out blanks from polymer material for the bottom, front wall, rear wall and two side walls;
[0022] - connect the bottom, the front wall, the rear wall located opposite it and two opposite side walls to form a right parallelepiped;
[0023] - fill the container with liquid and dry the inner surfaces of all walls above the liquid level;
[0024] - connect the front and rear walls along the upper edge to form a reinforcing element together with the side walls.
[0025] The technical result achieved and other advantages of the present invention are disclosed in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the drawings and description are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive.
[0026] Brief description of the drawings
[0027] The present invention is explained in the figures of the drawings, in which:
[0028] Fig. 1 - flexible container in a top view from the front after connecting the front wall and the rear wall along the upper edge;
[0029] Fig. 2 - flexible container before connecting the front wall and the back wall along the upper edge;
[0030] Fig. 3 - flexible container in a bottom view from behind after connecting the front wall and the back wall along the upper edge.
[0031] Description of preferred embodiments of the invention The present invention generally relates to containers for storing and / or transporting fluids, in particular to a flexible disposable container and a method for manufacturing the same.
[0032] Elements mentioned in the description in the singular do not exclude a plurality of elements, unless otherwise specifically stated.
[0033] The use of traditional reusable bottles, such as 19-liter bottles, for storage, transportation, and dispensing poses a number of challenges for producers, distributors, and consumers of drinking water and other liquids, including the ease of use of large, heavy, and bulky bottles, their transportation and storage, and ensuring hygienic cleaning for reuse and sealing. To protect bottles during transportation, simple polyethylene packaging is often used, which creates additional waste and requires special disposal measures.
[0034] The present invention allows to eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages, as will be described in detail below, in particular, the proposed flexible container is more convenient to use (lighter and more compact than a 19-liter bottle), has a substantially cubic shape, which facilitates a more compact arrangement during transportation and storage, for example, using special trays and storage systems, the container is more hygienic, since it is intended for single use, reliable sealing (sealing) of the container in production is ensured, biodegradable film or other material recyclable into secondary raw materials for further use in industry can be used for the outer packaging of the container.
[0035] Further, continuing in general with reference to figures 1-3 of the drawings, the present invention proposes a flexible single-use container for filling with liquid, comprising a bottom 1 made of a polymeric material, and a front wall 2 made of a polymeric material connected to it, a rear wall 3 located opposite it, two oppositely located side walls 4, 5, connecting the front wall 2 and the rear wall 3, together forming a right parallelepiped, open at the top for filling with liquid, wherein the front 2 and rear wall 3 are made connectable along their upper edges 20, 30 to form a reinforcing element 6 together with the side walls 4, 5.
[0036] In the context of the present invention, the bottom or wall of a container shall be understood to mean an element or panel cut from a roll of polymeric material, which is used as a blank for the subsequent manufacture of a flexible container, as will be described below.
[0037] One embodiment proposes a container in which the bottom 1 is square, and the front wall 2, rear wall 3, and side walls 4 and 5 are of equal width. This embodiment offers the additional advantage that reinforcing element 6, formed by both the upper edges of the front and rear walls, as well as the side walls, is then the longest and most robust.
[0038] Bottom 1 need not be square; it can also be rectangular. In this case, it is preferable for the width of front wall 2 and rear wall 3 to be greater than the width of side walls 4 and 5. This design also ensures sufficient overlap of the side walls with the front and rear walls when they are joined. Accordingly, when the tank is lifted, the mass of liquid inside will exert a more uniform pressure on the bottom of the tank than would occur if the width of front wall 2 and rear wall 3 were smaller than the width of side walls 4 and 5.
[0039] One embodiment proposes a container in which the front wall 2, rear wall 3, and side walls 4 and 5 have the same height, which exceeds the length of the bottom side by more than 25%, but not more than 66%. If we designate No as the height of walls 2, 3, 4, 5, and 1_dn as the length of the bottom side 1, then the inequality should be satisfied: 1.25*1_dn < No < 1.66*Ццн.
[0040] The specified range is of primary importance for ensuring the technical result. If the walls are made lower (i.e., not exceeding 25% of the bottom side length), then the connection of the front wall and rear wall along the upper edge does not provide the required height of reinforcing element 6, measured as the distance between upper edge 61, formed by the connection of upper edges 20 and 30 of front wall 2 and rear wall 3, respectively, and the connection line 62. This reduces the rigidity of the entire structure.
[0041] If the walls are made longer (i.e., exceeding the bottom side length by more than 66%), then when connecting the front wall and the rear wall along the upper edge, an excessive height of the reinforcing element 6 is provided, which may result in the container being able to accommodate a larger amount of liquid, the weight of which will lead to the bottom collapsing. If the reinforcing element 6 is made of a smaller height, for example, the minimum for the implementation of at least one gripping element 7, then a curvature of the weld seam section 63 will occur from the level of the bend 26, 36 of the front wall and the rear wall to the reinforcing element 6, which means that the overall rigidity of the structure will be reduced, which may lead to the bottom collapsing. In one embodiment, a container is proposed in which the polymer material is a food-grade three-layer polyethylene film with a thickness of 140-180 μm, which is optimal for forming a durable structure and ensuring the rigidity of the connecting seams.
[0042] One embodiment provides a container in which the reinforcing element 6 is of sufficient height to accommodate at least one gripping element 7. Generally, the gripping element 7 may be a single, elongated opening, capable of accommodating several human fingers. Alternatively, four openings 7 may be provided to accommodate human fingers, as illustrated in the figures. In addition to facilitating human handling of the flexible container, the presence of such openings also enables the flexible container to be gripped by a mechanized device during manufacture or loading from the production facility for subsequent transportation, enabling not only rapid movement of the flexible container but also mechanized verification of the bottom from collapsing.
[0043] One design features a container with an additional packaging layer made of biodegradable film. This not only helps keep the main container clean during transport and storage but can also act as an additional layer, strengthening the entire flexible container structure.
[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, a container is proposed that holds from 7 to 14 liters of liquid.
[0045] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a flexible disposable container is provided, in which:
[0046] - cut out blanks from polymer material for the bottom 1, front wall 2, rear wall 3 and two side walls 4, 5;
[0047] - connect the bottom 1, the front wall 2, the rear wall 3 located opposite it and two opposite side walls 4, 5 to form a right parallelepiped;
[0048] - fill the container with liquid and dry the inner surfaces of all walls above the liquid level;
[0049] - the front and rear walls are connected along the upper edge 20, 30 to form a reinforcing element 6 together with the side walls 4, 5. In one embodiment, a method is proposed in which the bottom 1, the front wall 2, the rear wall 3 located opposite it, and two opposite side walls 4, 5 are connected by heat-welding the edges to form a reinforcing seam. Such seams are best seen in Fig. 2, where the seam between the bottom 1 and the front wall 2 are designated by reference numbers 12, 14 - the seam between the bottom 1 and the left side wall 4, 24 - the seam between the front wall 2 and the side wall 4, 25 - the seam between the front wall 2 and the side wall 5, 34 - the seam between the rear wall 3 and the side wall 4, 35 - the seam between the rear wall 3 and the side wall 5, the seams between the bottom 1 and the rear wall 3, as well as between the bottom 1 and the right side wall 5 are shown by a dotted line in Fig. 2 and are not designated by a reference number, but are clearly visible in Fig. 3.
[0050] In one of the variants, a method is proposed in which the bottom 1, the front wall 2, the rear wall 3 located opposite it and two oppositely located side walls 4, 5 are connected, after first placing the front wall 2, the rear wall 3 located opposite it and two oppositely located side walls 4, 5 in a vertical position and ensuring tension of the walls along the height by means of suitable means and equipment.
[0051] In one of the variants, a method is proposed in which at least one gripping hole 7 is made in the upper part of the front wall 2 and the rear wall 3 at the stage of cutting out the blanks or after the stage of connecting them along the upper edge 20, 30.
[0052] One option proposes a method in which the container is additionally packaged with a layer of biodegradable film.
[0053] The proposed invention offers a number of advantages in each of its aspects. The proposed flexible container can be used for transporting and storing liquids such as drinking water, mineral water, baby water, and other beverages, as well as iced tea.
[0054] The proposed flexible container can be stored loose (as is) or in special containers (boxes, trays), preferably under the following conditions: in a dry, ventilated, darkened room, at a temperature of +2 to +20°C and a relative humidity of no more than 85%. This ensures the shelf life of the liquid inside: 6 months in an airtight container, 10 days after opening, provided the storage conditions are met. To open the container, use a suitable tool (such as a knife or scissors) or a specialized container puncturer, which can then be used as a tap or valve to regulate the liquid flow.
[0055] Flexible containers are intended for single use, and recyclable materials are selected for their manufacture. Examples include, but are not limited to, PA / PE and food-grade polyethylene (transparent, light blue, light pink, lilac, and extremely transparent). These can also be polypropylene-based monomaterials (PP, BOPP, CPP), which offer high transparency, good moisture barrier resistance, and compatibility with existing recycling methods. Another embodiment may utilize mdope (metallized oriented polyethylene film). Its key advantage is that it creates an effective oxygen and moisture barrier with significantly less metal and maintains the ability to be recycled within the flexible polyethylene stream, unlike some multilayer laminates.
[0056] When ready, the flexible container is shaped like a cube (or chest, or house), preferably with at least one gripping hole. After use, i.e., after emptying the container, it can be easily folded flat and stored for subsequent disposal or recycling.
[0057] Thanks to the proposed design and manufacturing method, the flexible container maintains its shape with liquid inside, prevents the bottom from collapsing, and can withstand a load of approximately 60-80 kg. Experiments have shown that some deflection of the bottom may be observed when lifting the flexible container with liquid inside, but there is no bottom collapse, as is typical with some state-of-the-art solutions. Furthermore, when stationary, the container maintains its shape and seal for several months, making it suitable for long-term storage of liquids, provided the required sanitary standards and shelf life are observed.
[0058] To protect the container during transportation and storage, a thin, highly transparent film made of biodegradable material can be used, which can be removed with one hand, in one movement.
[0059] As an illustrative example, food-grade polymeric material, such as a three-layer polyethylene film with a thickness of 140-180 microns, can be used in production. Four finger gripping holes with a diameter of 20-25 mm are provided. Available in 14-liter and 7-liter capacities, the square bottom dimensions are 240 x 240 mm, and the height of the flexible container filled with water and sealed is: 14-liter - 300 mm, 7-liter - 250 mm from the bottom to the upper edge of the reinforcing element.
[0060] As described in detail above, the present invention in all its aspects provides a technical result consisting in increasing the rigidity of a flexible container having a simple design in order to eliminate the folding of the bottom when the container is filled with liquid.
[0061] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection defined by the following claims.
Claims
CLAUSES OF THE INVENTION 1. A flexible, single-use container for filling with liquid, comprising a bottom made of a polymeric material, and a front wall made of a polymeric material connected to it, a rear wall located opposite it, two oppositely located side walls connecting the front wall and the rear wall, together forming a right parallelepiped open at the top for filling with liquid, wherein the front and rear walls are made connectable along their upper edges to form a reinforcing element together with the side walls, wherein the front wall, the rear wall located opposite it and two opposite side walls are connected in their vertical position with the walls tensioned along the height, and The front wall, back wall and side walls have the same height.
2. A container according to item 1, in which the bottom is made square, and the front wall, rear wall and side walls have the same width.
3. A container according to paragraph 1, in which the height of the front wall, rear wall and side walls exceeds the length of the bottom side by more than 25%, but not more than 66%.
4. A container according to item 1, in which the polymer material is a food-grade three-layer polyethylene film with a thickness of 140-180 microns.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element has a sufficient height to provide at least one gripping hole therein.
6. A container according to item 1, which contains an additional packaging layer made of biodegradable film.
7. A method for manufacturing a flexible disposable container, in which: - blanks are cut from a polymer material for the bottom, front wall, back wall and two side walls; - connect the bottom, the front wall, the rear wall located opposite it and two opposite side walls to form a right parallelepiped; - fill the container with liquid and dry the inner surfaces of all walls above the liquid level; - the front and rear walls are connected along the upper edge to form a reinforcing element together with the side walls, wherein the bottom, the front wall, the rear wall located opposite it and two oppositely located side walls are connected, having first positioned the front wall, the rear wall located opposite it and two oppositely located side walls in a vertical position and having ensured tension of the walls along the height, and The front wall, back wall and side walls are cut to the same height.
8. The method according to claim 7, in which the bottom, the front wall, the rear wall located opposite it and two opposite side walls are connected by heat-welding the edges to form a reinforcing seam.
9. The method according to claim 7, in which at least one gripping hole is made in the upper part of the front wall and the rear wall at the stage of cutting out the blanks 10. The method according to claim 7, in which at least one gripping hole is made in the upper part of the front wall and the rear wall after the step of connecting them along the upper edge.
11. The method according to claim 6, wherein the container is additionally packed with a layer of biodegradable film.