Recloseable Pour Spout Package With Segmented Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recloseable packages often require a recloseable element that extends completely across the package width, limiting the ability to maintain sealed integrity while allowing for a pour spout, which is undesirable for applications like dog food or dry cereals.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a recloseable pour spout with side gussets and a longitudinal seal that allows for efficient internal volume and material usage, including a fastener strip for convenient reclosure and corner seals for stability, suitable for high-speed packaging machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a recloseable element extends completely across the package width, then the package can be reclosed after opening, but the sealed integrity cannot be maintained while allowing for a pour spout
Solution Approach 1:
The recloseable fastener strip is segmented into discrete hook and loop elements distributed across the package width, rather than forming a continuous seal. This segmentation allows the fastener to provide recloseability while leaving gaps that accommodate the pour spout opening, resolving the contradiction between complete closure and localized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The package structure implements different functional qualities at different locations: the fastener strip provides recloseability across most of the package width, while specific localized areas remain open for the pour spout. The corner seals provide localized structural support at the edges, while the central area accommodates the pour spout opening.
2Volume of stationary object
If the package includes side gussets for increased internal capacity, then the internal volume increases, but the structural stability and material efficiency become compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Corner seals are pre-formed at the intersections of the side gussets and package panels to provide structural stability before the package is filled. These pre-formed corner seals create rigid joints that maintain package integrity and stability while allowing the side gussets to expand and increase internal capacity.
3Ease of operation
If the recloseable fastener strip is positioned to allow pour spout formation, then pouring convenience is improved, but the fastener strip configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener strip extends beyond what is minimally required for basic reclosure, with hook and loop elements distributed across the entire package width including areas adjacent to the pour spout. This excessive extension simplifies the pouring operation by providing a stable base and clear visual indication of the pour spout location, while the simple discrete element design keeps the overall configuration manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A package (10) having a recloseable pour spout (28) is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels (12,14) which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets (16,18). An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout (28) for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip (30), which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels (12,14), adjacent to the pour spout (28), whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. The package can include a longitudinal seal (40) which extends from adjacent the pour spout (28) to overlap the fastener strip (30); When the package includes side gussets, the package may include an arrangement of corner seals, with the corner seals at the one of the gussets at which the package pour spout is formed not extending the full length of the package, thereby desirably facilitating shaping of the package to form the pour spout. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.