CA2159583A1 - A bag or pouch for containing a fluid - Google Patents
A bag or pouch for containing a fluidInfo
- Publication number
- CA2159583A1 CA2159583A1 CA002159583A CA2159583A CA2159583A1 CA 2159583 A1 CA2159583 A1 CA 2159583A1 CA 002159583 A CA002159583 A CA 002159583A CA 2159583 A CA2159583 A CA 2159583A CA 2159583 A1 CA2159583 A1 CA 2159583A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- discharge passage
- bag
- storage chamber
- pouch
- fluid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D31/14—Valve bags, i.e. with valves for filling
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5861—Spouts
- B65D75/5866—Integral spouts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/24—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices using self-locking integral or attached closure elements, e.g. flaps
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- External Artificial Organs (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A bag or pouch made from a pair of flat walls formed by flexible sheet material, such as plastic films. The walls are sealingly interconnected so as todefine between the opposite walls a storage chamber (20) for containing a fluid. A fluid discharge passage (17) communicates with the storage chamber (2) at a junction position (21 ) and is arranged outside the storage chamber, and the bag or pouch is such that the opposite wall parts defining the discharge passage are moved into mutual sealing contact at at least one sealing position when fluid has been filled into the storage chamber. In order to improve the self-sealing effect of the bag, the storage chamber (20) extends beyond the junction position (21 ) in a direction towards an outlet end (22) of the discharge passage (17). This means that the angle a is an acute angle. Alternatively or additionally, at least one restriction may be defined in the discharge passage (17), preferably at or closely adjacent to the sealing position.
Description
330951BA.OOI
21 S9~8~
A BAG OR POUCH FOR CONTAINING A FLUID
The present invention relates to a bag or pouch made from a pair oi flat walls formed by flexible sheet material and sealingly interconnected so as to define between the opposite walls a storage chamber for containing a fluid and at least one fluid discharge passage communicating with the storage chamber at a junction position and arranged outside the storage chamber, which means that the opposite wall parts defining the fluid discharge passage do not extend in-between the opposite wall parts defining the storage chamber. The bag or pouch is such that the opposite wall part defining the discharge passage are moved into mutual sealing contact at at least one sealing position when fluid has been filled into the storage chamber. This means that when the bag or pouch has been distended by gaseous or liquid fluid filled into the storage chamber, the stresses generated in the opposite walls of the bag or pouch cause the fluid discharge passage to seal.
DE-A-26 47 399, DE-A-40 07 128, and DE-B-12 07 856 disclose bags or pouches of a type similar to that described above. In these known bags, however, the opposite flexible wall parts defining the discharge passage therebetween are located between the opposite wall parts defining the storage chamber so that the pressure of a fluid contained within the storage chamber tends to press the opposite wall parts or the dis-charge passage into mutual sealing engagement. When a gaseous or liquid product contained in these bag-like containers is to be discharged a thin tube or a similar elongated object has to be inserted through the discharge passage in order to open the same.
Norwegian patent No. 96,943 and US patent No. 3,149,772 disclose a bag or pouch of the above type defining a storage chamber and a discharge passage arranged outside the storage chamber.
~IENDED SHEET
330951BA.OOI
EP-A-0 226 290 discloses a similar dispenser pouch having a storage chamber or reservoir with a lower tapered-down neck commllnlcating with a fluid discharge passage. The neck is adapted to retain a pre-measured charge of the liquid con-tained in the pouch.
The present invention relates to a bag or pouch of the above type having an improved self-sealing effect so that the discharge passage may be reliably sealed even when the dis-charge passage is relatively broad and also when the product contained in the storage chamber is a gas, a gas mixture, or a low viscosity liquid having a small surface tension. The bag or pouch according to the invention is self-sealing even when it is only partly filled with fluid.
According to a first aspect the bag or pouch according to the present invention is characterized in that at least at one side of the fluid discharge passage and adjacent to the junction position the storage chamber is defined by a sealing line which together with the longitudinal axis of the dis-charge passage defines an angle which is smaller than 90 so that adjacent to the discharge passage the storage chamber extends beyond the junction position in a direction towards an outlet end of the discharge passage.
When a bag or pouch of the type described above is distended by an inner fluid pressure the opposite wall parts adjacent to the junction position defines (in a cross-sectional view) an outer angle (~ in Fig. 31) with a line extending at right angles to the central plane of the bag in its flat, empty, collapsed condition. It has been found that the self-sealing effect of the discharge passage of the bag or pouch is increased when the said angle is reduced. It has also been found that the angle ~ is reduced and that the self-sealing effect of the bag or pouch is consequently increased when the storage chamber extends beyond the junction position in a direction towards an outlet of the discharge passage at least - ~!ENDED SHEET
330951BA.OOI
20., 2159583 at one side and preferably at both sides of the fluid dis-charge passage.
According to a second aspect the bag or pouch according to the present invention is characterized in that ~t least one restriction is defined in the discharge passage, for example at or closely adjacent to the sealing position. It has been found that also such restriction causing a substantial local reduction of the width of the discharge passage may increase the self-sealing effect of the bag or pouch. The restriction may have an unessential or a very small extension in the axial direction of the discharge passage, or it may extend ~AENDED SHEET
along ~ substantial part of ~h~ l~ng~th ~ hQ zlischarge passage. The discharge passage may be defined between a ~air of spaced substantially parallei or non-parallel opposite heat sealed seams or other sheet interconnecting seams, and the res~rictian may be defined by a projection extending trans~ersely from one of the seams or by such projections extending against each other from the opposite seams.
The part of the storage chamber being adjacent to the dis-charge pa~sage s y be funnel-shaped which means that this part of the storage chamber i8 defined by a pair of sealing lines con~erging in the direction of the junction position.
Alternatively, the part of the scorage chPmher being adjacent to the junction point-may be defined by sealing lines extend-ing substantially at right angles to the axis of the dis-charge passage as disclosed in the abo~e Norwegian patent No.96,943. Howe~er, the storage chamber may at least at one side and preferably at both sides of the fluid discharge passage and adjacent to the junction position be defined by a sealing line defining with the longitll~in~l axis of the discharge passage an angle which is smaller than 90.
As mentioned abo~e, the storage chamhPr sy adjacent to the junction position be defined by sealing lines con~erging towards the junction position so as to define a funnel-like shape opening into the discharge passage. In such case, the said restriction is preferably positioned substantially at the intersection of the extensions of the con~erging sealing lines.
- The storage chamh~r s y comprise a main ~hamher and an outlet chamber or metering cha~h_r which are interconnected by a connecting passage, and the discharge passage s y then com-municate with the outlet chamh_r or metering chamber at a position substantially opposite to the connecting passage.
When such a bag or pouch is arranged such that the discharge passage is directed do~L..:-rdly, a liquid fluid contained in the bag or pouch will flow from the main chamh~r into the ~- O 9~/'', 3 I PC~
- met_ring chamber or outlet chambe~ through the c3nnectLn~
passage so as to refill the metering chamber wAen a ~
?roduct has been dispensed from the mecering chamber by m~n~ 1 operation of the discharge passage or by means of a suitable dispenser, e.g. as that disclosed in applicants' co-pending Danish patent application No. 0244/94.
The storage chamber defined in the bag or pouchiaccording tO
the in~ention may comprise twO or more aligned chamber sec-tions, and adjacent chamber sections may be interconnected by a comm~nication passage. The bag or pouch may then ha~e a segmented, hose-like shape. This ~mhoA; m~nt is especially advantageous when the bag or pouch is used to contain air or another gas. Such an air-filled bag may, e.g., be used as a shock-absorber when packing fragile objects. Also other embsA;m~nes of the bag according to the in~ention may be used for such purpose.
The bag or pouch according to the in~ention may be used for cont~ining any kinds of gaseous or liquid products, such as air, gaseous and liauid disinfectants, alcohol and other liauid solvents, soaps, shampoos, creams, and other liquid cosmetics, drinks, ketchup, mustard and other liauid food-stuffs. It is possible to discharge a product cont~ln~ in the bag or pouch according to the in~ention by manipulating the discharge passage and the adjacent part of the storage -h~mner. This may be done m~ntl~tly or by means of a special dispenser as mentioned abo~e. In any case it is desirable to ha~e the bag or pouch filled with the product arranged such that the fluid discharge passage depends freely. Therefore, the bag or pouch preferably comprises means for susp n~ing the bag or pouch such that the fluid discharge passage and at least the adjacent part of the storage chamber may depend freely from the suspension means. Such suspension means may, e.g., comprise a pair of through openings defined in the opposite walls at opposite sides of the connecting passage.
The bag or pouch may then be suspended from a pair of sup-porting pins or hooks extending through the openings, and the ~ o 9~ i, pc~
~u~ dLstance be~ween s~ch suppo~ting ?ins may be s~
- than the distance be~ween ~he through openings of ~he pouch whereby i~ may be ensured that liouid fluid may flow f-eely from ehe main chamber into ~he me~er ng chamber ~ia the connecting passage.
In addition to the fluid discharge passage the bag or pouch may comprise at least one further self-sealing passage exten-ding between the storage chamber and the ambient atmosphere and being defined between the opposite walls of the pouch.
One fluid may then be introduced into the storage chamber ~ia said further self-sealing passage whiIe another fluid is discharged through the discharge passage. As an example, a surgical instrument may be contained in the storage chamber and air may be eYacuated from the storage chamber while a gaseous disinfectant, which may be le~s poisonous than ethylene oxide, is introduced into the storage ~h~mhPr via the other self-sealing passage. A bag or pouch having only one discharge passage may also be used for packing surgical instruments under aseptic conditions.
Similarly, when the bag or pouch is used for cont~;n;ng an infusion liquid the discharge passage may be connected to a c~nn~lla inserted into the patient, and metered amounts of a medicament may at the same time currently be fed into the storage chamber ~ia said further self-sealing passage.
-The opposite walls of the bag or pouch may be made fromidentical sheet material, such as a plastic film being of the same thickness. The opposite walls may, howe~er, also be made from different sheet s terials and/or be of different thicknesses. As an example, the opposite walls may be made from polyethylene films ha~ing a thickness of 50-250~ or other plastic films ha~ing a similar stiffness. One of or both of the opposite walls may be formed by a plastic film consisting of two or more layers of different plastic materials which have been co-extruded or laminated.
~ o 9 1,__, 3 1 ~- ' 3~3- ''J ' ` `
- Acc~rding to the ln~entio~ the bag or pouch ~ay c~mprise G
restriction defined in ~he discharge passage at a position having a distance ~rom the outlet end of the discharge pas-sage being less than half the axial length of-the discharge passage. This restriction may be the only restriction of the discharge passage or may be in addition to a restriction formed in the inlet end portion of the discharge passage at the sealing position. The restriction formed in the outlet end portion of the discharge passage tends to counteract undesired dripping of liquid product from the free outer end portion of the discharge passage when a product discharge operation has been tPrmi n~ ted.
Usually, it is desired that the width of the discharge pas-sage should be almost as large as possible in order to faci-litate product discharge from the bag or pouch. However, atthe same time a reliable self-sealing effect of the discharge passage should be ensured. The largest possible width of the discharge passage is dependent on various parameters, such as surface tension, adhesion characteristics, and viscosity characteristics of the fluid, the material from which the opposite flexible walls of the pouch are made, the stiffness and surface characteristics of such walls, and the shape or contour of the discharge passage and of the adjacent part of the storage chamDer, etc. The width of the discharge passage may ~ary along the length of the passage. ~owever, in most cases the mi n; mllm width of the discharge passage, such as the width of the passage at a restriction, is between 2 and 100 mm, preferably between 3 and 30 mm dependent i.a. on the above parameters.
In order to ensure good self-sealing of the discharge passage the axial length thereof is preferably at least 1~ times the ~min;mllm width of the discharge passage and more preferably about two times such minimllm width. In order to efficiently prevent any leakage from a bag or pouch filled with a fluid product, the discharge passage may have a closed outlet end adapted to be cut by the user of the product so as to open ~ O 9 ~ _ 3 1 ~
- ~ 2159583 the tlsch~r~e passage. As descrLbed in more det~il beLo~ ~a~s or pouches according to the presen~ invention ~ay have StO-rage chamDers and discharge passages defi~ed therein with a great number of symmetrical or non-symmetricai shapes. In the preferred embodiment, however, ;he bag or pouch and the contours of the storage chamber and the discharge passage are substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the discharge passage.
As explained abo~e, the digcharge passage may be shaped in many different ways with ~arious kinds of restrictions and with a width ~arying substantially along the length of the passage. Preferably, howe~er, the fluid discharge passage defines a substantially rectilinear flow path extending from the junction position to the outlet opening of the discharge passage. This means that it is possible to insert a product-filling or a product discharge tube inta the discharge pas-sage so that such tube extends from the outlet opening of the passage through the axial length of the discharge passage and into the storage chamber, whereby it is possible to fill and~or empty the bag or pouch ~ia such tube.
The invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a plan ~iew of a first ~mho~m~nt of ehe pouch or bag according to the in~ention shown in its empty and flat condition, Figs. 2-28 show the discharge passage and the adjacent part of the storage chamber of a Yariety of different embodiments of the bag or pouch according to the in~ention, Figs. 29 and 30 are plan ~iews showing two further embodi-ments of the bag or pouch according to the in~ention in whichthe storage chambers are di~ided into interconnected chamber sections, and Fig. 31 is a diagrammatic sectional ~iew showing a bag or pouch in a filied, distended condition.
wos1l2273l PCT~K94/OOUi - The drawings illustrate bags or pouches each made from a pair of oppositely arranged flexible side walls, such as plastic films, which may be monoextrudates, coextrudates, and/or laminates. The opposite flexible side walls of the bag or pouch may be formed by the opposite side walls of a collapsed hose or tube section, which is heat sealed or otherwise sealingly interconnected at its opposite ends (Fig. 1).
Alternatively, the bag or pouch may be made from a pair of separate, superposed flexible films or sheets, which have been heat sealed or otherwise sealingly interconnected along the contour of the pouch, Figs. 2-30. In the drawings such heat sealed or otherwise sealingly interconnected areas ha~e been cross-hatched.
The pouch shown in Fig. 1 has an upper marginal heat sealed area 10 having formed therein an upper suspension opening 11 positioned on a central symmetry axis 12 of the pouch. A pair of lower oppositely arranged heat sealed areas 13 are shaped so as to di~ide the inner space of the pouch into an upper main chamDe ~ nd a lower, smaller metering chamber or outlet chamber lS. The chambers 14 and lS are interconnected by an interconnecting passage 16, and the outlet chamber lS com-municates with a downwardly directed discharge passage or spout 17. A pair of lower suspension openings 18 are formed in the lower heat sealed areas 13 and are positioned immedi-ately above the outlet chamber lS on either side of thesymmetry axis 13. The discharge passage 17 has a restriction 24 close to the outlet end thereof. This restriction is formed by a pair of opposirely directed extensions 19 of the heat sealed areas 13. When a gaseous or liquid fluid has been filled into the main ch~her 14 and the outlet chamber lS of the bag or pouch shown in Fig. 1 so that the opposite flex-ible walls are distended by the inner fluid pressure, the discharge passage 17 is effectively sealed due to the shape of the discharge passage 17 and the adjacent part of the outlet chamber lS as explained in more detail below.
AMENDED SHEET
- ~he ba~ Qr po~ shown in ~ LS cda~d ~ be use~ ~ a ~ dispenser of the type disclosed in applican~s~ co-pendin~
Danish patent application ~o. 0244/94. The oppositely directed extensions l9 in the lower part of the discharge S passage L7 tend to prevent undesired dripping of product frc~
the discharge passage, when an amount of liquid product has been discnarged from the pouch via the discharge passage or spout 17.
Figs. 2-28 diagra =atically illustrate a variety of possible alternative shapes of the discharge passage or spout 17 and of an adjacent storage chamber part 20 which may be a chamber corresponding to the outlet chamber 15 in Fig. 1 cnmm~lnica-ting with a main chamber 14, or may be a single storage chamber.
lS Fig. 2 illustrates a bag or pouch ha~ing a straight discharge passage 17 defined between a pair of subst~ntially parallel sealing lines. The discharge passage 17 c~mm~nicates with the storage chamber 20 at a junction position 21. As shown in - Fig. 2, the storage ch~mh~r 20 extends beyond that junction position 21 in the direction of the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage. Thu8, adjacent to the discharge passage 17 the storage chamber 20 is defined by a pair of sealing lines 23 each defining together with the axis 12 an angle ~ which is an acute angle, whereby the self-sealing effect of the discharge passage i8 substantially impro~ed.
The embo~iments shown in Fig. 3-6 substantially correspond to the embo~iment shown in Fig. 2 with the exception that in Figs. 3-6 the discharge passage 17 has been pro~ided with restrictions 24. Thus, in Fig. 3 the discharge passage 17 has a restriction defined by oppositely directed extensions 19 of the heat sealed areas. In the embo~iment shown in Fig. 4 the discharge passage 17 has three restrictions, each of which is defined by one extension 1~, only. Fig. 5 shows an embo~imsnt in which the discharge passage 17 has a single restriction extending along a substantial axial length of the passage 17 - 0 9~:'''31 2 1 5 9 5 8 PCT D~
a; ~he junction posi.ion 21, and in Fis. 6 a restric io~ 24 is fonmsd at ;he junction position as well as adjacent tO the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17.
In the embodiments shown in Figs. 7-12 the discharge passage s 17 is at least partly defined by converging and/or diverging opposite sealing lines so that the width of the discharge passage varies continuously at least along part of the axial length of the discharge passage. The discharge passage 17 of the PmhO~;mPnt shown in Fig. 7 has restrictions 24 defined at the junction position 21 and adjacent to the outlet end 22 of the passage 17. In the ~mho~;m~nt shown in Fig. 8 restric-tions 24 are defined by means of extensions 19 at the junc-tion position 21 and adjacent to the outlet end 22 of the passage 17. Furthermore, a restriction 24 is defined at the middle of the discharge passage 17.
In the ~mho~impnt of Fig. 9 two restrictions 24 are formed in the discharge passage 17 by means of extensions 19 of the heat sealed area. In the Pmho~im~nt shown in Fig. 10 only one restriction 24 i8 defined at the middle of the discharge passage 17, and in Figs. 11 and 12 restrictions 24 are defined at the junction position 21 and at the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17, respectively. In Fig. 12 the discharge passage 17 is partly defined by opposite, curved sealing lines, and in Fig. 13 the discharge passage 17 is stepped so that two restrictions 24 are formed by the second and third step, respectively.
The ~mho~i m-~t shown in Fig. 14 defines a discharge passage 17 having a restriction 24 defined at the junction position 21 by a pair of opposite extensions 19 of the sealing area, and these extensions also define bottom sealing lines of the storage chamber 20. A restriction 24 is also defined at the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17.
Fig. 15 illustrates an ~mho~;mPnt in which the part of the storage chamber 20 adjacent to the junction position 21 is WO941~731 PCT~K94/oo~s 1 215958~
- defined by converging sealing lines, and a restriction 24 is - defined by extensions 19 in the discharge passage 17 at a position adjacent to the intersection point of the extensions of such sealing lines.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16 the discharge passage 17 is shaped like a chamber having a square outline. The chamber or passage inlet and outlet define restrictions 24. The embodiment shown in Fig. 17 is similar to that shown in Fig.
21 S9~8~
A BAG OR POUCH FOR CONTAINING A FLUID
The present invention relates to a bag or pouch made from a pair oi flat walls formed by flexible sheet material and sealingly interconnected so as to define between the opposite walls a storage chamber for containing a fluid and at least one fluid discharge passage communicating with the storage chamber at a junction position and arranged outside the storage chamber, which means that the opposite wall parts defining the fluid discharge passage do not extend in-between the opposite wall parts defining the storage chamber. The bag or pouch is such that the opposite wall part defining the discharge passage are moved into mutual sealing contact at at least one sealing position when fluid has been filled into the storage chamber. This means that when the bag or pouch has been distended by gaseous or liquid fluid filled into the storage chamber, the stresses generated in the opposite walls of the bag or pouch cause the fluid discharge passage to seal.
DE-A-26 47 399, DE-A-40 07 128, and DE-B-12 07 856 disclose bags or pouches of a type similar to that described above. In these known bags, however, the opposite flexible wall parts defining the discharge passage therebetween are located between the opposite wall parts defining the storage chamber so that the pressure of a fluid contained within the storage chamber tends to press the opposite wall parts or the dis-charge passage into mutual sealing engagement. When a gaseous or liquid product contained in these bag-like containers is to be discharged a thin tube or a similar elongated object has to be inserted through the discharge passage in order to open the same.
Norwegian patent No. 96,943 and US patent No. 3,149,772 disclose a bag or pouch of the above type defining a storage chamber and a discharge passage arranged outside the storage chamber.
~IENDED SHEET
330951BA.OOI
EP-A-0 226 290 discloses a similar dispenser pouch having a storage chamber or reservoir with a lower tapered-down neck commllnlcating with a fluid discharge passage. The neck is adapted to retain a pre-measured charge of the liquid con-tained in the pouch.
The present invention relates to a bag or pouch of the above type having an improved self-sealing effect so that the discharge passage may be reliably sealed even when the dis-charge passage is relatively broad and also when the product contained in the storage chamber is a gas, a gas mixture, or a low viscosity liquid having a small surface tension. The bag or pouch according to the invention is self-sealing even when it is only partly filled with fluid.
According to a first aspect the bag or pouch according to the present invention is characterized in that at least at one side of the fluid discharge passage and adjacent to the junction position the storage chamber is defined by a sealing line which together with the longitudinal axis of the dis-charge passage defines an angle which is smaller than 90 so that adjacent to the discharge passage the storage chamber extends beyond the junction position in a direction towards an outlet end of the discharge passage.
When a bag or pouch of the type described above is distended by an inner fluid pressure the opposite wall parts adjacent to the junction position defines (in a cross-sectional view) an outer angle (~ in Fig. 31) with a line extending at right angles to the central plane of the bag in its flat, empty, collapsed condition. It has been found that the self-sealing effect of the discharge passage of the bag or pouch is increased when the said angle is reduced. It has also been found that the angle ~ is reduced and that the self-sealing effect of the bag or pouch is consequently increased when the storage chamber extends beyond the junction position in a direction towards an outlet of the discharge passage at least - ~!ENDED SHEET
330951BA.OOI
20., 2159583 at one side and preferably at both sides of the fluid dis-charge passage.
According to a second aspect the bag or pouch according to the present invention is characterized in that ~t least one restriction is defined in the discharge passage, for example at or closely adjacent to the sealing position. It has been found that also such restriction causing a substantial local reduction of the width of the discharge passage may increase the self-sealing effect of the bag or pouch. The restriction may have an unessential or a very small extension in the axial direction of the discharge passage, or it may extend ~AENDED SHEET
along ~ substantial part of ~h~ l~ng~th ~ hQ zlischarge passage. The discharge passage may be defined between a ~air of spaced substantially parallei or non-parallel opposite heat sealed seams or other sheet interconnecting seams, and the res~rictian may be defined by a projection extending trans~ersely from one of the seams or by such projections extending against each other from the opposite seams.
The part of the storage chamber being adjacent to the dis-charge pa~sage s y be funnel-shaped which means that this part of the storage chamber i8 defined by a pair of sealing lines con~erging in the direction of the junction position.
Alternatively, the part of the scorage chPmher being adjacent to the junction point-may be defined by sealing lines extend-ing substantially at right angles to the axis of the dis-charge passage as disclosed in the abo~e Norwegian patent No.96,943. Howe~er, the storage chamber may at least at one side and preferably at both sides of the fluid discharge passage and adjacent to the junction position be defined by a sealing line defining with the longitll~in~l axis of the discharge passage an angle which is smaller than 90.
As mentioned abo~e, the storage chamhPr sy adjacent to the junction position be defined by sealing lines con~erging towards the junction position so as to define a funnel-like shape opening into the discharge passage. In such case, the said restriction is preferably positioned substantially at the intersection of the extensions of the con~erging sealing lines.
- The storage chamh~r s y comprise a main ~hamher and an outlet chamber or metering cha~h_r which are interconnected by a connecting passage, and the discharge passage s y then com-municate with the outlet chamh_r or metering chamber at a position substantially opposite to the connecting passage.
When such a bag or pouch is arranged such that the discharge passage is directed do~L..:-rdly, a liquid fluid contained in the bag or pouch will flow from the main chamh~r into the ~- O 9~/'', 3 I PC~
- met_ring chamber or outlet chambe~ through the c3nnectLn~
passage so as to refill the metering chamber wAen a ~
?roduct has been dispensed from the mecering chamber by m~n~ 1 operation of the discharge passage or by means of a suitable dispenser, e.g. as that disclosed in applicants' co-pending Danish patent application No. 0244/94.
The storage chamber defined in the bag or pouchiaccording tO
the in~ention may comprise twO or more aligned chamber sec-tions, and adjacent chamber sections may be interconnected by a comm~nication passage. The bag or pouch may then ha~e a segmented, hose-like shape. This ~mhoA; m~nt is especially advantageous when the bag or pouch is used to contain air or another gas. Such an air-filled bag may, e.g., be used as a shock-absorber when packing fragile objects. Also other embsA;m~nes of the bag according to the in~ention may be used for such purpose.
The bag or pouch according to the in~ention may be used for cont~ining any kinds of gaseous or liquid products, such as air, gaseous and liauid disinfectants, alcohol and other liauid solvents, soaps, shampoos, creams, and other liquid cosmetics, drinks, ketchup, mustard and other liauid food-stuffs. It is possible to discharge a product cont~ln~ in the bag or pouch according to the in~ention by manipulating the discharge passage and the adjacent part of the storage -h~mner. This may be done m~ntl~tly or by means of a special dispenser as mentioned abo~e. In any case it is desirable to ha~e the bag or pouch filled with the product arranged such that the fluid discharge passage depends freely. Therefore, the bag or pouch preferably comprises means for susp n~ing the bag or pouch such that the fluid discharge passage and at least the adjacent part of the storage chamber may depend freely from the suspension means. Such suspension means may, e.g., comprise a pair of through openings defined in the opposite walls at opposite sides of the connecting passage.
The bag or pouch may then be suspended from a pair of sup-porting pins or hooks extending through the openings, and the ~ o 9~ i, pc~
~u~ dLstance be~ween s~ch suppo~ting ?ins may be s~
- than the distance be~ween ~he through openings of ~he pouch whereby i~ may be ensured that liouid fluid may flow f-eely from ehe main chamber into ~he me~er ng chamber ~ia the connecting passage.
In addition to the fluid discharge passage the bag or pouch may comprise at least one further self-sealing passage exten-ding between the storage chamber and the ambient atmosphere and being defined between the opposite walls of the pouch.
One fluid may then be introduced into the storage chamber ~ia said further self-sealing passage whiIe another fluid is discharged through the discharge passage. As an example, a surgical instrument may be contained in the storage chamber and air may be eYacuated from the storage chamber while a gaseous disinfectant, which may be le~s poisonous than ethylene oxide, is introduced into the storage ~h~mhPr via the other self-sealing passage. A bag or pouch having only one discharge passage may also be used for packing surgical instruments under aseptic conditions.
Similarly, when the bag or pouch is used for cont~;n;ng an infusion liquid the discharge passage may be connected to a c~nn~lla inserted into the patient, and metered amounts of a medicament may at the same time currently be fed into the storage chamber ~ia said further self-sealing passage.
-The opposite walls of the bag or pouch may be made fromidentical sheet material, such as a plastic film being of the same thickness. The opposite walls may, howe~er, also be made from different sheet s terials and/or be of different thicknesses. As an example, the opposite walls may be made from polyethylene films ha~ing a thickness of 50-250~ or other plastic films ha~ing a similar stiffness. One of or both of the opposite walls may be formed by a plastic film consisting of two or more layers of different plastic materials which have been co-extruded or laminated.
~ o 9 1,__, 3 1 ~- ' 3~3- ''J ' ` `
- Acc~rding to the ln~entio~ the bag or pouch ~ay c~mprise G
restriction defined in ~he discharge passage at a position having a distance ~rom the outlet end of the discharge pas-sage being less than half the axial length of-the discharge passage. This restriction may be the only restriction of the discharge passage or may be in addition to a restriction formed in the inlet end portion of the discharge passage at the sealing position. The restriction formed in the outlet end portion of the discharge passage tends to counteract undesired dripping of liquid product from the free outer end portion of the discharge passage when a product discharge operation has been tPrmi n~ ted.
Usually, it is desired that the width of the discharge pas-sage should be almost as large as possible in order to faci-litate product discharge from the bag or pouch. However, atthe same time a reliable self-sealing effect of the discharge passage should be ensured. The largest possible width of the discharge passage is dependent on various parameters, such as surface tension, adhesion characteristics, and viscosity characteristics of the fluid, the material from which the opposite flexible walls of the pouch are made, the stiffness and surface characteristics of such walls, and the shape or contour of the discharge passage and of the adjacent part of the storage chamDer, etc. The width of the discharge passage may ~ary along the length of the passage. ~owever, in most cases the mi n; mllm width of the discharge passage, such as the width of the passage at a restriction, is between 2 and 100 mm, preferably between 3 and 30 mm dependent i.a. on the above parameters.
In order to ensure good self-sealing of the discharge passage the axial length thereof is preferably at least 1~ times the ~min;mllm width of the discharge passage and more preferably about two times such minimllm width. In order to efficiently prevent any leakage from a bag or pouch filled with a fluid product, the discharge passage may have a closed outlet end adapted to be cut by the user of the product so as to open ~ O 9 ~ _ 3 1 ~
- ~ 2159583 the tlsch~r~e passage. As descrLbed in more det~il beLo~ ~a~s or pouches according to the presen~ invention ~ay have StO-rage chamDers and discharge passages defi~ed therein with a great number of symmetrical or non-symmetricai shapes. In the preferred embodiment, however, ;he bag or pouch and the contours of the storage chamber and the discharge passage are substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the discharge passage.
As explained abo~e, the digcharge passage may be shaped in many different ways with ~arious kinds of restrictions and with a width ~arying substantially along the length of the passage. Preferably, howe~er, the fluid discharge passage defines a substantially rectilinear flow path extending from the junction position to the outlet opening of the discharge passage. This means that it is possible to insert a product-filling or a product discharge tube inta the discharge pas-sage so that such tube extends from the outlet opening of the passage through the axial length of the discharge passage and into the storage chamber, whereby it is possible to fill and~or empty the bag or pouch ~ia such tube.
The invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a plan ~iew of a first ~mho~m~nt of ehe pouch or bag according to the in~ention shown in its empty and flat condition, Figs. 2-28 show the discharge passage and the adjacent part of the storage chamber of a Yariety of different embodiments of the bag or pouch according to the in~ention, Figs. 29 and 30 are plan ~iews showing two further embodi-ments of the bag or pouch according to the in~ention in whichthe storage chambers are di~ided into interconnected chamber sections, and Fig. 31 is a diagrammatic sectional ~iew showing a bag or pouch in a filied, distended condition.
wos1l2273l PCT~K94/OOUi - The drawings illustrate bags or pouches each made from a pair of oppositely arranged flexible side walls, such as plastic films, which may be monoextrudates, coextrudates, and/or laminates. The opposite flexible side walls of the bag or pouch may be formed by the opposite side walls of a collapsed hose or tube section, which is heat sealed or otherwise sealingly interconnected at its opposite ends (Fig. 1).
Alternatively, the bag or pouch may be made from a pair of separate, superposed flexible films or sheets, which have been heat sealed or otherwise sealingly interconnected along the contour of the pouch, Figs. 2-30. In the drawings such heat sealed or otherwise sealingly interconnected areas ha~e been cross-hatched.
The pouch shown in Fig. 1 has an upper marginal heat sealed area 10 having formed therein an upper suspension opening 11 positioned on a central symmetry axis 12 of the pouch. A pair of lower oppositely arranged heat sealed areas 13 are shaped so as to di~ide the inner space of the pouch into an upper main chamDe ~ nd a lower, smaller metering chamber or outlet chamber lS. The chambers 14 and lS are interconnected by an interconnecting passage 16, and the outlet chamber lS com-municates with a downwardly directed discharge passage or spout 17. A pair of lower suspension openings 18 are formed in the lower heat sealed areas 13 and are positioned immedi-ately above the outlet chamber lS on either side of thesymmetry axis 13. The discharge passage 17 has a restriction 24 close to the outlet end thereof. This restriction is formed by a pair of opposirely directed extensions 19 of the heat sealed areas 13. When a gaseous or liquid fluid has been filled into the main ch~her 14 and the outlet chamber lS of the bag or pouch shown in Fig. 1 so that the opposite flex-ible walls are distended by the inner fluid pressure, the discharge passage 17 is effectively sealed due to the shape of the discharge passage 17 and the adjacent part of the outlet chamber lS as explained in more detail below.
AMENDED SHEET
- ~he ba~ Qr po~ shown in ~ LS cda~d ~ be use~ ~ a ~ dispenser of the type disclosed in applican~s~ co-pendin~
Danish patent application ~o. 0244/94. The oppositely directed extensions l9 in the lower part of the discharge S passage L7 tend to prevent undesired dripping of product frc~
the discharge passage, when an amount of liquid product has been discnarged from the pouch via the discharge passage or spout 17.
Figs. 2-28 diagra =atically illustrate a variety of possible alternative shapes of the discharge passage or spout 17 and of an adjacent storage chamber part 20 which may be a chamber corresponding to the outlet chamber 15 in Fig. 1 cnmm~lnica-ting with a main chamber 14, or may be a single storage chamber.
lS Fig. 2 illustrates a bag or pouch ha~ing a straight discharge passage 17 defined between a pair of subst~ntially parallel sealing lines. The discharge passage 17 c~mm~nicates with the storage chamber 20 at a junction position 21. As shown in - Fig. 2, the storage ch~mh~r 20 extends beyond that junction position 21 in the direction of the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage. Thu8, adjacent to the discharge passage 17 the storage chamber 20 is defined by a pair of sealing lines 23 each defining together with the axis 12 an angle ~ which is an acute angle, whereby the self-sealing effect of the discharge passage i8 substantially impro~ed.
The embo~iments shown in Fig. 3-6 substantially correspond to the embo~iment shown in Fig. 2 with the exception that in Figs. 3-6 the discharge passage 17 has been pro~ided with restrictions 24. Thus, in Fig. 3 the discharge passage 17 has a restriction defined by oppositely directed extensions 19 of the heat sealed areas. In the embo~iment shown in Fig. 4 the discharge passage 17 has three restrictions, each of which is defined by one extension 1~, only. Fig. 5 shows an embo~imsnt in which the discharge passage 17 has a single restriction extending along a substantial axial length of the passage 17 - 0 9~:'''31 2 1 5 9 5 8 PCT D~
a; ~he junction posi.ion 21, and in Fis. 6 a restric io~ 24 is fonmsd at ;he junction position as well as adjacent tO the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17.
In the embodiments shown in Figs. 7-12 the discharge passage s 17 is at least partly defined by converging and/or diverging opposite sealing lines so that the width of the discharge passage varies continuously at least along part of the axial length of the discharge passage. The discharge passage 17 of the PmhO~;mPnt shown in Fig. 7 has restrictions 24 defined at the junction position 21 and adjacent to the outlet end 22 of the passage 17. In the ~mho~;m~nt shown in Fig. 8 restric-tions 24 are defined by means of extensions 19 at the junc-tion position 21 and adjacent to the outlet end 22 of the passage 17. Furthermore, a restriction 24 is defined at the middle of the discharge passage 17.
In the ~mho~impnt of Fig. 9 two restrictions 24 are formed in the discharge passage 17 by means of extensions 19 of the heat sealed area. In the Pmho~im~nt shown in Fig. 10 only one restriction 24 i8 defined at the middle of the discharge passage 17, and in Figs. 11 and 12 restrictions 24 are defined at the junction position 21 and at the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17, respectively. In Fig. 12 the discharge passage 17 is partly defined by opposite, curved sealing lines, and in Fig. 13 the discharge passage 17 is stepped so that two restrictions 24 are formed by the second and third step, respectively.
The ~mho~i m-~t shown in Fig. 14 defines a discharge passage 17 having a restriction 24 defined at the junction position 21 by a pair of opposite extensions 19 of the sealing area, and these extensions also define bottom sealing lines of the storage chamber 20. A restriction 24 is also defined at the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17.
Fig. 15 illustrates an ~mho~;mPnt in which the part of the storage chamber 20 adjacent to the junction position 21 is WO941~731 PCT~K94/oo~s 1 215958~
- defined by converging sealing lines, and a restriction 24 is - defined by extensions 19 in the discharge passage 17 at a position adjacent to the intersection point of the extensions of such sealing lines.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16 the discharge passage 17 is shaped like a chamber having a square outline. The chamber or passage inlet and outlet define restrictions 24. The embodiment shown in Fig. 17 is similar to that shown in Fig.
2 with the exception that in Fig. 17 the storage chamber 20 is defined by opposite side seams converging in the direction of the discharge passage 17.
Figs. 18-21 show embodiments in which the inner end of the discharge passage 17 is ~6efined by heat sealing lines~cros-sing a heat sealing line~defining the storage chamber 20, 1~ where~y ~torage chamber pockets 27 are defined on both sides of the inlet end of the discharge passage 17. In Figs. 18 and 19 the discharge passage 17 has substantially the same width along the length thereof while the discharge passage 17 is funnel shaped in the embo~;mPnt shown in Fig. 20. In Fig. 21 the storage chamber 20 is funnel-shaped.
The e.~bodiment shown in Fig. 22 is similar to that shown in Fig. 15. However, the extensions 19 are differently shaped and positioned.
The e.~bodiment shown in Fig. 23 is similar to the embodiments shown in Figs. 18-20. Howe~er, in Fig. 23 the discharge passage 17 is positioned completely inside the sealing line 26 defining the adjacent part of the storage chamber 20. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 24 the discharge passage 17 also extends inwardly beyond the storage chamber sealing line 26, and the inner end of the discharge passage is defined by relatively large heat sealed areas 28 which may be relatively stiff. Such relatively stiff areas at the inlet end of the discharge passage 17 may further improve the self-sealing effect of the discharge passage.
AhlENDED SHEET
- ~0 9~ 1 PCT~' 001``
l~ - 2159583 - The embodimen~ sAown in Figs. 25 and 26 are similar to the embodimen~s shown in Figs. 15 and 22, the difference being that in Figs. 25 and 26 the opposite sealing lines of the storage chamber 20 are curved and that the restriction 24 is positioned adjacent to the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17.
.
Fig. 27 shows an embodimene in which the outlet passage is funnel-shaped, and a restriction 24 is defined at the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage. This restriction is formed by opposite heat sealed areas 29 at the outlet end of the passage. The embo~m~nt shown in Fig. 28 corresponds to those shown in Figs. 15, 21, and 22 with the exception that in Fig.
28 the restriction 24 is defined at the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17.
Figs. 29 and 30 show embo~;m~nts in which the storage chamber has been di~ided into ch~mh~r sections 30 by pairs of oppo-site, transversely extending heat sealed areas 31 forming connecting passages 32 therebetween. When a pressure is applied to the outer walls of a ~h~mh~r segment 30 fluid cont~ine~ therein may escape into adjacent ~h~mh~r segments ~ia the connecting passages. Such fluid flow between the chamber segments 30 may be'restricted more or less by proper-ly choosing the,width of the connecting passages 32. Fluid flow between adjacent chamber segments 30 may be further restricted by shaping the heat sealed areas 31 as shown in Fig. 30. The connecting passages 32 may be considered a fluid discharge passage where the angle ~ (~ide Figs. 2 and 3) defined between the border lines of the adjacent chamber segment 30 and the longitt~in~l axis of the pouch is acute, as will be described in more detail below.
Fig. 31 diagrammatically shows a central section taken at right angles to the opposite walls of a bag or pouch of the - type described abo~e. Fig. 31 shows the discharge passage o-spout 17 and the adjacent parc of the bag or pouch when 3S distended by an inner f luid pressure so that oucer shoulders ~-0 91,'~'-31 ?~
~ 13 2I59583 33 are fonnea adjacent to ~he d~sc~.arse passaa~ or spo~t These shoulders define an ansle B toge~her with a li~e 2 extending at right angles to the ceneral symmet~y axis 12 o~
the bag or pouch. As mentioned abo~e, it has been found tha~
~he angle ~ indicates whether the pouch or bag has good self-sealing characteristics or not. Thus, the self-sealing effec:
is increased when the angle ~ is ~;mi nt shed.
A test was made to ~Pmonctrate the interrelationship between the self-sealing effect of the discharge passage 17 and the angle a (shown in Figs. 2 and 3~ and the angle ~ (shown in Fig. 31~. A bag of the type shown in Fig. 1 was used where the outlet passage 17 and the adjacent part of the outlet chamber 15 had a shape substantially as shown in Fig. 3. The opposite walls of the bag or pouch were made from a laminate of two outer layers, each being a 45~ polyethylene film and an inner core layer of a 12~ polyester film. The width w of the main chamber 15 was 40 mm, the width d of the discharge passage 17 was 10 mm, and the axial length 1 of the discharge pa sage was 20 mm. Tests were made for different ~alues of the angle a ranging from 10 to 180, and the corresponding values of the angle ~ were measured in a plane extending through the axis 12 and at right angles to the pouch walls (at right angles to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 1). When measuring the ~alue of the angle ~ the bag or pouch was filled with pure tap water, and the inner water pressure was gradually increased to a ~alue at which the fluid discharge passage 17 was just about to open, and the ~alue of the angle ~ was measured at that inner pressure.
The following results were obtained:
,B
1~0 ~0 160 75 not self-sealing - -0 9~1'',31 PCT ~ '0 ~_ ~4 110 35 accidentially 100 25 self-sealing ~0 20 ~ery good self-sealing characte-ristics extremely good self-lS 20 30 sealing characteris-tics The above test results show that the self-sealing characte-ristics of a pouch as that shown in Fig. 1 may be substan-tially improved by reducing the angle a.
\
Bags or pouches of the type shown in Fig. 1 in which the walls were made from a flexible foil or film of polyethylene having a thickness of so-ao~ and from a coextrudate of poly-ethyle, ethylene vinyl alcohol and polyethylene with a totalthickness of 50-80~, respectively, was made. The angle ~ was 60-80, the width d of the discharge passage 17 was 3-5 mm, and the length 1 of the discharge passage was 10-12 mm. The bag showed good self-sealing characteristics with contents of water, soap water, alcohol and air.
A bag or pouch of the type shown in Fig. 1 was made from a laminate of 90~ polyethylene and 12~ polyester. The angle ~
was 70 and the width d of the discharge passage 17 was ~ mm and the length 1 of the discharge passage was 16 mm. The bag was used for cont~ining liquid soap and shampoo and showed very good self-sealing characteristics. In order to prevent undesired dripping of the product subsequent to a discharge ~091i~ .31 ~CT~
?rocess, extensLons L9 of the type shown in Fig. L wer-- .
positioned about 5 mm from the outle~ end 22 o. the dischar~e passage.
It should be underseood that ~arious alterations, combina-tions and changes may be made within the scope of the present in~ention. An imDortant feature is, however, that a storage chamber pocket is defined at least at one side of the inlet end portion of the fluid discharge passage and/or that at least one restriction is defined in the fluid discharge passage.
Figs. 18-21 show embodiments in which the inner end of the discharge passage 17 is ~6efined by heat sealing lines~cros-sing a heat sealing line~defining the storage chamber 20, 1~ where~y ~torage chamber pockets 27 are defined on both sides of the inlet end of the discharge passage 17. In Figs. 18 and 19 the discharge passage 17 has substantially the same width along the length thereof while the discharge passage 17 is funnel shaped in the embo~;mPnt shown in Fig. 20. In Fig. 21 the storage chamber 20 is funnel-shaped.
The e.~bodiment shown in Fig. 22 is similar to that shown in Fig. 15. However, the extensions 19 are differently shaped and positioned.
The e.~bodiment shown in Fig. 23 is similar to the embodiments shown in Figs. 18-20. Howe~er, in Fig. 23 the discharge passage 17 is positioned completely inside the sealing line 26 defining the adjacent part of the storage chamber 20. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 24 the discharge passage 17 also extends inwardly beyond the storage chamber sealing line 26, and the inner end of the discharge passage is defined by relatively large heat sealed areas 28 which may be relatively stiff. Such relatively stiff areas at the inlet end of the discharge passage 17 may further improve the self-sealing effect of the discharge passage.
AhlENDED SHEET
- ~0 9~ 1 PCT~' 001``
l~ - 2159583 - The embodimen~ sAown in Figs. 25 and 26 are similar to the embodimen~s shown in Figs. 15 and 22, the difference being that in Figs. 25 and 26 the opposite sealing lines of the storage chamber 20 are curved and that the restriction 24 is positioned adjacent to the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17.
.
Fig. 27 shows an embodimene in which the outlet passage is funnel-shaped, and a restriction 24 is defined at the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage. This restriction is formed by opposite heat sealed areas 29 at the outlet end of the passage. The embo~m~nt shown in Fig. 28 corresponds to those shown in Figs. 15, 21, and 22 with the exception that in Fig.
28 the restriction 24 is defined at the outlet end 22 of the discharge passage 17.
Figs. 29 and 30 show embo~;m~nts in which the storage chamber has been di~ided into ch~mh~r sections 30 by pairs of oppo-site, transversely extending heat sealed areas 31 forming connecting passages 32 therebetween. When a pressure is applied to the outer walls of a ~h~mh~r segment 30 fluid cont~ine~ therein may escape into adjacent ~h~mh~r segments ~ia the connecting passages. Such fluid flow between the chamber segments 30 may be'restricted more or less by proper-ly choosing the,width of the connecting passages 32. Fluid flow between adjacent chamber segments 30 may be further restricted by shaping the heat sealed areas 31 as shown in Fig. 30. The connecting passages 32 may be considered a fluid discharge passage where the angle ~ (~ide Figs. 2 and 3) defined between the border lines of the adjacent chamber segment 30 and the longitt~in~l axis of the pouch is acute, as will be described in more detail below.
Fig. 31 diagrammatically shows a central section taken at right angles to the opposite walls of a bag or pouch of the - type described abo~e. Fig. 31 shows the discharge passage o-spout 17 and the adjacent parc of the bag or pouch when 3S distended by an inner f luid pressure so that oucer shoulders ~-0 91,'~'-31 ?~
~ 13 2I59583 33 are fonnea adjacent to ~he d~sc~.arse passaa~ or spo~t These shoulders define an ansle B toge~her with a li~e 2 extending at right angles to the ceneral symmet~y axis 12 o~
the bag or pouch. As mentioned abo~e, it has been found tha~
~he angle ~ indicates whether the pouch or bag has good self-sealing characteristics or not. Thus, the self-sealing effec:
is increased when the angle ~ is ~;mi nt shed.
A test was made to ~Pmonctrate the interrelationship between the self-sealing effect of the discharge passage 17 and the angle a (shown in Figs. 2 and 3~ and the angle ~ (shown in Fig. 31~. A bag of the type shown in Fig. 1 was used where the outlet passage 17 and the adjacent part of the outlet chamber 15 had a shape substantially as shown in Fig. 3. The opposite walls of the bag or pouch were made from a laminate of two outer layers, each being a 45~ polyethylene film and an inner core layer of a 12~ polyester film. The width w of the main chamber 15 was 40 mm, the width d of the discharge passage 17 was 10 mm, and the axial length 1 of the discharge pa sage was 20 mm. Tests were made for different ~alues of the angle a ranging from 10 to 180, and the corresponding values of the angle ~ were measured in a plane extending through the axis 12 and at right angles to the pouch walls (at right angles to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 1). When measuring the ~alue of the angle ~ the bag or pouch was filled with pure tap water, and the inner water pressure was gradually increased to a ~alue at which the fluid discharge passage 17 was just about to open, and the ~alue of the angle ~ was measured at that inner pressure.
The following results were obtained:
,B
1~0 ~0 160 75 not self-sealing - -0 9~1'',31 PCT ~ '0 ~_ ~4 110 35 accidentially 100 25 self-sealing ~0 20 ~ery good self-sealing characte-ristics extremely good self-lS 20 30 sealing characteris-tics The above test results show that the self-sealing characte-ristics of a pouch as that shown in Fig. 1 may be substan-tially improved by reducing the angle a.
\
Bags or pouches of the type shown in Fig. 1 in which the walls were made from a flexible foil or film of polyethylene having a thickness of so-ao~ and from a coextrudate of poly-ethyle, ethylene vinyl alcohol and polyethylene with a totalthickness of 50-80~, respectively, was made. The angle ~ was 60-80, the width d of the discharge passage 17 was 3-5 mm, and the length 1 of the discharge passage was 10-12 mm. The bag showed good self-sealing characteristics with contents of water, soap water, alcohol and air.
A bag or pouch of the type shown in Fig. 1 was made from a laminate of 90~ polyethylene and 12~ polyester. The angle ~
was 70 and the width d of the discharge passage 17 was ~ mm and the length 1 of the discharge passage was 16 mm. The bag was used for cont~ining liquid soap and shampoo and showed very good self-sealing characteristics. In order to prevent undesired dripping of the product subsequent to a discharge ~091i~ .31 ~CT~
?rocess, extensLons L9 of the type shown in Fig. L wer-- .
positioned about 5 mm from the outle~ end 22 o. the dischar~e passage.
It should be underseood that ~arious alterations, combina-tions and changes may be made within the scope of the present in~ention. An imDortant feature is, however, that a storage chamber pocket is defined at least at one side of the inlet end portion of the fluid discharge passage and/or that at least one restriction is defined in the fluid discharge passage.
Claims (20)
1. A bag or pouch made from a pair of flat walls formed by flexible sheet material and sealingly interconnected so as to define between the opposite walls a storage chamber (14, 15;
20) for containing a fluid and a fluid discharge passage (17) communicating with the storage chamber at a junction position (21) and arranged outside the storage chamber, the bag or pouch being such that the opposite wall parts defining the discharge passage are moved into mutual sealing contact at at least one sealing position when fluid has been filled into the storage chamber, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least at one side of the fluid discharge passage (17) and adjacent to the junction position (21) the storage chamber (14,15;20) is defined by a sealing line (23,25) which together with the longitudinal axis (12) of the discharge passage (17) defines an angle (.alpha.) which is smaller than 90° so that adjacent to the discharge passage (17) the storage chamber (14,15;20) extends beyond the junction position (21) in a direction towards an outlet end (22) of the discharge passage.
20) for containing a fluid and a fluid discharge passage (17) communicating with the storage chamber at a junction position (21) and arranged outside the storage chamber, the bag or pouch being such that the opposite wall parts defining the discharge passage are moved into mutual sealing contact at at least one sealing position when fluid has been filled into the storage chamber, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least at one side of the fluid discharge passage (17) and adjacent to the junction position (21) the storage chamber (14,15;20) is defined by a sealing line (23,25) which together with the longitudinal axis (12) of the discharge passage (17) defines an angle (.alpha.) which is smaller than 90° so that adjacent to the discharge passage (17) the storage chamber (14,15;20) extends beyond the junction position (21) in a direction towards an outlet end (22) of the discharge passage.
2. A bag or pouch made from a pair of flat walls formed by flexible sheet material and sealingly interconnected so as to define between the opposite walls a storage chamber (14,15;20) for containing a fluid and a fluid discharge passage (17) communicating with the storage chamber, the bag or pouch being such that the opposite wall parts defining the discharge passage are moved into mutual sealing contact at at least one sealing position when fluid has been filled into the storage chamber, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least one restriction (24) is defined in the discharge passage (17) so as to cause a substantial local restriction of the width of the discharge passage.
3. A bag or pouch according to claim 1, wherein at least one restriction (24) is defined in the discharge passage (17) so as to cause a substantial local restriction of the width of the discharge passage.
4. A bag or pouch according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the re-striction (24) is defined in the discharge passage (17) at or closely adjacent to the sealing position.
5. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1, 3 or 4, wherein said angle (.alpha.) is defined at each side of the fluid discharge passage (17).
6. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 2-4, wherein the part of the storage chamber (20) adjacent to the junction position (21) is defined by sealing lines converging towards the junction position, the restriction (24) being positioned substantially at the intersection of the extensions of the converging sealing lines.
7. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-6, wherein the storage chamber comprises a main chamber (14) and an outlet chamber or metering chamber (15) which are intercon-nected by a connecting passage (16), the discharge passage (17) communicating with the outlet chamber (15) at a position substantially opposite to the connecting passage (16).
8. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-7, wherein the storage chamber (20) comprises two or more aligned cham-ber sections (30), adjacent chamber sections being intercon-nected by a communication passage (32).
9. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-8, further comprising means (13, 18) for suspending the bag or pouch such that the fluid discharge passage (17) and at least the adjacent part of the storage chamber (14,15;20) may depend freely from the suspension means.
10. A bag or pouch according to claims 7 and 9, wherein the suspension means comprises a pair of through openings (18) defined in the opposite walls (13) at opposite sides of the connecting passage (16).
11. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-10, wherein at least one further self-sealing passage extending between the storage chamber and the ambient atmosphere is defined between the opposite walls of the pouch.
12. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-11, wherein the opposite walls are made from different sheet materials and/or are of different thicknesses.
13. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-12, wherein the opposite walls are polyethylene films having a thickness of 50-250µ, or other plastic films having a similar stiffness.
14. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-13, further comprising a restriction (24) defined in the dis-charge passage (17) at a position having a distance from the outlet end (22) of the discharge passage (17) being less than half the axial length of the discharge passage and preferably 0-10 mm from the outlet end of the discharge passage.
15. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-14, wherein the minimum width of the discharge passage (17) is between 2 and 100 mm, preferably between 3 and 30 mm.
16. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-15, wherein the axial length of the discharge passage (17) is at least 1 times the minimum width of the discharge passage.
17. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-16, wherein the discharge passage (17) has a closed outlet end adapted to be cut so as to open the discharge passage.
18. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-17 filled with a gaseous fluid or a liquid fluid of low viscosity.
19. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-18, which is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis (12) of the discharge passage.
20. A bag or pouch according to any of the claims 1-19, wherein the fluid discharge passage (17) defines a substan-tially rectilinear flow path extending from the junction position to the outlet opening of the discharge passage.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DK0369/93 | 1993-03-29 | ||
| DK36993A DK36993D0 (en) | 1993-03-29 | 1993-03-29 | VALVE |
| DK24494 | 1994-03-02 | ||
| DK0244/94 | 1994-03-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2159583A1 true CA2159583A1 (en) | 1994-10-13 |
Family
ID=26063600
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002159583A Abandoned CA2159583A1 (en) | 1993-03-29 | 1994-03-29 | A bag or pouch for containing a fluid |
Country Status (18)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0690811B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH08508225A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR960700939A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1040860C (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE144478T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU677837B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9406561A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2159583A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69400805T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0690811T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2093530T3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI954606A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO953799L (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ263522A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL173009B1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2099258C1 (en) |
| SG (1) | SG54981A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994022731A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11759035B2 (en) | 2021-01-12 | 2023-09-19 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Silicone food and beverage storage containers |
| USD1022606S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-04-16 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Combined food and beverage storage container |
| USD1022605S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-04-16 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Combined food and beverage storage container |
| USD1022604S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-04-16 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Combined food and beverage storage container |
| USD1044408S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-10-01 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Food and beverage storage container |
| USD1044409S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-10-01 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Food and beverage storage container |
| USD1045508S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-10-08 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Food and beverage storage container |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU3604795A (en) * | 1994-10-12 | 1996-05-06 | Plum Kemi Produktion A/S | A bag or pouch for containing a fluid |
| US5735106A (en) * | 1996-11-26 | 1998-04-07 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Continuous process for packaging compressible products |
| FR2813784B1 (en) | 2000-09-13 | 2003-03-07 | Pascal Lecointe | SUBSTANCE PACKAGING BAG, WITH INTEGRATED CANNULA AND BAND CONSISTING OF SUCH BAGS |
| EP1219219A1 (en) | 2000-12-27 | 2002-07-03 | Plum Kemi Produktion A/S | A container, such as a bag or pouch, for containing a liquid or pasty material |
| JP2006256627A (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2006-09-28 | Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd | Packaging bag having self-closing spout |
| EP1808380A1 (en) * | 2006-01-13 | 2007-07-18 | Pepup S.A. | Flexible pouch for a liquid and method of manufacturing thereof |
| FR2939774B1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2013-07-05 | Imv Tech | SACHET AND BAG STRIPS FOR PACKAGING A LIQUID BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, SUCH AS ANIMAL SEED. |
| EP2447178B1 (en) * | 2009-06-25 | 2016-11-23 | Yushin Co., Ltd. | Free-standing liquid packaging pouch with a flat film valve |
| WO2020176935A1 (en) * | 2019-03-03 | 2020-09-10 | Thomsen Peter N | Valve for a dispenser, dispensing pouch and method of forming the same |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3149772A (en) * | 1960-12-07 | 1964-09-22 | Technipak Proprietary Ltd | Self sealing sachets or containers |
| CH589550A5 (en) * | 1975-10-22 | 1977-07-15 | Alusuisse | |
| ES2028787T3 (en) * | 1985-12-10 | 1992-07-16 | Peter Thomsen | DISTRIBUTOR BAG AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS MANUFACTURE. |
| DE3727818A1 (en) * | 1987-07-23 | 1989-02-02 | Al Sharhan Bader A | PACKAGING CONTAINER |
| DE4007128A1 (en) * | 1989-10-03 | 1991-04-11 | Miele & Cie | Inflatable foil bag for packaging - has two foils each with integral valve sections avoiding leaking seals |
-
1994
- 1994-03-29 AU AU64245/94A patent/AU677837B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1994-03-29 AT AT94911859T patent/ATE144478T1/en active
- 1994-03-29 DK DK94911859.0T patent/DK0690811T3/da active
- 1994-03-29 PL PL94310942A patent/PL173009B1/en unknown
- 1994-03-29 JP JP6521565A patent/JPH08508225A/en active Pending
- 1994-03-29 RU RU9595117954A patent/RU2099258C1/en active
- 1994-03-29 BR BR9406561A patent/BR9406561A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-03-29 EP EP94911859A patent/EP0690811B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-03-29 CA CA002159583A patent/CA2159583A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-03-29 WO PCT/DK1994/000135 patent/WO1994022731A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1994-03-29 SG SG1995001993A patent/SG54981A1/en unknown
- 1994-03-29 NZ NZ263522A patent/NZ263522A/en unknown
- 1994-03-29 CN CN94191621A patent/CN1040860C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-03-29 KR KR1019950704195A patent/KR960700939A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-03-29 ES ES94911859T patent/ES2093530T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-03-29 DE DE69400805T patent/DE69400805T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1995
- 1995-09-26 NO NO953799A patent/NO953799L/en unknown
- 1995-09-28 FI FI954606A patent/FI954606A/en unknown
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11759035B2 (en) | 2021-01-12 | 2023-09-19 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Silicone food and beverage storage containers |
| USD1022606S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-04-16 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Combined food and beverage storage container |
| USD1022605S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-04-16 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Combined food and beverage storage container |
| USD1022604S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-04-16 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Combined food and beverage storage container |
| USD1044408S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-10-01 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Food and beverage storage container |
| USD1044409S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-10-01 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Food and beverage storage container |
| USD1045508S1 (en) | 2022-01-11 | 2024-10-08 | Instant Brands Holdings Inc. | Food and beverage storage container |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1040860C (en) | 1998-11-25 |
| RU2099258C1 (en) | 1997-12-20 |
| AU677837B2 (en) | 1997-05-08 |
| JPH08508225A (en) | 1996-09-03 |
| DE69400805D1 (en) | 1996-11-28 |
| NO953799L (en) | 1995-11-28 |
| AU6424594A (en) | 1994-10-24 |
| FI954606A0 (en) | 1995-09-28 |
| CN1120330A (en) | 1996-04-10 |
| EP0690811B1 (en) | 1996-10-23 |
| PL173009B1 (en) | 1998-01-30 |
| NZ263522A (en) | 1997-07-27 |
| KR960700939A (en) | 1996-02-24 |
| BR9406561A (en) | 1996-01-30 |
| DK0690811T3 (en) | 1997-03-17 |
| DE69400805T2 (en) | 1997-05-15 |
| FI954606A (en) | 1995-09-28 |
| PL310942A1 (en) | 1996-01-08 |
| NO953799D0 (en) | 1995-09-26 |
| SG54981A1 (en) | 1998-12-21 |
| WO1994022731A1 (en) | 1994-10-13 |
| ATE144478T1 (en) | 1996-11-15 |
| EP0690811A1 (en) | 1996-01-10 |
| ES2093530T3 (en) | 1996-12-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |