JP2002522303A - Container for storing particulate matter - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The present invention is a container for storing particulate matter such as wheat flour for baking in a sealed package, and the air in the container captured during filling does not lose the particulate matter, Can be compressed and kicked out. The container contains a pouch (14), terminates in a large opening and is made of a non-perforated flexible material such as a transparent plastic film (11), the pouch to seal the pouch. Attached sealing mechanism (18) and a flexible material having a size in the range of 10 to 150 μm sufficient to prevent air from being exhausted through the outlet port and particulate matter escaping through the pores. It consists of a number of fine pores (42) extending through it.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to sealed containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container such as a plastic bag containing particulate matter such as flour, wherein the container is compressed or depressurized to remove excess air without releasing particulate matter. can do.

[0002]

[Background Art]

Various particulate dry flours, such as baking products such as flour, baking powder, baking soda, and powdered sugar, are packaged in paper or cardboard containers. Paper and cardboard containers can be packed with less air content than packing the products in different containers such as plastic bags. Such containers are very porous and / or self-breathable. The above bakery products are not packed in plastic bags. This is because the plastic bag container does not discharge some of the bakery products in the plastic bag, but at the same time captures air that is difficult to discharge from the plastic bag.

However, conventional cardboard and paper containers have a number of deficiencies. For example, conventional paper containers for flour are harmed or infiltrated by a number of surrounding factors. Paper tends to absorb moisture that comes in contact with the paper. Wet paper provides a place to grow mold and mildew, which harms flour. The moisture also swells and weakens the paper fibers so that the paper container can be easily broken. In addition, paper containers are apt to infest insects. Various types of insects will easily bite through the paper. Furthermore, due to the porous nature of the paper, various odors and particulate matter can pass through the paper, leading to a reduction in flour products. Also, due to the porous nature of the paper, moisture moves from the flour product to the outside of the paper container. This is a particularly severe problem when the flour is stored in an environment with low humidity or dew point levels. Flour usually has a moisture content of about 14%. To offset the expected loss of moisture, the flour producer must ensure that the product has been exposed to a dry environment and has lost some amount of moisture content and still weighs the amount indicated on the packaging. To guarantee
In effect, overfill the paper container. Although only a small amount of overfilling is required, the cost of the manufacturer is very significant given the millions of tons of flour that are bagged and sold worldwide. In addition, environmental drying has an adverse effect on the baking properties of the flour, thereby undesirably leading to consumer awareness such as low or poor quality of the flour product.

[0004] Paper containers are also undesirable from a transport standpoint. When filling a paper container with flour, the flour becomes mixed with air and occupies a larger space volume. The additional space occupied by the aerated flour is costly. In addition, the general rectangular / cylindrical shape of flour containers causes stacking and movement problems. The uneven distribution of flour in the paper container complicates the stacking problem. For example, a first container of flour is stacked on top of a second container of flour. The weight of the first container applies a downward compressive force to the second paper container of flour. However, the air in the second container cannot escape completely from the sealed container. As a result, the second paper container is unstable with respect to the first paper container,
It becomes a puffy foundation. This problem is exacerbated when the third container of flour is stacked on top of the first container of flour, creating a downward force on the second container further. Unstable stacking of flour containers is very dangerous during transport. Transfers of loads can cause tractors, trailers, trucks to tip over, or fall onto workers.

[0005] Conventional paper flour containers are also undesirable for consumer use. Since the paper container cannot be resealed, the consumer must transfer the contents to another container to prevent spillage, absorption of water or infestation of insects.
Opening a flour carton is also cumbersome. Conventional methods of sealing paper containers include folding the top and bottom of the container several times and gluing or stitching together. During the sealing process, the flour is trapped in numerous folds. When the container is opened at the top, the flour trapped in the folds spills on the counter.
Also, such paper flour containers lack the ability to be easily opened. Furthermore, the shape of the paper container is generally not recommended for baking bread. Especially high cylinders are not stable and easily fall down. In addition, the top end of the container that is opened to obtain flour is usually folded back on itself, making it difficult to get the scoop in and out. The paper container has a shape that is difficult to handle with only one hand. Paper containers are also almost impossible to determine, without actually looking inside the container, how much flour remains in the container.

[0006] Conventional paper flour containers are also not economically effective for consumers. The bottom folds inside the carton become jammed, robbing consumers of some of the flour products they have purchased. In addition, as with the problems faced by carriers, consumers also have difficulty stacking flour containers. Even if the consumer transfers the flour in the paper container to a plastic bag, the air trapped in the plastic bag will
Flour cannot be stacked because it is difficult to drain out of a plastic bag without simultaneously discharging some flour.

[0007] Cardboard packaging has similar problems. Cardboard is susceptible to water damage.
Cardboard containers, though rigid, cause transport problems. Due to the rigid shape,
Manufacturers cannot exhaust all air out of the container. Therefore, during transportation,
Extra space is taken. The manufacturer cannot vent all the air out of the container, so an air pocket can be created inside the cardboard container after the product has finally settled. The air pocket creates a cardboard container part that is not supported by the product. The lack of support makes the cardboard much easier to dent or break. The damaged cardboard wall strains the cardboard box and becomes unstable, slipping or crushing. Cardboard containers usually cannot be hermetically sealed, but are closed with flaps. The lack of a tight seal allows moisture, mold and insects to penetrate the container. Furthermore, cardboard containers are not transparent. This does not allow the consumer to determine if the container is full without opening the container.

[0008] Plastic bags are commonly used for dry powders having larger particle sizes, such as granulated sugar and uncooked breakfast cereals. However, such bags generally have at least one opening, such as a notch, pinhole, or air passage, to allow air to escape during packaging and to provide a plastic bag with air suction. Also, the air vent holes allow bags to be transported across mountains / high altitudes without bursting or explosion.

[0009] The presence of the pinhole allows trapped air to escape or ventilate, of course, making the container unsuitable for liquid-filling applications. In addition, such air passages, holes, etc., are undesirable because they cause insects to mix. Also, while such pin-hole or perforated plastic bags are useful for particulate matter having a large particle size, such as ordinary sugar, the perforated container is baked flour. Not suitable for use in fine powders such as When the plastic bag is compressed during the process of evacuating trapped air, some amount of finely divided powdered material is carried with the air through the perforations. Ejected flour dust causes a number of public health hazards. More importantly, powdered dust carried by air is extremely explosive, creating a significant safety hazard.

Conventional non-perforated plastic bag containers are also impractical for fine-grained bakery products. Perforated bags containing air are not practical for transportation. They bulge like balloons, especially at high altitudes, are unstable, and take up additional expensive cargo and storage space. To evacuate the air out of the bag, the air is compressed out of the bag or sucked out of the bag before completely sealing. However, with particulate matter,
Some particulate matter is compressed or pumped out of the bag through a vacuum mechanism. Even if the manufacturer successfully vents the air out of the plastic container, the consumer does not typically have a decompression or compression device that vents the air after opening the bag. Eventually, the consumer will have a bulky, puffy bag after opening the bag.

Conventional containers holding particulate baking products are not desirable for transportation, storage or consumer use. There is a need for a container that holds a particulate material that can be sealed and resealed, and that allows air to be discharged out of the container without moving the particulate material.

[0012] The present invention is entitled "Container For Storing Fine Particles." And is commonly pending and commonly assigned application number USSN.
(August 7, 1998 filed by Agent Docket GMI5144) is a further improvement in a container for storing particulate matter. In this earlier invention, the plastic bag is provided with one or more macroscopic apertures or openings for venting trapped air. The overlaying of the holes is air permeable, but the particulate matter is an impermeable layer, preferably provided on the inside surface of the bag. Such a configuration helps in the desired release of trapped air while preventing the emission of contained particulate matter or the infestation of insects.

In the present invention, the large number of fine pores replace one or a few macroscopic openings or notches of the previous invention. As a further improvement, the impervious layer needed before coating the macroscopic holes can be removed. In addition to the structural differences of the container, the present invention offers important advantages that can be easily and economically manufactured.

[0014]

Summary of the Invention

In a technical aspect, the present invention includes a particulate matter storage container comprising a body having a pouch terminated by a major opening. The pouch has an inner surface and an outer surface. A sealing mechanism is associated with the pouch proximate its main opening. The sealing mechanism includes a sealed access point that connects through its major opening to the inside surface of the pouch. The container provides a means for venting the trapped air, such as having a large number of fine pores in the pouch material having a size in the range of about 10 to 150 μm while preventing the escape or loss of the contained substance. Inclusive.

[0015] In a method aspect, the method of the present invention provides a method of making a container holding a particulate material. The method comprises: from a flexible, non-perforated pouch material, a sealed pouch having a first large side with an inner surface and an outer surface having a sealing mechanism located on the pouch proximate the primary opening. Forming about 10 to 150 μm
Comprising a large number of fine pores having a size in the range of: wherein the sealing mechanism closes the main opening to prevent migration of material from the pouch, and the pouch has dimensions greater than 500 μm Does not have openings. The above objects and advantages can be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION For convenience, like corresponding numerals are used for like components. Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a container 10 for storing particulate matter 12 of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the first main side 3 in an orientation suitable for stacking like a grocery store shelf.
0 shows the container 10 lying on top. FIG. 1 shows that container 10 includes a body 11 for holding a contained substance, such as particulate matter 12. The body 11 forms an interior region or pouch 14 and terminates in a main or top opening 16 sealed by a sealing means such as a sealing mechanism 18. The body 11 has a flexible outer surface 20, an opposite outer surface 20, and an inner surface 22 inside the pouch 14. With the exception of the fine scoring as defined herein (as described below), the container 10 is, in a particularly preferred embodiment, non-perforated and therefore has an air exhaust notch or other fine holes or holes. Bags that are well known in the industry lack regular openings (eg, slits or cuts).

The improved container 10 can be used for packaging a wide variety of, surprisingly wet and / or multiple sizes of dry material. The container 10 has been found to be particularly suitable for use in packaging fine dry particles. The particulate matter includes both edible substances such as foods and inedible substances. Examples of edible substances include, for example, sugar (particularly powder sugar), flour, starch, salt, cocoa, baking powder, non-fat dry milk solids (non-fat dry solids).
milk so1ids), protein powder, instant tea or coffee. The materials can be separated or mixed to form a dry mix for layer cakes, muffins, or other baked good or beverages such as hot chocolate. Inedible substances include a wide variety of fine particulate matter. Examples of inedible fines include cement, dry glue, powdered gypsum, diatomaceous earth or all other fines, especially those typically packaged in small quantities (0.1 to 5 kg). The container 10 contains a “fine” dry substance, ie, at least a portion (eg, less than 5%)
Is particularly suitable for materials having a particle size of less than 500 microns (500 μm). Of course, the container 10 can be made of edible or edible larger-sized substances, such as rice, dried beans or lentils if desired, ready-to-eat cereals, Can be used to package tea. Container 10 is particularly suitable for use with versatile baking flour (i.e., ground flour), such as sold in bags of 1-5 pounds for use in the consumer's home.

Preferably, the pouch 14 comprises a non-perforated, non-porous, continuous, flexible material 15, such as a plastic film of polypropylene and / or polyethylene. The flexible substance 15 may be a single layer or a thin layer. The film material may be a polymer, a copolymer or a molten mixture of various plastics.

Referring to FIG. 4, as a preferred variant, a plastic film having an outer layer 17 of polypropylene (eg, 15%) is laminated to an inner layer or base layer 19 of polyethylene (eg, 85%) and co-extruded. (Coextruded). In a less preferred embodiment, the film material may be or comprise a uniform cellulosic material such as metal foil or cellophane, glassine, oil-proof or uniform parchment.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the seal mechanism 18 is configured such that, in the closed position, the particles 12
4 is prevented from falling out. When the sealing mechanism 18 is closed, the main opening 16 is also closed. The sealing mechanism 18 is at least a resealable sealing mechanism, such as the zipper mechanism found in Zip-Loc® storage bags.
(Alable sealing mechanism) 21. The zipper mechanism 21 can be formed on the pouch 14 proximate to the main opening 16 or is secured by a seal 28 to the pouch 14 proximate to the main opening 16, such as the best shown in FIG. Can be made into independent strips of material. Seal 28 may be formed by heat, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, pressure bonding, or other well-known techniques.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the body 11 has first and opposite second large surfaces 30 that are generally rectangular. The first and second large surfaces 30 can be manufactured to have either a regular shape (eg, a geometric shape) or an irregular shape. The body 11 is further defined by an edge 32 extending around the circumference of the large surface 30 and has a curved lower edge 37.
And side seals such as fin seals 33 and 35 on the opposite side as well as the curved upper edge 39. Other bag configurations (e.g., wrap seals instead of the illustrated fin seals) and shapes can be used in place of the preferred embodiment shown.

FIG. 3 shows that the seal mechanism 18 includes easily openable features, such as a pair of illustrated opposing upper and lower score lines 40a and 40b. Shows that it can be manufactured with one or more conventional scorelines 40. The score line 40 is well known in the art and can be manufactured using conventional techniques. However, the conventional score line 40 should be distinguished from the fine pore features to be described, which are in the form of special kerf features as described below. A conventional score line 40 typically has 10 to 30 holes per inch, the holes having a length on the order of 500 to 5000 microns.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a conventional easy-to-open score line 40 has at least one, and preferably two, intermediate the re-sealable features 21 and the curved edge 39. It is the form of a score line that extends across. The article comprising the contained substance 12 and the container 10 is manufactured with the resealable feature 21 in an enclosed or mounted position, and the contained substance is passed through a macroscopic hole constituting the score line 40. 12 acts as a closure to prevent escape.

FIG. 2 further illustrates that the container 10 additionally essentially further comprises fine pore features 42. Conveniently, the pores 42 may be in the form of one or more score lines, such as a straight line 44 as shown. As a preferred variant, the scoring line 44 extends across the width of the container 10.

However, pore features, such as in the form of scoring features 44, can be located anywhere between edges 37 and 39. The pore features include straight lines, angled lines, jagged lines, circular lines, curvilinear lines, continuous lines, and intermittent lines. ) Line or any combination thereof. Although fine pore features, such as score line 44, are shown in the drawings for purposes of describing and describing the present invention, the pore size is such that the fine pore score line 44 is easily accessible to the naked eye. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the size is not clearly visible. In other variations, the pores 42 can be in the form of a random series of fine holes. In still other variations, the location and shape of the fine score features 42 may be such that they are less visible on the packaging by outer graphics.

In a less preferred embodiment, the sealing mechanism 18 does not include a reclosing feature. In that embodiment, the container is a conventional scoring 40 which is easily opened.
It is desirable not to have. In that embodiment, the new fine scoring 42 can be placed anywhere on the bag between edge 37 and edge 39.

However, in the preferred embodiment where sealing mechanism 18 includes reseal feature 21 and conventional scoring 40, the fine pore features are preferably between edge 37 and reseal feature 21. , In a more preferred embodiment, adjacent the reseal feature 21.

Referring back to FIG. The fine pore features 42 have a maximum dimension of about 1
Numerous fine sized pores ranging from 0 to 150 microns, preferably about 30 to 70 μm. In a preferred embodiment, the pores are shaped or circular openings having a diameter within the above dimensions. Surprisingly, the creation of such fine sized holes allows air to escape while preventing contained fine particulate matter from escaping. Although milled powdered materials such as cereal flours having an average particle size on the order of 50 microns have a particle size distribution that includes some particle fraction with a particle size of less than 1 micron, It is surprising to prevent the particulate matter from escaping. Surprisingly, the trapped air escapes while the flour escapes, whereas the flour is self-porous, despite its fine pore size being on the order of 10 to 50 microns. Acts like a seal.

[0029] The number of fine pores is selected to effectively exhaust trapped air within a reasonable time. For example, the container square dimensions of about (25cm) × (25cm) × (5cm) can accommodate flour about 2kg to a volume of about 4000 cm ^3. During filling and manufacturing, air is trapped in the bag as empty headspace air (see FIG. 5). During filling and during manufacture, the bag is gently compressed for about 10 seconds,
About 500 cm ³ of air trapped as an empty headspace can be pushed out. To achieve the evacuation of the trapped air, about 300 to 500 fine pores, preferably about 300 to 800 holes, are formed in the plastic film material of the pouch. In a preferred variant, two score lines 44, each having about 25 to 30 pores per inch per line,
Extending across the width of the Preferably, the fine pore score line is:
On the same upper large surface 30.

Conventional packaging equipment and methods employing lasers can be used to provide the microporous features of the present invention. Such equipment and methods are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,630,308 (“Laser Scoring of Packaging Substrate”).
s (laser scoring of packaging base material) ", May 2, 1997
U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,499 (issued to A. Guckeriberger on Jan. 0)
Scoring of Packaging Substrates ", issued October 27, 1992 to A. Guckeriberger), each of which is incorporated by reference. The equipment and techniques, with some modifications, provide herein a laser pore or scoring essentially characterized by its pore size.

Referring briefly to FIG. 7, which is a photomicrograph of the outer surface of the pouch packaging material having the formed laser-processed pores. In FIG. 7, the pore 44 has a diameter of about 30 to 100 μm.
It can be seen that it includes an aperture 46, preferably in the range of 30 to 70 microns. Pores 44 further include an annular ring 48 surrounding hole 46.

Referring briefly to FIG. Although I do not want to be bound by the proposed theory,
Laser scoring is more effective at the surface 20 than at the inside, such as at the inner surface 14.
It is inferred here to give the pores 44 a large frost conical shape on the outside such as at
(00 μm) is substantially larger than the particle size of some flours having a particle size of less than 1 μm, while minimizing the loss of contained particle powder while allowing air to escape. Explain. With stronger laser power, the cone shape weakens and more cylindrical shaped pores are formed.

As noted above, during manufacture, the present invention provides for the removal of air trapped in a substantially empty headspace in the bag 10 without flour particles, which become partially aspirated articles, escape. Work to do. One skilled in the art will further recognize that it is not intended to remove most of the air in the interstices between the flour particles. In fact, the removal of interstitial air is not desirable for packaging flour. For example, vacuum packaging techniques often used for packaging foodstuffs, such as meat, serve to evacuate not only the air in the empty headspace but also the air in the gaps. Although desired in some applications, such as meat packaging, the removal of interstitial air is not desirable for the packaging of powdered food products, such as flour. Removing interstitial air from the flour has an adverse effect on the handling of the flour. For example, vacuum-packed flour causes undesirable agglomeration. Also, such flour may have to be sieved before being used for baking. Flour agglomeration and solidification requiring sieving are minimized by removing only a substantial portion of the air in the empty headspace. This is an advantage of the container of the present invention.

A further advantage of the present invention is that conventional commonly used vertical plastic bag forming equipment can be used to fill and manufacture the improved containers of the present invention. Laser pore scoring can be applied to tubular film materials used to make containers. In a slightly preferred variant, laser pore scoring can be applied after the bag has been formed and filled.

The microscopic pore laser score feature
feature 42 is located near the body edge, such as the nearby reseal feature 21, so that when the second container 10 is stacked on top of the first container 10, the trapped air 34 Can be discharged.

Although the fine pore air ventilation features 42 herein are generally described as being used in finely ground solid particulate baking products such as flour and powdered sugar, The fine pores 42 and the container 10 can also be applied to liquids in general, especially using smaller diameters. Fine pores 4
2 must only have a sufficiently low porosity that the trapped air 34 molecules can pass through but liquid molecules cannot.

Referring to FIG. 6, which shows one variation of the container 10 in which the sealing mechanism 18 is depicted as forming one or more flaps 38. In one embodiment of the present invention, flap 38 is formed and attached to pouch 14 over laser score line 44a. The flaps 38 function to minimize the entry of environmental factors such as moisture, air, odors, and microorganisms into the pouch 14 through the laser scoring 44a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, when trapped air 34 is being squeezed out of pouch 14, flap 38 opens and moves away from laser scoring 44a. After the captured air 34 is squeezed out of the pouch 14,
The flaps 38 fall back and cover the laser scoring 44a. Flap 3
8 may be outside the pouch as represented in FIG. 6 and the container 10 may be manufactured with an outer flap 38.

Various embodiments in the form of laser scoring 42 are possible. In embodiments where the sealing mechanism 18 includes a resealable seal 21, the trapped air 34
Can be removed from the container 10 through the laser scoring 42 after each time the seal mechanism 18 is opened and closed, by simply compressing by hand.

The rectangular first large surface 30 and the second large surface 36 allow the container 10 to lie flat on the counter. Several containers 10 can be stacked on one another. The added weight from each upper container 10 is used to further compress the lower container 10. The flat configuration of the container 10 will be more secure for transport. It is difficult to move during transportation due to its low profile. As the trapped air 34 is removed, the space taken up by the container 10 becomes smaller.

The low profile and small space of the container 10 may be desired by consumers. The space occupied by the container 10 in the kitchen is smaller. In one embodiment, the container 10 made of clear plastic contains the sealing mechanism 1
Without opening 8 it is possible to know how much substance is in the container 10. At the same time, if desired, the container can rest on the upwardly curved edge 37 during use and storage.

Since the first large surface 30 and the second large surface 36 are rectangular, the pouch 1
4 can be opened wide enough to easily enter the dipper. The container 10 can be manufactured without folding, preventing the particulate matter 12 from being trapped and spilling on a counter or trapped at the bottom of the container 10 and remaining.

In one embodiment, the container 10 is made of plastic that is less likely to penetrate insects and moisture. Similarly, the plastic material is used for removing moisture in the particulate matter 12 from the pouch 1.
Prevent escape from 4. Since almost no water loss occurs, it is not necessary to take a method of overfilling the container 10 to offset the water loss. Some overfilling, taking into account the variation in fill weight during packaging, may be practical if desired. An additional advantage for stored flour (eg, wheat) is that breading properties are preferably maintained by minimizing moisture loss.

Having described and described the principles of the present invention in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations in arrangement and detail may be made without departing from such principles. We claim all modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a container filled with particulate matter.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a container.

3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the container, taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the figure, largely cut away.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention showing particulate matter similar to FIG. 3, but showing air trapped in the pouch.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view with a large section, showing a variation of one embodiment of the present invention showing particulate matter with air removed from the pouch.

FIG. 7 is a micrograph showing the features of the fine pores of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Container 11 Main body 14 Pouch 16 Opening 19 Base layer 20 Outer surface 21 Reseal feature 22 Inner surface 30 Large surface 32 Edge 37 Lower edge 36 Large surface 38 Flap 39 Upper edge 40 Score line 44 Pore 46 Hole 48 Ring

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] September 5, 2000 (2009.5)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0008] Plastic bags are commonly used for dry powders having larger particle sizes, such as granulated sugar and uncooked breakfast cereals. However, such bags typically have at least one opening, such as a notch, pinhole, or air passage, to allow for the evacuation of air during packaging and to provide a plastic bag with air evacuated. Plastic bags with a large number of holes spaced on one or both large surfaces are also useful, especially in International Application Publication No. WO 93/2220.
7 and WO94 / 08463 are known to be used for storing vegetables and fruits. Air vent holes allow bags to be transported over mountains / high altitudes without bursting or explosion.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The present invention has the application name USContainer For Storing Fine Particles.
9 / 135,319 (filed on August 7, 1998, lawyer docket GMI514)
A further improvement in the container for storing particulate matter disclosed in 4). In this earlier invention, the plastic bag is provided with one or more macroscopic apertures or openings for venting trapped air. The overlaying of the holes is air permeable, but the particulate matter is an impermeable layer, preferably mounted on the inside surface of the bag. Such a configuration, while preventing the emission of particulate matter contained or insect invasion,
Serves for the desired release of trapped air.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Referring again to FIG. 1, the seal mechanism 18 is configured such that, in the closed position, the particles 12
4 is prevented from falling out. When the sealing mechanism 18 is closed, the main opening 16 is also closed. The sealing mechanism 18 is at least a resealable sealing mechanism, such as the zipper mechanism found in Zip-Loc® storage bags.
(Alable sealing mechanism) 21. A resealable mechanism 21 can be formed on the pouch 14 proximate the main opening 16 or, alternatively, proximate the main opening 16 as best shown in FIG. The pouch 14 can be made into independent strips of material secured by a seal 28. Seal 28 may be formed by heat, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, pressure bonding, or other well-known techniques.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the body 11 has first and opposite second large surfaces 30 that are generally rectangular. The first and second large surfaces 30 can be manufactured to have either a regular shape (eg, a geometric shape) or an irregular shape. The body 11 is further defined by an edge extending around the circumference of the large surface 30 and may also include side seals such as fin seals 33 and 35 on opposite sides as well as the curved lower edge 37 and the curved upper edge 39. it can. Other bag configurations (e.g., wrap seals instead of the illustrated fin seals) and shapes can be used in place of the preferred embodiment shown.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0027

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

However, in a preferred embodiment where the sealing mechanism 18 includes a resealable seal or resealing feature 21 and a conventional scoring 40, the fine pore features are preferably Between the edge 37 and the reseal feature 21, and in a more preferred embodiment, close to the reseal feature 21.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0029] The number of fine pores is selected to effectively exhaust trapped air within a reasonable time. For example, the container square dimensions of about (25cm) × (25cm) × (5cm) can accommodate flour about 2kg to a volume of about 4000 cm ^3. During filling and manufacturing, air is trapped in the bag as empty headspace air (see FIG. 5). During filling and during manufacture, the bag is gently compressed for about 10 seconds,
About 500 cm ³ of air trapped as an empty headspace can be pushed out. To achieve the evacuation of the trapped air, about 300 to 500 fine pores, preferably about 300 to 800 holes, are formed in the plastic film material of the pouch. In a preferred variant, two score lines 44, each having about 25 to 30 pores per inch per line (about 10 to 20 pores per cm), extend across the width of face 30. . Preferably, the score line for the fine pores is on the same upper major face 30.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0031

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Referring briefly to FIG. 7, which is a photomicrograph of the outer surface of the pouch packaging material having the formed laser-processed pores. In FIG. 7, the pore 42 has a diameter of about 30 to 100 μm.
It can be seen that it includes an aperture 46, preferably in the range of 30 to 70 microns. Pores 42 further include an annular ring 48 surrounding hole 46.

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0032

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Referring briefly to FIG. Although I do not want to be bound by the proposed theory,
Laser scoring is more effective at the surface 20 than at the inside, such as at the inner surface 14.
It is inferred here that the pores 42 have a large frost conical shape on the outside, such as at
(00 μm) is substantially larger than the particle size of some flours having a particle size of less than 1 μm, while minimizing the loss of contained particle powder while allowing air to escape. Explain. With stronger laser power, the cone shape weakens and more cylindrical shaped pores are formed.

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0035

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

By placing a microscopic pore feature 42 near the body edge, such as the nearby reseal feature 21, the second container 10 is stacked on top of the first container 10. When trapped, the trapped air 34 can be exhausted.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0037

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Referring to FIG. 6, which shows one variation of the container 10 in which the sealing mechanism 18 is depicted as forming one or more flaps 38. In one embodiment of the present invention, flap 38 is formed and attached to pouch 14 over laser score line 42a. The flaps 38 function to minimize the entry of environmental factors such as moisture, air, odors, and microorganisms into the pouch 14 through the laser scoring 42a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, when trapped air 34 is being squeezed out of pouch 14, flap 38 opens and moves away from laser scoring 42a. After the captured air 34 is squeezed out of the pouch 14,
The flaps 38 fall back and cover the laser scoring 42a. Flap 3
8 may be on the outside of the pouch as represented in FIG. 6, and the container 10 may be manufactured with an outer flap 38.

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0038

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Various embodiments in the form of laser scoring are possible. Seal mechanism 18
In an embodiment where includes a resealable seal 21, the trapped air 34
After each time the seal mechanism 18 is opened and closed, it can be removed from the container 10 via laser scoring by simply compressing by hand.

[Procedure amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Fig. 4

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 4 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

[Procedure amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

[Procedure amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 2

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 2

[Procedure amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 3

[Procedure amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 4

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 4

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) B65D 33/25 B65D 33/25 A 75/62 75/62 Z 77/30 77/30 C (81) Designation Country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG) , CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, D K, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (72) Inventor Tuskewitz, George, A. United States Minnesota 55441 Primus, Sunset Trail 12125 F-term (reference) 3E064 BA21 BB03 EA09 EA18 FA06 HD02 HE02 HN11 3E067 AA05 AB22 AB23 BA12A BB14A BB25A EA18 EB17 FA01 FC01 GB02 3E075 BA42 BA68 BB03 DE17

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A body including a pouch that terminates in at least one major opening, manufactured from a flexible, non-perforated pouch material, wherein the manufactured pouch has a first large surface having an inner surface and an outer surface. A container for containing particulate matter, comprising a pouch having a side surface and a means for discharging air from the pouch while preventing the contained particulate matter from escaping. 2. The air exhaust means comprises a number of fine pores, at least a portion of which extends from the outer surface through the pouch material, said pores being 10 to 150 μm.
The container of claim 1 having an outer surface dimension in the range of 3. The container according to claim 3, wherein the number of pores ranges from about 300 to 1500. 4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the pouch material comprises a plastic film. 5. The container according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the sealing mechanism is resealable. 6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a permanent seal and a resealable seal near the permanent seal. 7. The pouch of claim 6, wherein the pouch has a second large surface opposite and spaced from the first large surface, and most of the fine pores are at the first large surface. Container. 8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the arrangement of the fine pores is in the form of at least one line. 9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the line arrangement of the fine pores is straight. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the number of fine pores ranges from about 300 to 800.
A container according to claim 1. 11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the pores are formed by laser scoring. 12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the fine pores formed by laser scoring have a frusto conical shape. 13. The container of claim 11, wherein at least one line of pores formed by laser scoring is near a resealing feature. 14. The container of claim 13, further comprising at least one flap near the reseal feature. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the flap overlies a pore line near the resealing feature. 16. The plastic film pouch material of claim 5, wherein the pouch material comprises a plurality of laminated extruded films including at least a first inner layer of high density polyethylene and a second outer layer of high density polypropylene. container. 17. The container of claim 16, wherein the reseal feature includes a zipper in the closed position. 18. The container according to claim 17, wherein at least some of the pores have outer dimensions of about 30 to 70 μm. 19. The seal mechanism may include at least one easy open score intermediate between the reseal feature and the permanent seal.
19. The container of claim 18, comprising: 20. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a large amount of contained material placed in the pouch.
A container according to claim 1. 21. The container according to claim 12, wherein the contained substance is a dried particulate substance. 22. The container of claim 13, wherein the dried particulate matter comprises an edible food product. 23. At least a portion of the edible food product is in powder form.
A container according to claim 1. 24. The edible food product according to claim 15, wherein the edible food product comprises one selected from the group consisting of flour, sugar, starch, cocoa, salt, baking powder, defatted dry milk solids, and mixtures thereof. container. 25. A sealed pouch having a first major side having an inner surface and an outer surface having a sealing mechanism disposed on a pouch adjacent to the main opening, wherein the sealing mechanism includes a main opening. Close the section to prevent the transfer of material from the pouch, 50
Forming a non-opening sealed container having a size greater than 0 μm from a flexible, non-perforated pouch material; A method for producing a container holding a particulate matter, comprising: 26. Introducing a filling material into the pouch, wherein air is trapped in the pouch, and compressing the pouch to escape through the trapped air pores to form a suctioned container. 26. The method of claim 25, comprising: 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the filler material is an edible dry particulate material having an average particle size of less than 100 microns. 28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the filling substance is an edible food product. 29. The edible food product according to claim 28, wherein the edible food product comprises one selected from the group consisting of flour, sugar, starch, cocoa, salt, baking powder, defatted dry milk solids, and mixtures thereof. Method.