JP2019531985A - Fluid pouch - Google Patents

Abstract

The fluid pouch includes a first film (1100) and a second film (1) that are connected to each other using a strong seal (1300) and a weak seal (2700) to form a cavity (1500) for the fluid. 1200), the cavity (1500) has an outer periphery, the outer periphery including at least a portion of the strong seal (1300) and at least a portion of the weak seal (2700), the weak seal (2700) 1300).

Description

  The present invention relates generally to the field of pouches for containing fluids. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved fluid pouch that improves pouch opening and / or fluid dispensing.

  In order to more fully describe the prior art related to the present invention, several patents, patent applications, and publications are cited within this description. The entire disclosure of each of these patents, patent applications, and publications is incorporated herein by reference.

  Fluid pouches made by sealing two films, or layers, or multiple layers together are known in the art. They are generally obtained by overlaying two sheets or films made of polymer material, for example, and sealing them together with a seal so as to form a fluid-filled cavity. The seal is usually formed by the simultaneous application of heat and pressure so that the two sheets melt at least partially together. By breaking the seal, it is possible to dispense fluid when desired.

  Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding structures throughout the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a front view of a pouch 1000 according to the prior art is schematically illustrated. The pouch 1000 is made by realizing a seal 1300 by overlaying films 1100 and 1200 on top of each other and sealing the film 1100 to the film 1200. Seal 1300 defines a cavity 1500 that can be filled with fluid 1600. In FIG. 1A, fluid 1600 is illustrated without completely filling cavity 1500. However, it is also possible to completely fill the cavity 1500 with the fluid 1600.

  The pouch 1000 further comprises an opening structure 1400, illustrated here in the form of a cut-in area of one or both of the films 1100, 1200. Specifically, the opening structure may include holes in one or more or all of the layers of the film 1100 and / or 1200. The opening structure 1400 facilitates tearing of the film 1100 and / or 1200 along the opening structure 1400. Thereby, the user can tear the films 1100, 1200 along the opening structure 1400, thereby reaching the opening seal 1300, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. At this point, the cavity 1500 is in communication with the external environment, and the fluid 1600 can be poured out of the pouch 1000.

  However, such a device has several drawbacks.

  First, when opening the pouch 1000, the user typically must apply a force to tear the seal 1300. To do that, the user grasps the pouch and thereby presses the cavity 1500 somewhat. Thus, as soon as the seal 1300 opens, due to the pressure applied by the user, the fluid 1600 can unintentionally flow out of the opening created by tearing the seal 1300. This creates a risk that the fluid 1600 may stain the user's hand and / or clothing and / or may accidentally spill out of the intended container.

  Furthermore, the tear reaches the opening portion 1001 after moving through the seal 1300. If the pouch 1000 has been previously placed upside down, or if pressure has been previously applied to the pouch 1000, the opening portion 1001 will contain some amount of fluid 1600. In this case, even if sufficient care is taken, it is difficult for the user to prevent the fluid 1600 from contacting his / her finger.

  In addition, it may be difficult to tear the seal 1300. Because the seal 1300 is designed to be relatively strong to withstand unexpected pressures applied to the cavity 1500, in some cases, the user is frustrated by attempting to tear the seal 1300 many times. It can be. Since the seal 1300 must provide such a positive seal by itself, the seal strength of the seal 1300 cannot be reduced to facilitate opening of the seal.

  The above problems are solved by the teachings of the independent claims.

  The present invention generally takes advantage of providing two seals having two different seal strengths in a manner that solves at least some of the problems described above.

  Specifically, a strong seal is placed around the weak seal so that accidental opening of the pouch is not possible. Furthermore, once the strong seal is opened, fluid leakage can still be prevented by the weak seal, which can be opened by the user applying pressure to the pouch. In this manner, the user has additional control over fluid dispensing so that accidental dispensing or leakage can be prevented.

  Furthermore, this is because a strong seal, or part thereof, is smaller or smaller than the prior art because a seal can be provided by a combination of a strong seal and a weak seal, not just by a strong seal as in the prior art. The advantage that it can be made weak can also be provided. By making the strong seal smaller or weaker, the present invention provides the further advantage that it may be easier for the user to open the strong seal.

  The latter advantage, i.e. the potential reduction of the required opening force, can further reduce the force applied by the user to open the pouch, thereby further reducing the risk of fluid spilling or leaking.

  In general, an advantageous combination of two seals having two different seal strengths between the cavity and the outer surface of the pouch solves the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art.

  The advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims appended hereto and forming a part thereof. However, for a better understanding of the present invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference is also made to the drawings that form a further part of this specification and the accompanying description, where One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated and described.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-11, disclosed herein is a fluid pouch,
Strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700 to form a cavity (1500) for fluid. 11700), and the cavity (1500) is a strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300). ) And at least a portion of the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) and a weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700). 9700, 0700,11700), characterized in that in the vicinity of strong seal (1300,5301～5303,6300,7300,8300,9300), a fluid pouch.

  Preferably, in the pouch of the present invention, the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) and the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) are Weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700) only when at least a first portion of the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) is opened or removed. 9700, 10700, 11700) can be opened.

  More preferably, the pouch of the present invention further comprises an opening structure (1400), the opening structure (1400) comprising at least a first film (1100) and / or a second film (1) along the first length ( 1200) and the first length intersects at least a first portion of the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).

  Optionally, the opening structure (1400) includes weakening points, perforations, and / or holes made in the first film (1100) and / or in the second film (1200). Preferably, the opening structure (1400) includes a first seal such that at least a portion of the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) remains exposed to the surrounding environment. It is configured to facilitate cutting of the film (1100) and / or the second film (1200).

  The pouch weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) of the present invention has a length (2701) of 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 10 mm or less, and / Or 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less in width (2702).

  In the pouch according to the present invention, the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) may comprise any suitable material to contain the filler 1600. Preferably, however, the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) comprises a mixture of ionomer and polypropylene.

  Preferably, the strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) of the pouches of the present invention have a seal strength of greater than 15 N / 15 mm, more preferably greater than 40 N / 15 mm. Also preferably, the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) of the pouch of the present invention has a seal strength of 1-8 N / 15 mm, more preferably 2-3 N / 15 mm. Have.

Further disclosed herein is a manufacturing method for a fluid pouch comprising:
Providing a first film (1100) and a second film (1200);
Cavity for fluid by realizing strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) Connecting the first film (1100) and the second film (1200) to each other to form (1500),
The weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) is characterized in that it is made close to the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300). Is the way to do.

1A and 1B are diagrams schematically illustrating a front view and an enlarged view of a pouch 1000 according to the prior art. FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B schematically illustrates the enlarged view of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D schematically illustrates the enlarged view of FIG. 2C. FIG. 2E schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2F schematically illustrates the enlarged view of FIG. 2E. 2G schematically illustrates a top view of a cross section of the pouch 2000 of FIG. 2B. FIG. 2H schematically illustrates a top view in cross section of the pouch 2000 of FIG. 2F. 3A and 3B are diagrams schematically illustrating a front view and an enlarged view of a pouch 3000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B schematically illustrates the enlarged view of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4D schematically illustrates an enlarged view of FIG. 4B. FIG. 4E schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4F schematically illustrates an enlarged view of FIG. 4E. 5A-5C schematically illustrate enlarged views of pouches 5001-5003 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 6000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 7000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 8000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 9000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 10000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 11000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the following, some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, but rather is defined by the claims, and that the embodiments are provided for a better understanding thereof. Further, although each embodiment may be described as including several features, all of the features described for each embodiment are for implementation of a particular embodiment or for implementation of the invention. It should be understood that it is not essential. In addition, it should be understood that features from different embodiments may be combined within the scope of the claims to realize alternative embodiments.

First Embodiment FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2E schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2B, 2D, and 2F are schematic illustrations of the enlarged portion of FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2E, respectively.

  As seen in FIG. 2A, the pouch 2000 includes a first film 1100 and a second film 1200 connected to each other by two seals 1300 and 2700. Specifically, the first film 1100 and the second film 1200 overlap each other so that when the seals 1300 and 2700 are made, a cavity 1500 can be formed therebetween.

  For the purposes of the present invention, in principle, the first and second polymer films used to make the pouch sidewall are either single layer or multilayer polymer films. The films involved in the construction of the sidewalls do not necessarily have the same structure (eg, one layer can be transparent and the other can be opaque). Also, in principle, any such film grade polymer resin or material generally known in the packaging field can be used. Preferably, a multilayer polymer film structure is used. Typically, the multilayer polymer film comprises an outermost structural or abuse layer, an inner barrier layer, and an innermost layer, and optionally one or more adhesive or With at least three classification layers, including but not limited to tie layers. Also, the innermost layer in contact with and corresponding to the intended contents of the pouch is preferably a confined perimeter seal (ie, a book having a seal strength typically greater than 20 N / 15 mm). Both strong seals and weak seals of the invention can be formed. Most preferably, the innermost layer is heat sealable.

  The outermost structural or abuse layer is typically oriented polyester or oriented polypropylene, but can also include oriented nylon or paper. Preferably, this layer is reversible and is advantageously unaffected by the sealing temperature used to make the pouch because the pouch is sealed through the entire thickness of the multilayer structure. The thickness of this layer is typically selected to control the stiffness of the pouch and can range from about 10 to about 60 [mu] m, preferably about 50 [mu] m.

  The inner layer may include one or more barrier layers, depending on which atmospheric conditions (oxygen, humidity, light, etc.) can potentially affect the product inside the pouch. The barrier layer is metallized oriented polypropylene (PP) or oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), aluminum foil, nylon or biaxially oriented nylon, mixtures or composites of the same and their related copolymers obtain. The barrier layer thickness depends on the sensitivity of the product and the desired shelf life.

  The innermost layer of the package is a sealant. The sealant is selected to have the least effect on the taste or color of the contents, to be unaffected by the product, and to withstand sealing conditions (droplets, oil, dust, etc.). The sealant is typically a resin, which melts the outermost layer so that the appearance of the outermost layer is not affected by the sealing process and does not stick to the sealing bar jaws. Bonding (sealing) can be performed at a temperature substantially lower than the temperature. Typical sealants used in multilayer pouches are low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), copolymers of ethylene with vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate, or ethylene and acrylic Optionally ionized, such as a copolymer of acid (EAA) or methacrylic acid (EMAA) (ie, partially to form a carboxylate with a metal ion such as a Na, Zn, Mg, or Li cation) Ethylene copolymer). A typical sealant may also include a polypropylene copolymer. The sealant layer is typically 10-100 μm thick. In the present invention, the sealant must be able to form a side section that is torn and ruptured by compression, ie, a weak seal.

  Preferably, the weak seal is formed by heat sealing two overlapping multilayer polymer films, each of the two overlapping multilayer polymer films having an innermost sealant layer made of resin, the sealing The agent layer undergoes an interfacial debonding seal having different seal strengths when the heat seal is formed at different temperatures. Such resins include polybutylene or polypropylene, for example, polyethylene containing metallocene polyethylene (collectively PE / PB blend, PE / PP blend), polypropylene with polybutylene (PP / PB blend), having homopolymers or copolymers thereof. A mixture of one or more polyolefins, such as polypropylene with an ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer (PP / EMAA mixture) or polypropylene with a styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block terpolymer (PP / SEBS mixture). Alternatively, a weak seal can be created by zone coating the innermost layer in the area of the seal with a sealant. Alternatively, a weak seal can be formed by heat sealing two dissimilar sealing surfaces such as ionomers and ethylene copolymers. The innermost sealant layer includes ionomers based on partial neutralization of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer or ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer (EAA or EMAA ionomer mixed with PP / PB copolymer) with polypropylene [alpha] -olefin copolymer. Mixtures are particularly preferred because other mixtures are less reliable and zone coatings are more expensive. Ionomers having such polypropylene copolymer blends exhibiting predictable peel strength over a wide heat seal temperature range are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,550,141, 4,539,263, 469,754, and EP 1 751 231.

  Various alternative methodologies are contemplated for producing a weak seal that includes at least one force concentrating means to selectively exceed the seal strength of the weak seal. Preferably, the shape and / or curvature of the weak seal is that used to advantageously concentrate the force generated when the pouch is squeezed or squeezed by hand. However, when a zone coating of heat seal resin is used, an intentional reduction in width, such as zone coating along a weak seal, can also be used to selectively exceed seal strength (with or without curvature). Can be advantageously used as a means for concentrating. Also, the geometry and / or variable width of the (heated) heat seal bar used to heat seal the weak seal can be used to generate force concentrating means useful in the present invention. In principle and in practice, the time-temperature sealing method can also be used to create a weak seal that includes force concentrating means to selectively exceed the seal strength of the weak seal. For example, without limitation, repeated and / or multiple hits of different heat seal bars can produce weak seals with various seal strengths, which selectively exceed the seal strength of the weak seals. It functions as an equivalent structure to the claimed force concentration means.

  For the purpose of measuring the above-described seal strength, a sample of a 100 mm × 15 mm polymer film is cut along the long side of the sample in the longitudinal direction of the film. Sufficient film samples are cut to provide one set of three specimens for each heat sealing condition. The film is then folded so that the sealant layer on each side is in contact with the other. The film is then heat sealed between the jaws of the heat sealer at the appropriate temperature, time and pressure. The heat sealed sample is then brought to 23 ° C. and 50% relative humidity for at least 24 hours prior to testing. The folded portion of the sealed film is cut in half to form a suitable fold to be placed in an Instron jaw clamp. The 15 mm wide specimen is then cut in the machine direction of the film to provide at least three 15 mm wide test specimens with each set of sealing conditions.

  Seal strength is measured by pulling the seal apart at an angle of 180 ° in the machine direction of the film using an Instron tensile tester with a jaw separation rate of 100 mm / min. In other examples, a pulling speed of 300 mm // min with Instron can also be used. The maximum force required to drop the seal is then recorded and the average of at least 3 specimens is recorded at N / 15 mm. Seal strength is measured at room temperature.

  Other particularly preferred polymer mixtures for use as a weak seal to form the innermost layer include, as a main component, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer or acid-modified EVA copolymer and ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer or acid. A combination of modified EMA, as well as a mixture of ionomers with polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, polybutylene homopolymer or copolymer, partially neutralized ethylene acid ionomer, or metallocene polyethylene as minor components. Such polymer systems and mixtures are known under the trademark registrations Appeel®, Bynel®, Elvax®, Nucrel®, and Surlyn® under E. I. It is commercially available as a sealant from du Pont de Nemours & Company. Again, various additives are often used including, but not limited to, slip agents, anti-blocking agents, and / or chill roll release agents. By using these acid-modified EVA and EMA based mixtures in combination with various other polymer film layers, the heat seal strength is selectively 5 N with a confinement heat seal strength of greater than 15-20 N / 15 mm. / 15mm up to 50N / 15mm.

  During the manufacture of the polymer film sheet to be used to make the pouch, a co-extrudable adhesive is optionally used between the functional layers to adhere the layers together and provide structural integrity. These include, but are not limited to, polymers or copolymers of ethylene or propylene modified or grafted with unsaturated carboxylic acid groups such as maleic anhydride or maleic acid. Also, to provide additional thickness (if desired by the consumer for a particular application), a chopped residue of a multilayer film trimmed during polyolefin bulk layer or pouch fabrication is incorporated into the multilayer structure. Can be. Sheets of polymer film (ie, so-called “webstock”) are produced by processes commonly known in the art, such as single layer or multilayer casting, film blowing, extrusion lamination, and adhesive lamination, and combinations thereof. It is contemplated that any combination can be used to generate. Examples are generally known in the art, including but not limited to slip agents (such as amide waxes), anti-blocking agents (such as silica), and antioxidants (such as hindered phenols). Such processing aids can be incorporated into the web stock if needed to facilitate either film production or pouch formation. The pouch is formed from the web stock either by cutting and heat sealing separate pieces of the web stock or by folding and a combination of heat sealing and cutting. Pouch making equipment such as those made by Totani Corporation, Kyoto, Japan, or Klockner Barlelt Co., Gordonsville, Va. May be advantageously used to practice the present invention. Fragile compartments can be provided either during or after pouch formation. Again, as is generally known and practiced in the art, the heat-sealed perimeter of the pouch according to the present invention overlaps the first and second sheets of polymer film and then to each other. It should be further understood that this can be achieved by directly heat sealing them or indirectly heat sealing them by use of an intervening third polymer film.

  Preferably, the sealant film is made of a polymer system that can exhibit a seal strength of greater than 15 N / 15 mm at a seal temperature of greater than 150 ° C. and a seal strength value of 3 to 10 N / 15 mm in a seal temperature range of 100-140 ° C. The

  Returning to FIGS. 2A-2F, the first and second films 1100, 1200 are connected to each other using a strong seal 1300 and a weak seal 2700 to form a cavity 1500 for the fluid 1600. The strong seal 1300 is different from the weak seal 2700 in at least its seal strength. Specifically, the strong seal 1300 has a first seal strength, and the weak seal 2700 has a second seal strength lower than the first seal strength. More specifically, the strong seal 1300 is such that the films 1100 and 1200 cannot be separated once the seal is formed. Although less preferred, the films 1100, 1200 can be separated once an seal is formed by internal tearing, eg, peeling between one or both outer layers of the films 1100, 1200 and the barrier layer. On the other hand, the weak seal 2700 can be peeled off by applying pressure. That is, the two films 1100, 1200 can be separated from each other within the region of the weak seal 2700 by applying pressure to the cavity 1500 and / or by pulling the two films 1100, 1200 away from each other.

  Typically, the weak seal 2700 has a seal strength of 1-8 N / 15 mm, preferably 2-3 N / 15 mm, and the strong seal 1300 has a seal strength of greater than 15 N / 15 mm, and preferably less than 40 N / 15 mm. Have

  In an exemplary embodiment, the weak seal 2700 has a length 2701 of 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 10 mm or less. In this embodiment, the weak seal 2700 also has a width 2702 of 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less. The strong seal 1300 preferably has a width of approximately 5 mm and a variable length.

  Typically, the weak seal 2700 can be made by applying approximately 100-130 ° C. heat to the seal at 3 bar for 1 second. Typically, the strong seal 1300 is applied by applying a temperature of preferably greater than 150 ° C. and / or preferably less than 200 ° C. at 3 bar per second when a sealant of variable temperature, variable seal strength is selected. Can be made.

  As seen in FIG. 2A and better understood with reference to the enlarged view of FIG. 2B, the cavity 1500 is defined by at least a portion of the strong seal 1300 and at least a portion of the weak seal 2700, or Including an outer periphery. In this particular embodiment, the perimeter of the cavity 1500 is between the entire length of the weak seal 2700, ie, between point A and point B, as well as by a portion of the strong seal 1300, ie, between point A and point B. Point A and point B are defined by the included parts and are the contact points between the two seals. Here, and also below, where reference is made to the distance along the outer circumference between the first point and the second point, the distance starts clockwise from the first point and then along the outer circumference. Measured by moving to the second point.

  Further, as seen better in FIG. 2B, the weak seal 2700 is near the strong seal 1300. Even more specifically, in this particular embodiment, weak seal 2700 is in contact with strong seal 1300 on three of its sides. Even more specifically, the weak seal 2700 is in contact with the strong seal 1300 on all of its sides that do not face the cavity 1500. In other words, the portion of the outer periphery of the weak seal 2700 between point A and point B defines the outer periphery of the cavity 1500 and is not in contact with the strong seal 1300, but between point B and point A. The outer peripheral portion of the weak seal 2700 in between does not face the cavity 1500 and is in contact with the strong seal 1300. In this manner, the opening of the pouch by the opening structure 1400 goes through both the strong seal 1300 and the weak seal 2700.

  Nevertheless, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this embodiment and that alternative configurations of strong and weak seals can be implemented as described below. More generally, strong seal 1300 that allows cavity 1500 to be defined and prevents fluid 1600 from exiting cavity 1500 as long as both strong seal 1300 and weak seal 2700 are opened. And any configuration of weak seal 2700 may be implemented. For example, embodiments are described in which some or all of the outer periphery of the weak seal 2700 between points B and A is not in contact with the strong seal 1300.

  As seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D, when the pouch 2000 is opened by tearing the first film 1100 and the second film 1200 along the opening structure 1400, the contents of the cavity 1500 are advantageous. Is not immediately exposed to the outside of the pouch 2000 due to the presence of the weak seal 2700. In contrast, at least a portion of weak seal 2700 prevents fluid 1600 from exiting cavity 1500, as seen in FIG. 2D. In this manner, the fluid 1600 leaks into the user's finger during opening of the pouch 2000 and / or is unintentionally dispensed outside the pouch 2000, or more generally, the fluid enters the cavity 1500. Reaching outside of the pouch 2000 can be prevented when the user does not want to leave.

  As seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when the user applies moderate pressure to the cavity 1500, the weak seal 2700 opens and fluid 1600 exits the cavity 1500 under the effect of the pressure applied by the fluid 1600. Make it possible. Alternatively, this can be accomplished by pulling the films 1100, 1200 away from each other. In this manner, the user can advantageously control the moment when the fluid 1600 is dispensed outside the pouch 2000, thereby avoiding accidental dispensing of the fluid 1600.

  It should be understood that the portion of the weak seal 2700 that is illustrated as not present in the figure represents a portion of the weak seal 2700 that has been peeled open. The illustration does not show that any material is removed from the film 1100, 1200 or from the weak seal 2700. This configuration is further clarified in FIGS. 2G and 2F, which represent top views of the cross section of the pouch 2000 of FIGS. 2B and 2F, respectively. Specifically, the cross section is taken substantially at the Y position of the opening structure 1400. As seen in FIG. 2G, both seals 1300 and 2700 are closed, thereby keeping the films 1100, 1200 sealed together. In contrast, as seen in FIG. 2F, weak seal 2700 is still present but is stripped, thereby allowing fluid 1600 to pass through. This peeled portion is illustrated in FIGS. 2E and 2F by removing the corresponding portion of the weak seal 2700.

  Referring now to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, at least a portion 1301 of the strong seal 1300 can be made smaller and / or weaker than the prior art. Specifically, due to the presence of the weak seal 2700, at least the end of the portion 1301 can be made smaller and / or weaker, and the opening structure 1400 guides the tear therethrough. In preventing the fluid 1600 from exiting the cavity 1500, the seal 130 may not need to be realized as strong as the prior art because the portion 1301 is associated with the weak seal 2700. This provides the additional advantage that opening of the portion 1301 is facilitated compared to the prior art. Thus, the user only needs to apply less force when opening the pouch 2000, and the overall opening process is made simpler or easier to use for more users such as children or the elderly.

Second embodiment (general concept: weak seal and strong seal do not need to be in contact with each other over the entire circumference of the weak seal from point A to point B for the present invention to function)
FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch 3000 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, how the two seals are, in some embodiments, B to A of the weak seal 2700. It will be further clarified if the entire outer perimeter is considered close to each other without being in contact with the strong seal 1300 as in the previous embodiment. Specifically, the pouch 3000 is different from the pouch 2000 due to the weak seal 3700 that is not in contact with the strong seal 1300 at least at the outer peripheral portion included between the points C and D.

  Further, in this case, the outer periphery of the cavity 1500 is defined by a part of the strong seal 1300 and a part of the weak seal 3700 like the pouch 2000. That is, the cavity is defined by the outer periphery of the weak seal 3700 between AB together with the outer periphery of the strong seal 1300 between AB. Also in this embodiment, the weak seal 3700 may be considered near the strong seal 1300. More generally, the two seals 1300, 3700 can be considered as close as long as the weak seal 3700 is not too far from the strong seal 1300, for example if the weak seal is placed in the middle of the cavity. Is true.

  Even more specifically, the weak seal 3700 has an outer periphery P. Several points on the perimeter P face the cavity 1500, thereby defining the perimeter of the cavity. In the illustrated example, those points are included between AB. In addition, some points on the outer periphery P, such as points between DA and BC, are in contact with the strong seal 1300. Each of the remaining points, that is, the points on the outer periphery P that do not face the cavity 1500 and are not in contact with the strong seal 1300 are within a predetermined distance from the strong seal 1300. In the illustrated embodiment, those points are those included between the CDs. For example, the point P1 among these latter points is illustrated as an example. A circumference centered on P1 and having a predetermined distance or radius D1 is illustrated to define an equidistant region centered on point PL. As can be seen, at least one portion of the strong seal 1300 is within this circumference. That is, the point P1 is within a predetermined distance D1 from the strong seal 1300. When this condition is met for all points of the perimeter P that do not face the cavity 1500, such as points between BAs, the two seals 1300 and 3700 can be considered close together in the sense of the present invention. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance D1 is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, and even more preferably less than 1 cm. In this approach, the two seals can be close to each other without requiring the seal 1300 to be in contact with all points of the seal 3700 that do not face the cavity 1500.

  This configuration can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the weak seal 3700. Specifically, since the weak seal 3700 is not in contact with the strong seal 1300 on its longest side, the risk that the heat and pressure used to implement the strong seal 1300 interfere with the weak seal 3700 is reduced. That is, when two seals are in contact with each other, the heat and pressure applied to achieve a strong seal 1300 can also have an effect on adjacent regions of the weak seal 3700. This is because the weak seals between point B and point C and between point D and point A do not necessarily need to be opened to allow fluid to exit pouch 3000. It may not be very serious. On the other hand, the portion between point C and point D can be problematic if the manufacture of strong seal 1300 results in a weak seal 3700 that is stronger than expected in this region. By leaving a small distance between the two seals, this problem is advantageously solved and the production of the pouch 3000 is simplified.

Third embodiment (general concept: weak and strong seals are not in full contact, either desired or due to manufacturing tolerances, but still a little but still measurable Can be separated by distance)
4A and 4B schematically illustrate a front view and an enlarged view of a pouch 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, where two seals 1300, 4700 are close to each other even though a small space exists between them. Further clarify how it can be considered as

  Pouch 4000 differs from pouch 2000 in that weak seal 4700 is not in contact with strong seal 1300. Instead, there is a distance between the two seals 1300, 4700 which is exaggerated in the drawing for ease of depiction, up to D2. The distance D2 may, for example, be due to manufacturing tolerances and may be up to 3 mm, preferably up to 1 mm, and even more preferably up to 0.5 mm. It should be understood that the distance between the two seals 1300, 4700 can vary from 0 to a maximum D2, so that at least some points the two seals 1300, 4700 can actually be in contact with each other. .

  In this and other embodiments, even though the two seals are separated by a distance D2, the two seals are weak only if at least the first portion of the strong seal 1300 is opened or removed. As long as the weak seal 4700 and the strong seal 1300 are configured so that the seal 4700 can be opened, they can be considered close to each other. In the particular embodiment illustrated, this is accomplished by providing a strong seal 1300 on all sides of the weak seal 4700 that does not face the cavity 1500 and is better understood with reference to FIGS. 4C-4F Shall be.

  Note that portions of films 1100 and 1200 within distance D2 may be considered sealed for practical purposes. Specifically, the strong seal 1300 prevents the films 1100, 1200 from being separated from each other within the region of the seal 1300 regardless of the applied pressure. This effect also contributes to keeping the two films 1100, 1200 close to each other in the region of distance D2, due to the proximity to the strong seal 1300 and the proximity to the weak seal 4700. Thereby, the perimeter of the cavity can be considered to be still defined by a portion of the strong seal 1300 and the weak seal 4700, which also means that the two seals also cause the films 1100 and 1200 in the region of distance D2 to This is because the film is effectively sealed due to the proximity to these films.

  As seen in FIGS. 4C and 4D, when pressure is applied to the pouch 4000, the weak seal 4700 may begin to open either intentionally or accidentally. Specifically, the opening begins at approximately the center of the weak seal 4700 because it is the furthest away from the strong seal 1300. More specifically, in the region of weak seal 4700 close to strong seal 1300, films 1100 and 1200 have an effect of strong seal 1300 on the separation of films 1100 and 1200 when the distance from strong seal 1300 increases. Because it is reduced, it is more difficult to separate compared to the area near the center of the weak seal 4700.

  Due to the presence of the strong seal 1300 on all sides of the weak seal 4700 other than the side facing the cavity 1500, the weak seal 4700 is prevented from opening completely even when pressure is applied to the cavity 1500. It is possible. Furthermore, even in the presence of the distance D2 between the two seals 1300, 4700, the films 1100 and 1200 are prevented from separating due to the combined action of the strong and weak seals 1300, 4700.

  As seen in FIGS. 4E and 4F, the weak seal 4700 can only be fully opened when the strong seal 1300 is opened or removed. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, by removing at least a portion of the upper portion of the strong seal 1300, the weak seal 4700 is no longer prevented from opening, and the pressure applied by the fluid 1600 opens the weak seal 4700. obtain.

  It should be understood that the shapes of strong seal 1300 and weak seal 4700 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4F are not the only shapes that achieve the above-described effects. Any shape of the two seals 1300, 4700 that prevents the weak seal 4700 from opening as long as the strong seal 1300 is intact can be implemented. For example, FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate some alternative embodiments for the possible shapes of strong seals 5301, 5302, and 5303 and weak seals 5701, 5702, and 5703 of pouches 5001, 5002, 5003. In all cases, weak seals 5701, 5702, and 5703 have weak seals 5701, 5702, and 5703 only when at least a first portion of strong seals 5301, 5302, and 5303 is opened or removed. Close to strong seals 5301, 5302, and 5303 so that they can be opened. However, it should be understood that these seal shapes may generally be used in any embodiment of the present invention in combination with, for example, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3A.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, the opening structure 1400 is configured to facilitate cutting of the first film 1100 and / or the second film 1200 along at least a first length that intersects the strong seal 1300. Is done. The first length can be determined, for example, by extending the length of the opening structure. For example, referring to FIG. 2B, the unsealing structure 1400 guides the tear through the portion 1301 of the seal 1300 and produces the tear illustrated in FIG. 2D.

  In some embodiments, the first length may also intersect at least a portion of the weak seal, such as that illustrated in FIG. 2D with respect to the weak seal 2700. One advantage of this approach is that the strong seal 1300 portion 1301 cooperates with the adjacent weak seal 2700 in keeping the films 1100 and 1200 together, as described above. That is, the portion 1301 of 1300 can be made smaller. However, the present invention is not so limited, and with reference to, for example, FIG. 3B, the guide extension of the unsealing structure 1400 can pass outside the weak seal 3700, for example, thereon. In this case, tearing may also go through the films 1100 and 1200 on the weak seal 3700, thereby avoiding tearing the weak seal 3700. One advantage of this approach is that it avoids the effort required to tear the weak seal 3700.

  In some embodiments, the unsealing structure 1400 includes weakening points, perforations, and / or holes made in the first film 1100 and / or the second film 1200. In some embodiments, the holes can be made through the entire film 1100 and / or 1200. This is especially true in the case of a strong seal 1300 as this facilitates its cutting. For weak seals, the holes can be made either through the entire film 1100 and / or 1200, or through only part of their thickness or part of their layers. In the latter case, the holes can be made at least through the oriented outer layer.

  In some embodiments, the opening structure 1400 facilitates cutting of the first film 1100 and / or the second film 1200 so as to leave at least a portion of the weak seal exposed to the surrounding environment. Composed. For example, referring to FIG. 2D, it can be seen how the seal 2700 remains at least partially exposed to the outside or the environment after the opening structure 1400 is operated. In this manner, when the weak seal 2700 is subsequently opened by applying pressure to the cavity 1500, the weak seal 2700 is in direct contact with the environment and its position is easily visible to the user, so It may be possible to accurately control the dispensing of the fluid 1600.

  In the embodiment described above, the pouches 2000, 3000, and 4000 are generally illustrated as rectangular, but the invention is not limited thereto, and the pouch is illustrated in FIG. It should be understood that it may have a non-rectangular shape, such as a shape.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the strong seal 1300 is generally illustrated as completely enclosing the cavities and weak seals, but the invention is not so limited. In some embodiments, the opening structure 7140 can be made in the form of a cap, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7 by a pouch 7000. In this embodiment, the opening structure 7140 is part of the strong seal 7300 in that the cooperation of the strong seal 7300 and the weak seal 7700 of the structure 7140 ensures that no fluid can exit the cavity 1500. Can see. Once the opening structure, or cap 7140, is opened, the weak seal 7700 can operate as in the previously described embodiment. The advantage of this approach is that the previously described advantage of being able to precisely control the moment when fluid is dispensed from the pouch 7000, the ability to close the pouch 7000 for later use, if necessary. It is to combine with.

  In addition, in the embodiment described above, the weak seal is illustrated as having a lateral X dimension that is approximately in the middle of the pouch and smaller than the lateral X dimension of the pouch, although the present invention is not limited thereto. Not.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the weak seal 2700 may also be placed closer to one of the sides of the pouch 8000 than the middle of the pouch 8000. In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the weak seal 9700 may have a lateral size that is comparable to the lateral size of the pouch 9000. This makes it more difficult to determine the exact location where fluid is dispensed from the pouch, but facilitates opening of the pouch 9000. For example, when the fluid 1600 is a washing machine detergent, in this case the fluid 1600 is desired to exit the pouch with a small pressure, such as the pressure applied by the garment during operation of the washing machine, and the weak seal 9700 is identified. The opening point of is not relevant.

  Alternatively, or in addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the weak seal 10700 may include at least one wide portion 10702 and at least one such that when the weak seal 10700 is peeled, the opening begins with the narrow portion 10701. A narrow portion 10701 may be included.

  It should be further understood that a similar effect can be obtained by providing a weaker seal strength in the portion 10701 of the weak seal 10700 and a stronger seal strength in another portion 10702 of the weak seal 10700. In this case, the portion 10701 having the weaker seal strength also opens before the portion 10702 having the stronger seal strength, thereby facilitating fluid dispensing.

  While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been described or specifically exemplified above, it is not intended that the invention be limited to such embodiments. Rather, although the numerous features and advantages of the present invention are apparent in the foregoing description, along with the details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only and is not limited to the appended claims. It should be understood that changes may be made in detail, particularly with respect to the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, within the principles of the present invention, as indicated by the broad spirit of the terms being expressed.

1000 Pouch 1001 Opening part 1100 Film 1200 Film 1300 Strong seal 1301 Seal part 1400 Opening structure 1500 Cavity 1600 Fluid 2000 Pouch 2700 Weak seal 2701 Length 2702 Width 3000 Pouch 3700 Weak seal 4000 Pouch 1700 Weak seal 5 Seal 5002 Pouch 5302 Strong seal 5702 Weak seal 5003 Pouch 5303 Strong seal 5703 Weak seal 6000 Pouch 6300 Strong seal 7000 Pouch 7130 Strong seal 7140 Open structure 7700 Weak seal 8000 Pouch 8300 Strong seal 9000 Pouch 9300 Pouch 9300 Seal 10701 Narrow part 10 02 strong part from the wide portion 11700 weak seal 11701 weaker part 11702

Claims (11)

Strong seals (1300, 5301 to 5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700 to form a cavity (1500) for fluid 11700), a fluid pouch comprising a first film (1100) and a second film (1200) connected to each other,
The cavity (1500) has an outer periphery, and the outer periphery includes at least a part of the strong seal (1300, 5301 to 5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701). ~ 5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700)
The weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) is close to the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) The fluid pouch.   The weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) and the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) are the strong seal (1300, 5301). ˜5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) only when at least a first part of the The pouch according to claim 1, wherein the pouch is configured to be opened. It is further equipped with an opening structure (1400)
The opening structure (1400) is configured to facilitate opening of the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) along at least a first length;
The pouch of claim 2, wherein the first length intersects at least the first portion of the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).   4. The pouch of claim 3, wherein the first length further intersects at least a portion of the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700).   The first length is determined by the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) or the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700). Pouch according to claim 4, which intersects only the part of the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) present.   6. The opening structure (1400) according to any of claims 3 to 5, comprising weakening points and / or holes made in the first film (1100) and / or in the second film (1200). The pouch described in 1.   The unsealing structure (1400) is configured to leave at least a portion of the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) exposed to the surrounding environment. A pouch according to any of claims 3 to 6, configured to facilitate the cutting of the film (1100) and / or the second film (1200).   The weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) has a length (2701) of 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, even more preferably 10 mm or less, and / or 5 mm or less. The pouch according to any of claims 1 to 7, having a width (2702) of preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less.   The pouch according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) comprises a mixture of ionomer and polypropylene. The strong seal (1300, 5301 to 5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) has a seal strength of more than 15 N / 15 mm, preferably more than 40 N / 15 mm, and / or the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700 , 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) have a seal strength of 1-8 N / 15 mm, preferably 2-3 N / 15 mm. A manufacturing method for a fluid pouch comprising:
Providing a first film (1100) and a second film (1200);
Cavities for fluids by realizing strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) Connecting the first film (1100) and the second film (1200) to each other to form (1500),
The weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) is made close to the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) The manufacturing method characterized by the above-mentioned.