JP6900471B2 - Fluid pouch - Google Patents

Description

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

Several patents, patent applications, and publications are cited in this description to more fully describe the prior art associated with the present invention. 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 layers to each other are known in the art. They are generally obtained, for example, by stacking two sheets or films made of a polymeric material and sealing them together with a seal so as to form a fluid-filled cavity. The seal is usually formed by simultaneous application of heat and pressure so that the two sheets melt at least partially together. By breaking the seal, it is possible to eject the fluid at the desired time.

The front view of the pouch 1000 according to the prior art is schematically illustrated by reference to the drawings in which similar reference numbers indicate the corresponding structures throughout the figure, and in particular with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The pouch 1000 is made by stacking the films 1100 and 1200 on top of each other and realizing the seal 1300 by 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 fluid 1600.

The pouch 1000 further comprises an opening structure 1400 exemplified here in the form of one or both notched areas of the films 1100 and 1200. Specifically, the opened structure may include holes in one or more or all of the layers of film 1100 and / or 1200. The opening structure 1400 promotes 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 communicates with the external environment and the fluid 1600 can be poured out of the pouch 1000.

However, such devices have some drawbacks.

First, when opening the pouch 1000, the user generally has to apply a force to tear the seal 1300. To do so, the user grips the pouch, thereby pressing some of the cavities 1500. Therefore, as soon as the seal 1300 is opened, it is possible that the fluid 1600 unintentionally flows out of the opening created by the tearing of the seal 1300 due to the pressure applied by the user. This creates the risk that the fluid 1600 may stain the user's hands and / or clothing and / or unintentionally spill out of the intended container.

Furthermore, the tear reaches the opening portion 1001 after moving through the seal 1300. If the pouch 1000 was previously placed upside down, or if pressure was previously applied to the pouch 1000, the opened portion 1001 would contain some amount of fluid 1600. In this case, it is difficult for the user to prevent the fluid 1600 from coming into contact with his or her finger, even with due care.

In addition, it can be difficult to tear through the seal 1300. Because the seal 1300 is designed to be relatively strong to withstand the unforeseen pressure applied to the cavity 1500, in some cases users are frustrated by repeatedly trying to tear the seal 1300. I can do it. Since the seal 1300 must provide such a secure seal on its own, the seal strength of the seal 1300 cannot be reduced to facilitate the opening of the seal.

The above-mentioned problems are solved by the teaching of the independent claims.

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

Specifically, a strong seal is placed around the weak seal so that the pouch cannot be opened unexpectedly. 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 mode, the user has additional control over the pouring of the fluid so that unforeseen pouring or leakage can be prevented.

Furthermore, this is because the seal can be provided not only by the strong seal as in the prior art, but also by the combination of the strong seal and the weak seal, so that the strong seal, or part thereof, is smaller than the prior art or It can also provide the advantage that it can be made weakly. By making the strong seal smaller or weaker, the present invention provides the additional advantage that the strong seal can be easier for the user to open.

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

In general, an advantageous combination of two seals with 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 novelty advantages and features that characterize the invention are specifically pointed out within the claims that are attached to and part of this specification. However, for the sake of 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 further parts of this specification, as well as accompanying illustrations. One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated and described.

From now on, referring to FIGS. 2 to 11, what is 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 cavities (1500) for fluids. , 11700) with a first film (1100) and a second film (1200) connected to each other, the cavity (1500) is a strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300). ) And an outer circumference including 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, 10700, 11700) is a fluid pouch characterized by being close to a strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).

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

More preferably, the pouch of the present invention further comprises an opening structure (1400), wherein the opening structure (1400) is a first film (1100) and / or a second film (1100) along at least a first length. It is configured to facilitate opening of 1200), the first length intersecting at least the 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) is 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 weak seals of the pouches of the present invention (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) have a length of 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, even more preferably 10 mm or less (2701), and / Or has a width (2702) of 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less.

In a pouch according to the invention, the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) may contain any suitable material to contain the filler 1600. However, preferably, the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) contains a mixture of ionomer and polypropylene.

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

Further disclosed herein are methods of manufacture for fluid pouches.
The steps that provide the first film (1100) and the second film (1200),
Cavities for fluids by achieving strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700). Includes a step that connects the first film (1100) and the second film (1200) to each other to form (1500).
Weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) are made near strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300). Is the way to do it.

1A and 1B are views schematically illustrating a front view and an enlarged view of the pouch 1000 according to the prior art. FIG. 2A is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a diagram schematically illustrating an enlarged view of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D is a diagram schematically illustrating an enlarged view of FIG. 2C. FIG. 2E is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of the pouch 2000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2F is a diagram schematically illustrating an enlarged view of FIG. 2E. FIG. 2G is a diagram schematically illustrating a top view of a cross section of the pouch 2000 of FIG. 2B. FIG. 2H is a diagram schematically illustrating a top view of a cross section of the pouch 2000 of FIG. 2F. 3A and 3B are views schematically illustrating a front view and an enlarged view of a pouch 3000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a diagram schematically illustrating an enlarged view of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4D is a diagram schematically illustrating an enlarged view of FIG. 4B. FIG. 4E is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 4000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4F is a diagram schematically illustrating an enlarged view of FIG. 4E. 5A-5C are views schematically illustrating an enlarged view of pouches 5001 to 5003 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 6000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 7000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 8000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 9000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a front view of a pouch 10000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating 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 should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, but rather is defined by the claims, and that embodiments are provided for a better understanding thereof. Furthermore, each embodiment may be described as comprising several features, but all of the features described for each embodiment are for the implementation of a particular embodiment or for the implementation of the present invention. Please understand that it is not essential. In addition, it should be understood that features from different embodiments may be combined within the claims to achieve alternative embodiments.

1st 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 diagrams schematically illustrating the enlarged portions of FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2E, respectively.

As seen in FIG. 2A, the pouch 2000 comprises 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 cavities 1500 can be formed between them when the seals 1300 and 2700 are made.

For the purposes of the present invention, in principle, the first and second polymer films used to make the sidewalls of the pouch are either single-layer or multilayer polymer films. The films involved in the construction of the sidewalls do not necessarily have to have the same structure (eg, one layer can be transparent and the other can be opaque). Also, in principle, any such film grade polymeric resin or material commonly known in the field of packaging can be used. Preferably, a multilayer polymer film structure is used. Typically, the multilayer polymer film is the outermost structural or abuse layer, the inner barrier layer, and the innermost layer, and optionally one or more adhesions between them. It involves at least three classification layers, including but not limited to the Thai layer. Also, the innermost layer that is in contact with and corresponds to the intended content of the pouch is preferably a confined perimeter seal (ie, typically a book with a seal strength greater than 20 N / 15 mm). Both the strong seal of the invention) and the weak seal 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 may also include oriented nylon or paper. Preferably, the layer is reverse printable and the pouch is sealed through the entire thickness of the multilayer structure, and thus is advantageously unaffected by the sealing temperature used to make the pouch. The thickness of this layer is typically chosen 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. Barrier layers are metallized oriented polypropylene (PP) or oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), aluminum foil, nylon or biaxially oriented nylon, mixtures or compounds of similar 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 the sealing conditions (droplets, oils, 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 jaws of the sealing bar. It can adhere (seal) at a temperature substantially lower than the temperature. Typical sealants used in multilayer pouches are low density polyethylene (LDPE), chain low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), ethylene copolymer with vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate, or ethylene and acrylic. Partially to form carboxylates that are optionally ionized (ie, have metal ions such as Na, Zn, Mg, or Li cations, such as copolymers of acid (EAA) or methacrylic acid (EMAA). Includes ethylene copolymer (neutralized in). Typical sealants may also include polypropylene copolymers. The sealant layer is typically 10 to 100 μm thick. In the present invention, the sealant must be able to form a lateral compartment that ruptures and ruptures upon compression, i.e. a weak seal.

Preferably, the weak seal is formed by heat-sealing two overlapping multilayer polymer films, each of which has an innermost sealing agent layer made of resin, which sealing. The agent layer undergoes interfacial peel sealing with different seal strengths when the thermal seals are formed at different temperatures. Such resins are polybutylene or polypropylene, for example polyethylene containing metallocene polyethylene having homopolymers or copolymers thereof (collectively PE / PB mixture, PE / PP mixture), polypropylene having polybutylene (PP / PB mixture). Includes a mixture of one or more polyolefins, such as polypropylene with an ethylene methacrylate copolymer (PP / EMAA mixture), or polypropylene with a styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene blocker polymer (PP / SEBS mixture). Alternatively, a weak seal can be produced by zone coating the innermost layer within 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 is an ionomer based on partial neutralization of an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer or an ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer (EAA or EMAA ionomer mixed with PP / PB copolymer) having a polypropylene [alpha] -olefin copolymer. Mixtures are particularly preferred because other mixtures are less reliable and zone coatings are more expensive. Ionomers with such polypropylene copolymer mixtures exhibiting predictable peel strength over a wide heat-sealing temperature range are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,550,141, 4,539,263, 4, 4. It is disclosed in 469, 754 and European Patent EP1 751 231.

Various alternative methodologies are contemplated to produce a weak seal that includes at least one force concentrating means for selectively transcending the seal strength of the weak seal. Preferably, the shape and / or curvature of the weak seal is used to advantageously concentrate the force generated when the pouch is squeezed or squeezed by hand. However, when a zone coating of heat-sealing resin is used, a deliberate reduction in width, such as a zone coating along a weak seal, is also a force (with or without curvature) for the purpose of selectively transcending seal strength. 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 the force concentrating means useful in the present invention. In principle, and in practice, time-temperature sealing methods can also be used to make weak seals that include force concentrating means to selectively transcend the seal strength of the weak seal. For example, but not limited to, repeated and / or multiple blows of different thermal seal bars can produce weak seals with varying seal strengths, which selectively exceed the seal strength of the weak seals. It functions as a structure equivalent to the claimed force concentration means for the purpose.

For the purpose of measuring the seal strength described above, it is assumed that a sample of a 100 mm × 15 mm polymer film is cut at 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 seal condition. The film is then folded so that the sealant layers on each side are 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 placed in a 23 ° C. and 50% relative humidity condition for at least 24 hours prior to testing. The folded portion of the sealed film is cut in half to form a suitable fold that should be placed within the Instron jaw clamp. A 15 mm wide specimen is then cut in the longitudinal direction of the film to provide at least three 15 mm wide specimens for each set of sealing conditions.

Seal strength is measured by pulling the seal apart at an angle of 180 ° in the longitudinal direction of the film using an Instron tensile tester at a jaw separation rate of 100 mm / min. In another example, a tensile speed of 300 mm // min can also be used on the Instron. The maximum force required to remove 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 weak seals to form the innermost layer are, as the main components, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers or acid-modified EVA copolymers and ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymers or acids. Includes a combination of modified EMAs, as well as a mixture of polypropylene homopolymers or copolymers, polybutylene homopolymers or copolymers, partially neutralized ethyleneic acid ionomers, or ionomers with metallocene polyethylene as trace components. Such polymer systems and mixtures are described under the trademark registrations Appeel (R), Bynel (R), Elvax (R), Nucrel (R), and Surlyn (R). I. It is commercially available as a sealing agent from du Pont de Nemours & Company. Again, but not limited to, various additives are often used, including, but not limited to, slip agents, anti-adhesive agents, and / or cooling roll strippers. By using these acid-modified EVA and EMA-based mixtures in combination with various other polymer film layers, the thermal seal strength is selectively 5N with confinement thermal seal strength greater than 15-20N / 15mm. It can range from / 15mm up to 50N / 15mm.

During the manufacture of the polymeric film sheet to be used to make the pouch, a co-extrudable adhesive is optionally used between the functional layers to bond the layers together to provide structural protection. These include, but are not limited to, polymers and 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 bulk layer of polyolefin or shredded residue of the multilayer film trimmed during pouch making is incorporated within the multilayer structure. It can be. Sheets of polymer films (ie, so-called "webstocks") are used in processes commonly known in the art such as single-layer or multi-layer casting, film blowout, extrusion lamination, and adhesive lamination, and combinations thereof. It is contemplated that it can be produced using any combination. Examples, but not limited to, commonly known in the art, including, but not limited to, slip agents (such as amide wax), anti-adhesive agents (such as silica), and antioxidants (such as hindered phenol). Such processing aids can be incorporated into the webstock if needed to facilitate either film production or pouch formation. The pouch is formed from the webstock either by cutting and heat-sealing a separate piece of webstock, or by folding and heat-sealing in combination with cutting. Pouch making equipment, such as those made by Totani Corporation, Kyoto, Japan, or Klockner Barlelt Co., Gordonsville, Va., Can be used to advantage in practicing the present invention. Fragile compartments can be installed either during or after pouch formation. Again, as is commonly known and practiced in the art, the heat-sealed outer circumferences of the pouches according to the invention are overlaid with a first and second sheet of polymer film, and then each other. It should be further understood that these can be achieved by heat-sealing them directly or indirectly by heat-sealing them with the use of intervening third polymer films.

Preferably, the sealant film is made of a polymeric system capable of exhibiting a seal strength of> 15 N / 15 mm at a seal temperature of> 150 ° C. and a seal strength value of 3-10 N / 15 mm over a seal temperature range of 100-140 ° C. To.

Returning to FIGS. 2A-2F, the first and second films 1100 and 1200 are connected to each other using a strong seal 1300 and a weak seal 2700 so as to form a cavity 1500 for the fluid 1600. The strong seal 1300 is at least different in its seal strength from the weak seal 2700. 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 once the seal is formed, the films 1100 and 1200 cannot be separated. Less preferably, the films 1100 and 1200 can be separated once the seal is formed by internal tearing, eg, peeling between one or both outer layers of the films 1100 and 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 and 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 and 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 more than 15 N / 15 mm and preferably less than 40 N / 15 mm. Has.

In an exemplary embodiment, the weak seal 2700 has a length of 2701 of 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, even more preferably 10 mm or less. In this embodiment, the weak seal 2700 also has a width of 2702 of 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, 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 heat of approximately 100-130 ° C. to the seal at 3 bar per second. Typically, the strong seal 1300 is provided by applying a temperature of more than 150 ° C. and / or preferably less than 200 ° C. for 3 bar per second when a variable temperature, variable seal strength sealant 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 they. Has an outer circumference, including. In this particular embodiment, the perimeter of the cavity 1500 is the entire length of the weak seal 2700, i.e. between points A and B, and by a portion of the strong seal 1300, i.e. between points A and B. Defined by the included portions, points A and B are contact points between the two seals. Here and below, when referring to the distance along the perimeter between a first point and a second point, the distance starts at the first point and clockwise along the perimeter. It is measured by moving to the second point.

Furthermore, as better seen in FIG. 2B, the weak seal 2700 is close to the strong seal 1300. More specifically, in this particular embodiment, the weak seal 2700 is in contact with the strong seal 1300 on three of its sides. More specifically, the weak seal 2700 is in contact with the strong seal 1300 on all its sides not facing the cavity 1500. In other words, the outer peripheral portion of the weak seal 2700 between the points A and B defines the outer circumference of the cavity 1500 and is not in contact with the strong seal 1300, but at points B and A. The outer peripheral portion of the weak seal 2700 between them does not face the cavity 1500 and is in contact with the strong seal 1300. In this mode, 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 present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and that alternative configurations of strong and weak seals can be implemented as described below. More generally, the strong seal 1300 allows the cavity 1500 to be defined and prevents the fluid 1600 from exiting the cavity 1500 as long as both the strong seal 1300 and the weak seal 2700 are opened. And any configuration of the weak seal 2700 can be implemented. For example, embodiments will be described in which some portion of the weak seal 2700 between points B and A or the entire outer circumference is not in contact with the strong seal 1300.

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

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

It should be understood that in the figure, the portion of the weak seal 2700 illustrated as non-existent represents a portion of the weak seal 2700 that has been peeled off and opened. Illustrative drawings do not show that any material is removed from film 1100, 1200, or from weak seal 2700. This configuration is further illustrated in FIGS. 2G and 2F, which represent top views of a cross section of the pouch 2000 of FIGS. 2B and 2F, respectively. Specifically, the cross section is substantially taken at the Y position of the opening structure 1400. As seen in FIG. 2G, the seals 1300 and 2700 are both closed, thereby keeping the films 1100 and 1200 together and kept sealed. In contrast, as seen in FIG. 2F, the weak seal 2700 is still present, but is stripped, thereby allowing the 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.

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

Second embodiment (general concept: weak seal and strong seal need not be in contact with each other over the entire outer circumference of the weak seal from point A to point B for the present invention to work).
3A and 3B schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch 3000 according to a further embodiment of the invention, how the two seals, in some embodiments, from B to A of the weak seal 2700. It is further clarified whether the entire outer circumference up to is considered to be 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, which is not in contact with the strong seal 1300, at least in its outer peripheral portion included between the points C and D.

Further, in this case, the outer circumference 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 circumference of the weak seal 3700 between the ABs, along with the outer circumference of the strong seal 1300 between the ABs. Also, in this embodiment, the weak seal 3700 can be considered to be close to the strong seal 1300. More generally, the two seals 1300 and 3700 can be considered close unless the weak seal 3700 is too far from the strong seal 1300, for example when the weak seal is placed in the middle of the cavity. Applies to.

More specifically, the weak seal 3700 has an outer circumference P. Some points on the outer circumference P face the cavity 1500, thereby defining the outer circumference of the cavity. In the illustrated example, those points are included between AB. In addition, some points on the outer circumference P, such as points between DA and BC, are in contact with the strong seal 1300. Each of the remaining points, i.e. the point of the outer circumference P that does not face the cavity 1500 and is not in contact with the strong seal 1300, is within a predetermined distance from the strong seal 1300. In the illustrated embodiment, those points are included between the CDs. For example, point P1 of 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 the 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 on the outer circumference P that do not face the cavity 1500, such as points between BAs, the two seals 1300 and 3700 can be considered close in the sense of the present invention. In some embodiments, the default distance D1 is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, and even more preferably less than 1 cm. In this technique, the two seals can be close to each other without requiring the seal 1300 to be in contact with all points on 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 achieve the strong seal 1300 interfere with the weak seal 3700 is reduced. That is, when the two seals are in contact with each other, the heat and pressure applied to achieve the strong seal 1300 can also have an effect on the adjacent regions of the weak seal 3700. This is because at the weak seals between points B and C and between points D and A, those parts do not necessarily have to be opened for the fluid to exit the pouch 3000. In addition, it may not be very serious. On the other hand, the portion between points C and D can be problematic if the manufacture of the strong seal 1300 results in a weaker seal 3700 that is stronger than expected in this region. By leaving a small distance between the two seals, this problem is solved advantageously and the manufacture of the pouch 3000 is simplified.

Third embodiment (general concept: weak seals and strong seals are not in perfect contact, either as desired or due to manufacturing tolerances, and are still measurable, albeit insignificantly. 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 if small spaces exist between them. Further clarify how it can be considered to be in.

The pouch 4000 differs from the pouch 2000 in that the weak seal 4700 is not in contact with the strong seal 1300. Instead, there is a maximum distance of D2 between the two seals 1300, 4700, which is exaggerated in the drawings for ease of depiction. The distance D2 can be, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances, 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 and 4700 can vary from 0 to a maximum of D2 so that at least in some respects the two seals 1300 and 4700 can actually be in contact with each other. ..

In this embodiment and other embodiments, the two seals are weak only if at least the first portion of the strong seal 1300 is opened or removed, even if the two seals are separated by a distance D2. 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 certain embodiments illustrated, this is achieved by providing the strong seal 1300 on all sides of the weak seal 4700 not facing the cavity 1500, better understood with reference to FIGS. 4C-4F. It shall be done.

Note that the 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 and 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 and 1200 close to each other within the region of distance D2 due to the proximity to the strong seal 1300 as well as the proximity to the weak seal 4700. Thereby, the perimeter of the cavity can still be considered to be defined by a portion of the strong seal 1300 and the weak seal 4700, which two seals also put the films 1100 and 1200 within the region of distance D2. This is to effectively seal due to the immediate 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, opening begins approximately in the center of the weak seal 4700, as it is the furthest position from the strong seal 1300. More specifically, within the region of the weak seal 4700 close to the strong seal 1300, the films 1100 and 1200 show that the effect of the strong seal 1300 on the separation of the films 1100 and 1200 is when the distance from the strong seal 1300 increases. Because it is reduced, it is more difficult to separate compared to the region 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 except the side facing the cavity 1500, it prevents the weak seal 4700 from being completely opened 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 and 4700, the films 1100 and 1200 are prevented from separating due to the combined action of the strong and weak seals 1300 and 4700.

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

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

In some embodiments of the invention, the opening structure 1400 is configured to facilitate cutting of the first film 1100 and / or the second film 1200 along a first length that intersects at least the strong seal 1300. Will be done. The first length can be determined, for example, by extending the length of the opened structure. For example, referring to FIG. 2B, the opening structure 1400 guides the tear through portion 1301 of the seal 1300, resulting in 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 works with the adjacent weak seal 2700 in keeping the films 1100 and 1200 together, as explained above. Part 1301 of 1300 can be made smaller. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, for example, referring to FIG. 3B, the extension portion of the guide of the opening structure 1400 can pass, for example, the outside of the weak seal 3700 above it. In this case, the tear may also pass through the films 1100 and 1200 on the weak seal 3700, thereby avoiding tearing the weak seal 3700. One advantage of this approach is to avoid the attempts required to tear the weak seal 3700.

In some embodiments, the opening structure 1400 comprises weakening points, perforations, and / or holes made in the first film 1100 and / or in the second film 1200. In some embodiments, pores can be made through the entire film 1100 and / or 1200. This is especially true for the strong seal 1300, as it facilitates its cutting. For weak seals, 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, pores can be created at least through an oriented outer layer.

In some embodiments, the opening structure 1400 facilitates cutting of the first film 1100 and / or the second film 1200 so that at least a portion of the weak seal remains exposed to the surrounding environment. It is composed. For example, with reference 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 has been operated. In this mode, 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, thus from the cavity 1500. It may be possible to precisely control the pouring of the fluid 1600.

In the embodiments described above, the pouches 2000, 3000 and 4000 are generally illustrated as rectangles, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pouch is illustrated by, for example, the pouch 6000 in FIG. It should be understood that it can have a non-rectangular shape, such as a shape.

Further, in the above embodiment, the strong seal 1300 is generally illustrated by completely surrounding the cavity and the weak seal, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the opening structure 7140 can be made in the form of a cap, as illustrated in FIG. 7, eg, by the pouch 7000. In this embodiment, the opening structure 7140 is part of the strong seal 7300 in that cooperation with the strong seal 7300 and the weak seal 7700 of the structure 7140 ensures that no fluid can exit the cavity 1500. You can see it. Once the opening structure, or cap 7140, has been opened, the weak seal 7700 can operate as in the embodiments described above. The advantage of this technique is the ability to close the pouch 7000 for later use, if necessary, with the previously described advantage of being able to precisely control the moment the fluid is ejected from the pouch 7000. Is to combine with.

In addition, in the embodiments described above, the weak seal is exemplified as being placed approximately in the middle of the pouch and having a lateral X dimension smaller than the lateral X dimension of the pouch, although the invention is limited thereto. Not done.

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 to the middle of the pouch 8000. In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the weak seal 9700 may have a lateral size comparable to the lateral size of the pouch 9000. This makes it more difficult to determine the exact location where the fluid is ejected 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 clothes during the operation of the washing machine, to identify the weak seal 9700. The opening point of is irrelevant.

Alternatively or additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the weak seal 10700 has at least one wide portion 10702 and at least one so that when the weak seal 10700 is peeled off, the opening begins at the narrow portion 10701. It may include a narrow portion 10701.

It should be further understood that similar effects can be achieved by providing a weaker seal strength by portion 10701 of the weak seal 10700 and a stronger seal strength by another portion 10702 of the weak seal 10700. In this case, the portion 10701 with the weaker seal strength is also opened prior to the portion 10702 with the stronger seal strength, thereby facilitating fluid ejection.

Although certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been described or exemplified above, it is not intended that the invention be limited to such embodiments. Rather, even though the numerous features and advantages of the invention, along with the structural and functional details of the invention, are manifested in the above description, the present disclosure is merely an example and of the appended claims. It should be appreciated that changes can be made in detail within the principles of the invention, in particular with respect to the shape, size and placement of parts, as indicated by the broader meaning of the terms in which the scope is 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 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 Opening Structure 7700 Weak Seal 8000 Pouch 8300 Strong Seal 10 000 Seal 10701 Narrow part 10702 Wide part 11700 Weak seal 11701 Weaker part 11702 Stronger part

Claims (8)

Strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700) to form cavities (1500) for fluids. , 11700), a fluid pouch comprising a first film (1100) and a second film (1200) connected to each other.
The cavity (1500) has an outer circumference, which is at least a portion of the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701). Includes at least part of ~ 5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700),
The weak seal (2700,3700,4700,5701～5703,7700,9700,10700,11700) is, Ri near the near of the strong seal (1300,5301～5303,6300,7300,8300,9300),
The weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) and the strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) are the strong seals (1300, 5301). ~ 5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) only if at least the first part is opened or removed, said weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700). ) Is configured to be opened,
The fluid pouch further comprises 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 first length intersects at least the first portion of the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).
The first length is the fluid pouch that further intersects at least a portion of the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700). The first length is the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) or the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700). The pouch according to claim 1 , wherein the pouch intersects only a portion of the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) that is present. The opening structure (1400) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the opening structure (1400) includes weakening points and / or holes made in the first film (1100) and / or in the second film (1200). Pouch. The opening structure (1400) is 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. The pouch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , which is configured to facilitate cutting of the film (1100) and / or the second film (1200). The weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) have a length of 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, even more preferably 10 mm or less (2701), and / or 5 mm or less. The pouch according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , preferably having a width (2702) of 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or less. The pouch according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the first film (1100) and / or the second film (1200) contains a mixture of ionomer and polypropylene. The strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) have a seal strength of greater than 15N / 15mm, preferably greater than 40N / 15mm, and / or the weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700). , 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700), the pouch according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , which has a sealing strength of 1 to 8 N / 15 mm, preferably 2 to 3 N / 15 mm. A manufacturing method for fluid pouches
With the steps of providing the first film (1100) and the second film (1200),
Cavities for fluids by achieving strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) It comprises a step of connecting the first film (1100) and the second film (1200) to each other so as to form (1500).
The weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) were made near the strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) .
The weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) and the strong seals (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) are the strong seals (1300, 5301). ~ 5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) only if at least the first part is opened or removed, said weak seals (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700). ) Is configured to be opened,
The fluid pouch further comprises 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 first length intersects at least the first portion of the strong seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).
The manufacturing method , wherein the first length further intersects at least a portion of the weak seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700).

Images