JPWO2018200351A5 - - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure is directed to flexible containers for dispensing flowable materials.

Flexible containers having gusseted body sections are known. These gusseted flexible containers are currently made using a flexible film that is folded to form the gusset and heat sealed to the perimeter shape. The gusseted body section opens to form a flexible container having a square or rectangular cross section. The gusset terminates at the bottom of the container to form a substantially flat base which provides stability when the container is partially or completely filled. A flat base results in a self-supporting flexible container, also known as a self-supporting pouch, or "SUP."

SUP performance attributes include aspect ratio, stability, and drop strength. Aspect ratio is the relationship between container height and container width. SUP stability is the ability of a filled flexible container to stand upright without tipping or tilting. Drop strength is the resistance of a filled flexible container to breakage or leakage when dropped. For example, larger aspect ratios (i.e., more flexible containers) are often used because larger aspect ratios lead to efficient utilization of shelf space and increased container advertising area to attract consumer interest in SUPs. desirable. However, as the aspect ratio increases, the stability of the SUP and/or the drop strength of the SUP generally decreases. Maximization of SUP performance is characterized by these relationships.

The art recognizes a need for a self supporting flexible container (SUP) having an increased aspect ratio without reducing stability and/or reducing drop strength.

What is further desired in the art is a SUP with increased aspect ratio and sufficient drop strength to operate in retail, commercial, industrial, and/or domestic environments.

The present disclosure provides flexible containers. In one embodiment, the flexible container includes (A) a front panel, a back panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. Double gusseted side panels join the front and rear panels along a perimeter seal to form a chamber. (B) each perimeter seal has (i) a body seal inner edge (BSIE) having a bottom end and an opposing top end, (ii) a bottom tapered seal inner edge (b-TSIE) extending from the BSIE bottom end, and (iii) having a top tapered seal inner edge (t-TSIE) extending from the BSIE top end; (C) t-TSIE has a length of at least 1.1 times the length of BSIE.

1 is a perspective view of a filled, self-supporting flexible container having top and bottom flexible handles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the flexible container of Figure 1; 6 is an enlarged view of the bottom seal area of FIG. 5; FIG. Figure 2 is a top plan view of the flexible container of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a collapsed configuration; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the flexible container of Figure 5 partially expanded to show the body seal inner edge; 1 is a perspective view of a prior art flexible container; FIG.

DEFINITIONS AND TEST METHODS Numerical ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of all values from and including the lower and upper limits. For ranges inclusive of an explicit value (eg, 1, or 2, or 3, 5, or 6, or 7), any subrange between any two explicit values (eg, 1 to 2 , 2-6, 5-7, 3-7, 5-6, etc.).

Unless stated to the contrary, implied from the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are by weight and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

As used herein, the term "composition" refers to a mixture of materials comprising the composition, as well as reaction and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition.

The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and derivatives thereof do not indicate the presence of any additional component, step, or procedure that they specifically No exclusion is intended, whether disclosed or not. For the avoidance of ambiguity, all compositions claimed through use of the term "comprising", unless stated to the contrary, are compound can include In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes any other component, step, or procedure from any subsequent reference, except those not essential to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically defined or listed.

As used herein, an "ethylene-based polymer" is a polymer that contains greater than 50 weight percent polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and may optionally contain at least one comonomer. is.

The term "heat seal initiation temperature" is the minimum seal temperature required to form a seal of significant strength, in this case 2 lb/inch (8.8 N/25.4 mm). Sealing is performed in a Topwave HT tester with a seal bar pressure of 2.7 bar (40 psi) and a dwell time of 0.5 seconds. Sealed samples are tested in an Instron Tensioner at 10 inches/minute (4.2 mm/second or 250 mm/minute).

As used herein, the Tm or "melting point" (also referred to as the melting peak with respect to the shape of the plotted DSC curve) is typically It is measured by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) technique for measuring melting points or peaks of polyolefins. It should be noted that many hybrids containing two or more polyolefins have multiple melting points or melting peaks, and many individual polyolefins contain only one melting point or melting peak.

Moisture Permeability is a normalized calculation accomplished by first measuring the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the film and then multiplying the WVTR by the thickness of the film (usually the thickness in mils). . WVTR is measured on a MOCON Permatran-W 3/31 at 38°C, 100% relative humidity and 1 atmosphere. For the value of WVTR at 90% relative humidity, the measured WVTR (at 100% relative humidity) is multiplied by 0.90. The device is calibrated with a 25 μm thick polyester film of known water vapor transport properties certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Samples are prepared and WVTR is performed according to ASTM F1249. WVTR units are g/m ² /24 hours.

As used herein, an "olefinic polymer" is a polymer that contains greater than 50 weight percent polymerized olefinic monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and optionally at least one comonomer. can contain Non-limiting examples of olefin-based polymers include ethylene-based polymers and propylene-based polymers.

Oxygen permeability is measured by first measuring the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) for a given film thickness and then multiplying this measured OTR by the thickness of the film (usually the thickness in mils). It is the normalized computation that is performed. OTR is measured by a MOCON OX-TRAN 2/20 at 23°C, 50% relative humidity and 1 atmosphere. The instrument is calibrated with Mylar film of known _O2 transport properties certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Samples are prepared and OTR is performed according to ASTM D3985. A typical OTR unit is cc/m ² /24 hours/atmosphere.

"Polymer" means a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, of the same or different types, which in polymerized form give rise to multiple and/or repeating "units" or "mer units" that make up the polymer is. Thus, the general term polymer includes the term homopolymer and is usually used to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer, and the term copolymer is usually used to refer to polymers prepared from at least two types of monomers. refers to polymers. It also includes all forms of copolymers, eg random, block, etc. The terms "ethylene/α-olefin polymer" and "propylene/α-olefin polymer" refer to the above-described copolymer prepared by polymerizing ethylene or propylene, respectively, and one or more additional polymerizable α-olefin monomers. . Polymers are often referred to as being “made from” one or more specific monomers, such as “based on” a specific monomer or type of monomer, “comprising” a specific monomer content, etc. It should be noted that in this context the term "monomer" is understood to refer to the polymerized residue of the specified monomer and not to the non-polymerized species. In general, polymers herein refer to those based on "units" that are the polymerized form of the corresponding monomers.

A "propylene-based polymer" is a polymer containing greater than 50 weight percent polymerized propylene monomer (based on total polymerizable monomers) and may optionally contain at least one comonomer.

The present disclosure provides flexible containers. In one embodiment, the flexible container includes (A) a front panel, a back panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. Double gusseted side panels join the front and rear panels along a perimeter seal to form a chamber. (B) Each perimeter seal has (i) a body seal inner edge (BSIE) having a bottom end and an opposing top end. (ii) a bottom tapered seal inner edge (b-TSIE) extends from the bottom edge of the BSIE; (iii) a top tapered seal inner edge (t-TSIE) extends from the BSIE top end; (C) The t-TSIE has a length that is at least 1.1 times the length of the BSIE (in millimeters or mm).

1 and 2 show a flexible container 10 having a flexible top 12 and bottom 14. FIG. Flexible container 10 has four panels: front panel 22 , rear panel 24 , first gusset panel 18 , and second gusset panel 20 . Four panels 18, 20, 22, and 24 extend toward a top end 44 and a bottom end 46 of flexible container 10 to form top section 28 and bottom section 26, respectively. When the flexible container 10 is inverted, the positions of the top and bottom relative to the container 10 change. However, for consistency, the stalk adjacent to inlet 30 will be referred to as top or upper stalk 12 and the opposite stalk will be referred to as bottom or lower stalk 14 . Similarly, the top section would be the surface adjacent the inlet 30 and the bottom section would be the surface opposite the top section.

Each of the four panels 18, 20, 22, and 24 can be constructed from a separate web of film. The composition and structure for each film web can be the same or different. Alternatively, one film web may also be used to make all four panels and the top and bottom sections. In further embodiments, more than one web may be used to make each panel.

In one embodiment, four webs of multilayer film are provided, one multilayer film web for each panel 18, 20, 22, and 24. FIG. The edges of each multilayer film are sealed to adjacent film webs to form perimeter seals 41 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, perimeter tapered seals 40a-40d are located on the bottom section 26 of the container. Perimeter seals 41 are located on the side edges of container 10 . Panels 18, 20, 22, 24 sealed from the inner chamber.

To form top section 28 and bottom section 26, the four film webs are converged together at their respective ends and sealed together. For example, the top section 28 may be defined by an extension of the panels sealed together at the top edge 44 such that when the flexible container 10 is in the rest position, the four tops of the film that define the top section 28 are formed. It may have panels 28a-28d (FIG. 4). The bottom section 26 may also have four bottom panels 26a-26d of film sealed together and may be defined by extensions of the panels at opposite ends 46 as shown in FIG.

In one embodiment, a portion of each of the four panels 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 (front panel, rear panel, first gusseted side panel, second gusseted side panel) forms top section 28 . and ends at neck 27. Each panel thus extends from the bottom section to the neck 27 . At neck 27, a portion of the top end section of each of the four panels 18, 20, 22, 24 is sealed or otherwise welded to inlet 30 to form a tight seal. Inlet 30 is sealed to neck 27 by compression heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, and combinations thereof. Although the base of inlet 30 has a circular cross-sectional shape, it is understood that the base of inlet 30 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as, for example, a polygonal cross-sectional shape. The base having a circular cross-sectional shape differs from the attachment having a canoe-shaped base used in conventional two panel flexible pouches.

In one embodiment, the exterior surface of the base of inlet 30 has a surface texture. The surface texture may include embossments and a plurality of radial ridges to promote sealing to the interior surface of top section 28 .

In one embodiment, inlet 30 excludes appendages with elliptical, wing-shaped, eye-shaped, or canoe-shaped bases.

Additionally, inlet 30 may include a removable closure 32 . Alternatively, the inlet 30 may be located in one of the panels, where the top section is defined as the top seal area defined by at least two panel edges then joined together. Will. In a further embodiment, inlet 30 is located approximately at the midpoint of top section 28 and is sized smaller than the width of container 10 such that inlet 30 may have an area that is less than the total area of top section 28 . may be determined. In yet another embodiment, the area of the inlet is 20% or less of the total area of the top section. This ensures that the inlets 30 are not large enough to insert a hand through them, thus avoiding any unintended contact with the product 58 stored therein.

Inlet 30 may be made of rigid construction and may be formed of any suitable plastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof. The location of inlet 30 can be anywhere on top section 28 of container 10 . In one embodiment, inlet 30 is located at the center or midpoint of top section 28 . A closure 32 covers the spout 30 and prevents product from leaking out of the container 10 . Closure 32 may be a screw-on cap, flip-top cap, or other type of removable (and optionally reclosable) closure.

In one embodiment, the flexible container does not have a rigid inlet and the panel is sealed across the neck, eg, by a releasable seal (peel seal).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, flexible bottom stem 14 may be located at bottom end 46 of container 10 such that bottom stem 14 is an extension of bottom section 26 .

Each panel includes a respective bottom surface. FIG. 2 shows four triangular bases 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, each base being an extension of a respective film panel. Bottom surfaces 26 a - 26 d constitute bottom section 26 . Four panels 26 a - 26 d meet at the midpoint of bottom section 26 . The bottom surfaces 26a-26d are sealed together, such as by using heat sealing techniques, to form the bottom handle 14. As shown in FIG. For example, a weld may be made to form the bottom handle 14 and seal the edges of the bottom section 26 together. Non-limiting examples of suitable heat sealing techniques include hot bar sealing, hot die sealing, impulse sealing, radio frequency sealing, or ultrasonic sealing.

FIG. 2 shows bottom section 26 . Each panel 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 has a respective bottom surface 26 a - 26 d that resides in bottom section 26 . Each bottom surface is bounded by two opposing perimeter tapered seals 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. Each peripheral tapered seal 40 a - 40 d extends from a respective peripheral seal 41 . Perimeter tapered seals for front panel 22 and rear panel 24 have inner edges 29a-29d (FIG. 2) and outer edge 31 (FIG. 3). Perimeter tapered seals 40a-40d converge at bottom seal area 33 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5).

The front panel bottom surface 26a defines a first line A defined by the inner edge 29a of the first peripheral tapered seal 40a and a second line B defined by the inner edge 29b of the second peripheral tapered seal 40b. include. A first line A intersects a second line B at a cusp 35 a in the bottom seal area 33 . The front panel bottom surface 26a has a bottom distal-most internal seal point 37a ("BDISP 37a"). BDISP 37a is located on the inner sealing edge defined by inner edge 29a and inner edge 29b.

The cusp 35a is separated from the BDIS P37a by a distance S between 0 millimeters (mm) and less than 8.0 mm.

In one embodiment, the rear panel bottom surface 26c includes cusps similar to those of the front panel bottom surface. The rear panel bottom surface 26c defines a first line C defined by the inner edge 29c of the first outer peripheral tapered seal 40c and a second line D defined by the inner edge 29d of the second outer peripheral tapered seal 40d. include. First line C intersects second line D at cusp 35c in bottom seal area 33 . Rear panel bottom surface 26c has a bottom most distal internal seal point 37c ("BDISP 37c"). BDISP 37c is located on the inner sealing edge defined by inner edge 29c and inner edge 29d. The cusp 35c is separated from the BDISP 37c by a distance T between 0 millimeters (mm) and less than 8.0 mm.

It is understood that the following description for the front panel bottom surface applies equally to the rear panel bottom surface and reference numbers for the rear panel bottom surface are shown in closing brackets.

In one embodiment, BDISP 37a (37c) is located where inner edge 29a (29c) and inner edge 29b (29d) intersect. The distance between BDISP 37a (37c) and cusp 35a (35c) is 0 mm.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner sealing edges diverge from the inner edges 29a, 29b (29c, 29d) to a distal inner sealing arc 39a (front panel) and a distal inner sealing arc 39a (front panel). Form the sealing arc 39c (rear panel). BDISP 37a (37c) is located on internal seal arc 39a (39c). cusp 35a (cusp 35c) is greater than 0 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 2.6 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9 mm from BDISP 37a (BDISP 37c) to , 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.3 mm, or 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm, or 6.5 mm, or 7.0 mm, or 7.5 mm , or 7.9 mm.

In one embodiment, cusp 35a (35c) is separated from BDISP 37a (37c) by a distance S (distance T) that is greater than 0 mm and less than 6.0 mm.

In one embodiment, the distance S (distance T) from the cusp 35a (35c) to the BDISP 37a (37c) is greater than 0 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm , or 5.0 mm, or less than 5.5 mm.

In one embodiment, cusp 35a (cusp 35c) is 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9 mm to 4.0 mm , or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm from BDISP 37a (BDISP 37c). They are separated by a distance S (distance T) of 0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.3 mm, or 5.5 mm.

In one embodiment, distal inner seal arc 39a (39c) has a radius of curvature of 0 mm, or greater than 0 mm, or between 1.0 mm , 19.0 mm, or 20.0 mm.

Bottom section 26 includes pairs of gussets 54 and 56 formed therein, which are essentially extensions of bottom surfaces 26a-26d. Gussets 54 and 56 may facilitate the ability of flexible container 10 to stand upright. These gussets 54 and 56 are formed from excess material from each bottom surface 26a-26d that are joined together to form gussets 54 and 56. As shown in FIG. The triangular portions of gussets 54 and 56 include two adjacent bottom section panels that are sealed together and extend into their respective gussets. For example, adjacent bottom surfaces 26 a and 26 d extend beyond the plane of their bottom surfaces along intersecting edges and are sealed together to form one side of first gusset 54 . Similarly, adjacent bottom surfaces 26 c and 26 d extend beyond the plane of their bottom surfaces along intersecting edges and are sealed together to form opposite sides of first gusset 54 . Similarly, second gusset 56 is similarly formed from adjacent bottom surfaces 26a-26b and 26b-26c. Gussets 54 and 56 may contact a portion of bottom section 26 where gussets 54 and 56 may contact bottom surfaces 26b and 26d that cover them, while bottom section panels 26a and 26c may contact at bottom edge 46. remains exposed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, gussets 54 and 56 of flexible container 10 may extend further into bottom handle 14 . In embodiments in which gussets 54 and 56 are located adjacent bottom section panels 26b and 26d, bottom handle 14 may also extend across bottom surfaces 26b and 26d and extend between pairs of panels 18 and 20. Bottom handle 14 may be located along a central portion or midpoint of bottom section 26 between front panel 22 and rear panel 24 .

The bottom handle 14 allows up to four layers of film (one layer for each panel 18, 20, 22, 24) sealed together when four film webs are used to make the container 10. can contain. When more than four webs are used to make the container, the handle will contain the same number of webs used to make the container. Any portion of bottom stem 14 that is not completely sealed together by heat sealing all four layers is adhered together in any suitable manner, such as tack sealing, to form a fully sealed multi-layer bottom stem 14. can be formed. Bottom stem 14 may have any suitable shape and will generally take the shape of a film edge. For example, typically a film web has a rectangular shape when unwound such that the ends of the film web have straight edges. Therefore, the bottom handle 14 will also have a rectangular shape.

Additionally, the bottom handle 14 may include a handle opening 16 or cut-out section therein that is sized to fit a user's hand. Opening 16 may be of any shape that is convenient for fitting the hand, and in one aspect opening 16 may have a generally oval shape. In another aspect, opening 16 may have a generally rectangular shape. Additionally, the opening 16 of the bottom handle 14 may also have a flap 38 containing cut material forming the opening 16 . To define the opening 16, the handle 14 may have a section that is a cutout of the multi-layered handle 14 along three sides or portions while attached at the fourth side or bottom portion. This provides a flap of material 38 that can be pushed through the opening 16 by the user and folded over the edge of the opening 16 to provide a relatively smooth gripping surface at the edge that contacts the user's hand. . If the flap of material is cut out completely, this leaves an exposed fourth side or bottom edge that can be relatively sharp and can cut or scratch a hand when placed thereon. be.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the portion of the bottom handle 14 that adheres to the bottom section 26 includes a permanent mechanical fold 42 or score line that causes the handle 14 to consistently fold in the same direction. can be done. The machine folds 42 may include fold lines that allow folding in a first direction toward the front side panel 22 and limit folding in a second direction toward the rear panel 24 . As used throughout this application, the term "restrict" can mean that it is easier to move in one direction or first direction than to move in the opposite direction, such as a second direction. . The machine crease 42 can be thought of as providing a substantially permanent fold line in the handle that tends to fold in the first direction so that the handle 14 can be consistently folded in the first direction. . This machine crease 42 in the bottom handle 14 can serve multiple purposes, one is that when users remove the product from the container 10, they can grasp the bottom handle 14 and use it to aid pouring. is easily bent in a first direction. The bottom handle 14 can then be folded under the container 10 adjacent one of the bottom section panels 26a when the flexible container 10 is stored in an upright position, as shown in FIG. As such, the machine folds 42 in the bottom handle 14 encourage the handle 14 to fold along the machine folds 42 in the first direction. The weight of the product may also apply a force to the bottom handle 14 such that the weight of the product may push the handle 14 further and maintain the handle 14 in the folded position in the first direction. In one embodiment, the top handle 12 may also include similar machine folds 34a, 34b that also allow it to be consistently folded in the same first direction as the bottom handle 14.

Additionally, as the flexible container 10 is emptied and less product remains, the bottom handle 14 is designed to help the flexible container 10 remain upright without support and tipping over. , can continue to provide support. Since the bottom handle 14 is generally sealed along its entire length extending between the pair of side panels 18 and 20, it will remain in the gussets 54 and 56 (FIGS. 1, 2) even when the container 10 is empty. together and help to continue to provide support for the container 10 to stand upright.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the top handle 12 extends vertically or substantially vertically upwardly from the top section 28 and, in particular, from the four panels 28a-28d that make up the top section 28. can extend. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the four panels 28a-28d of film that extend into the top handle 12 are all sealed together to form the multi-layer top handle 12. As shown in FIG. The top stalk 12 may have a U shape, particularly an upside down U shape from which the horizontal upper stalk portion 12a has a pair of spaced apart legs 13 and 15 extending therefrom. Legs 13 and 15 extend from top section 28 adjacent inlet 30 , with one leg 13 on one side of inlet 30 and the other on the other side of inlet 30 . It has legs 15 , each leg 13 , 15 extending from opposite portions of top section 28 .

The bottommost edge of upper handle portion 12 a when extended to a position above inlet 30 is sufficiently tall to clear the top edge of inlet 30 . When the handle 12 is extended in a perpendicular position relative to the top section 28, a portion of the top handle 12 may extend over the inlet 30 and over the top section 28, particularly the upper handle portion 12a. The whole may be above inlet 30 and top section 28 . The two pairs of legs 13 and 15 and the upper handle portion 12a together form a handle 12 that encloses a handle opening through which the user can place their hands and hold the upper handle portion 12a of the handle 12. allows you to grasp the

In one embodiment, the apex stalk is an upstanding apex 12, as shown in FIG. As used herein, an "upstanding top stalk" is a top stalk formed from four panels such that the upper stalk portion 12a rests over the inlet 30 when the flexible container 10 is in the expanded configuration. manufactured (e.g., sealed) to be Upstanding top stalk 12 upstands or otherwise extends vertically or substantially vertically from top section 28 such that horizontal upper stalk portion 12a rests above inlet 30 without human manipulation. formed to extend. In this sense, the upright apical stalk is "free-standing".

In one embodiment, the top handle 12 has permanent mechanical folds 34a, 34b that allow folding in a first direction toward the front side panel 22 and limit folding in a second direction toward the rear side panel 24. can have A machine fold 34a, 34b may be located in each leg 13, 15 where the seal begins. The handle 12 may be adhered together, such as with a tack adhesive, beginning at the machine fold portions 34a, 34b to and including the horizontal upper handle portion 12a of the handle 12. Alternatively, the two machine folds 34a, 34b in the handle 12 are angled such that the handle 12 is consistently folded or bent in the same first direction as the bottom handle 14, rather than in the second direction Y. can allow it to be As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 12 also has a bottom handle 14 so that the handle material is not sharp and can prevent a user's hand from being cut by any sharp edges of the handle 12 . Similarly, it may include a flap portion 36 that folds upward toward the upper handle portion 12a of the handle 12 to form a smooth gripping surface of the handle 12. As shown in FIG.

When the container 10 is in a rest position, such as when the container 10 is upright on its bottom section 26, as shown in FIG. The top handle 12 can be folded under the container 10 along the bottom machine fold 42 in a first direction so as to be parallel to the top handle 12 with the horizontal handle portion 12a extending straight above the inlet 30. exist. The flexible container 10 can stand upright even when the bottom handle 14 is positioned below the upstanding flexible container 10 .

In one embodiment, the flexible container may include an appendage or spout located in the side wall and the top handle is formed essentially in or from the top portion or section. The top handle may be formed from four panels 18, 20, 22, 24, each panel extending from its respective side wall, with the top section of the container converging into the handle so that they are one and the same. , extending into a side wall or flap located at the top end of the container so as to have the inlet on the side of the extended handle rather than below.

Materials of construction for the flexible container 10 may include food grade plastics. For example, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene (such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or low density polyethylene (LDPE)) may be used, as discussed below. The film of flexible container 10 may have sufficient thickness to maintain product and package integrity during manufacturing, distribution, product shelf life, and customer use. In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has a thickness from 100 micrometers, or 200 micrometers, or 250 micrometers to 300 micrometers, or 350 micrometers, or 400 micrometers. The film material may also be such that it provides adequate air pressure within flexible container 10 to maintain a product shelf life of at least about 180 days. Such multilayer films have low oxygen transmission rates of 0, or greater than 0 , 0.4 cc, or 1.0 cc/m ² /24 hours/atmosphere) at 23° C. and 80% relative humidity (RH). (OTR) may include an oxygen barrier film. In addition, the flexible multilayer film forming each panel also has a 0, or greater than 0, or 0.2, or 1.0 to 5.0, or 10.0 at 38°C and 90% RH. , or a water vapor barrier film, such as a film having a low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 15.0 g/m ² /24 hours. Furthermore, it may be desirable to use materials of construction that are oil and/or chemical resistant, especially in the sealing layer, but not only in the sealing layer. The flexible multilayer film is either printable or compatible to receive pressure sensitive labels or other types of labels for displaying indicia on the flexible container 10. obtain.

In one embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is made from a flexible multilayer film having at least one, at least two, or at least three layers. Flexible multilayer films are elastic, flexible, deformable and pliable. The flexible multilayer film structure and composition for each panel may be the same or different. For example, each of the four panels may be made from separate webs, each web having a unique structure and/or a unique composition, finish, or print. Alternatively, each of the four panels may be of identical construction and identical composition.

In one embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is a flexible multilayer film having identical construction and identical composition.

The flexible multilayer film may be (i) a coextruded multilayer structure, or (ii) a laminate, or a combination of (i) and (ii). In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has at least three layers: a sealing layer, an outer layer, and a tie layer therebetween. A tie layer abuts the sealing layer to the outer layer. A flexible multilayer film may include one or more optional inner layers disposed between the sealing layer and the outer layer.

In some embodiments, the flexible multi-layer film has at least 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7 , 8, or 9, or 10, or 11 It is a coextruded film having the above layers. For example, some methods used to construct films are by cast or blow coextrusion, adhesive lamination, extrusion lamination, thermal lamination, and coating such as vapor deposition. A combination of these methods is also possible. In addition to polymeric materials, the film layer contains stabilizers, slip additives, anti-stick additives, processing aids, clarifying agents, nucleating agents, pigments or colorants, fillers and reinforcing agents commonly used in the packaging industry. It may also contain additives such as agents. It is particularly useful to select additives and polymeric materials that have suitable organoleptic and/or optical properties.

Non-limiting examples of suitable polymeric materials for the sealing layer include olefin-based polymers (including any ethylene/C ₃ -C ₁₀ α-olefin copolymers, linear or branched), propylene-based polymers (plastomers and elastomers, random propylene copolymers, propylene homopolymers, and propylene impact copolymers), ethylene-based polymers (plastomers and elastomers, high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), linear low density polyethylene ( "LLDPE"), medium density polyethylene ("MDPE"), ethylene-acrylic acid or ethylene-methacrylic acid and their ionomers with zinc, sodium, lithium, potassium, magnesium salts, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of suitable polymeric materials for the outer layers include those used to make biaxially or monoaxially oriented films and coextruded films for lamination. Some non-limiting examples of polymeric materials are biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET), monoaxially oriented nylon (MON), biaxially oriented nylon (BON), and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). Other polymeric materials useful in constructing film layers for structural benefits include propylene-based plastomers such as polypropylene (propylene homopolymer, random propylene copolymer, propylene impact copolymer, and thermoplastic polypropylene (TPO), such as VERSIFY ( (trademark) or VISTAMAX (trademark)), polyamides (nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,66, nylon 6,12, nylon 12, etc.), polyethylene norbornene, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyesters, copolyesters (such as PETG), cellulose esters, polyethylene and copolymers of ethylene (eg, LLDPE based on ethylene octene copolymers such as DOWLEX™, hybrids thereof, and multi-layer combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of suitable polymeric materials for the tie layer include functionalized ethylene-based polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”); any polyethylene, ethylene copolymer, or anhydride grafted to a polyolefin such as polypropylene; and ethylene acrylate copolymers such as ethylene methyl acrylate (“EMA”); glycidyl-containing ethylene copolymers; INTUNE™ (PP-OBC) and INFUSE™ (PE-OBC) (both from The Dow propylene and ethylene-based olefin block copolymers (OBC) such as those available from Chemical Company); and hybrids thereof.

Flexible multilayer films may include additional layers that may contribute structural integrity or provide specific properties. Additional layers may be added by direct means or by using appropriate tie layers to adjacent polymer layers. Polymers that may provide additional mechanical performance such as stiffness or opacity, and polymers that may provide gas barrier properties or chemical resistance may be added to this structure.

Non-limiting examples of suitable materials for the optional barrier layer include copolymers of vinylidene chloride with methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, or vinyl chloride (e.g., SARAN resins available from The Dow Chemical Company), vinyl Examples include ethylene alcohol (EVOH) and metal foil (aluminum foil, etc.). Alternatively, modified polymer films such as vapor deposited aluminum or silicon oxide on films such as BON, OPET, or OPP when used in laminate multilayer films can be used to obtain barrier properties.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is LLDPE (sold under the tradename DOWLEX™ (The Dow Chemical Company)), single-site LLDPE (tradename AFFINITY™ or ELITE™ (The Dow Chemical Company)). (The Dow Chemical Company), propylene-based plastomers or elastomers such as VERSIFY™ (The Dow Chemical Company), and hybrids thereof. includes a seal layer that is applied. The optional tie layer is selected from either ethylene-based olefin block copolymer PE-OBC (sold as INFUSE™) or propylene-based olefin block copolymer PP-OBC (sold as INTUNE™). The outer layer comprises greater than 50 wt% resin(s) having a melting point Tm of 25°C, 30°C, or 40°C, or higher than the melting point of the polymer in the seal layer, wherein the outer layer polymer is VERSIFY or VISTAMAX , ELITE™, HDPE, or a propylene-based polymer such as propylene homopolymer, propylene impact copolymer, or TPO.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is coextruded.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is LLDPE (sold under the tradename DOWLEX™ (The Dow Chemical Company)), single-site LLDPE, such as (tradename AFFINITY™ or ELITE™ ( from substantially linear or linear olefin polymers, including polymers sold by The Dow Chemical Company), propylene-based plastomers or elastomers such as VERSIFY™ (The Dow Chemical Company), and hybrids thereof. Including the selected sealing layer. The flexible multilayer film also includes an outer layer that is polyamide.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film and the sealing layer is an ethylene-based polymer, such as a linear or substantially linear polymer, or a Tm of 55°C to 115°C, and 0 ethylene and 1-butene, ^{1 -} hexene ^, or Composed of a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer with an alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-octene, the outer layer is composed of a polyamide having a Tm between 170°C and 270°C.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film having at least five layers, wherein the coextruded film comprises an ethylene-based polymer, such as a linear or substantially linear polymer, or ethylene and having a seal layer composed of a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer with an alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene, wherein the ethylene-based polymer is , a Tm of 55° C.-115° C., and a density of 0.865-0.925 g/cm ³ , alternatively 0.875-0.910 g/cm ³ , alternatively 0.888-0.900 g/cm ³ ; The outermost layer is composed of a polyamide with a Tm between 170°C and 270°C.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film having at least 7 layers. The seal layer is a single-site catalyzed ethylene-based polymer, such as a linear or substantially linear polymer, or ethylene and an alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. Composed of a linear or substantially linear polymer, the ethylene-based polymer has a Tm from 55° C. to 115° C. and from 0.865 to 0.925 g/cm ³ , or from 0.875 to 0.910 g/cm ³ , or have a density of 0.888-0.900 g/cm ³ . The outer layer is a polyamide with a Tm between 170°C and 270°C.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film comprises an ethylene-based polymer, or a linear or substantially linear polymer, or ethylene having a heat seal initiation temperature (HSIT) of from 65° C. to less than 125° C.; It includes a sealing layer composed of a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer with an alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. In further embodiments, the sealing layer of the flexible multi-layer film has a temperature of 65°C, or 70°C, or 75°C, or 80°C, or 85°C, or 90°C, or 95°C, or 100°C to 105°C. , or 110°C, or 115°C, or 120°C, or HSIT less than 125°C. Applicants have found that a sealing layer comprising an ethylene-based polymer having an HSIT of 65°C to less than 125°C advantageously provides a positive seal around the complex perimeter of a flexible container and the formation of a positively sealed rim. I found it possible. Ethylene-based polymers with HSIT from 65° C. to less than 125° C. are robust sealants that also allow better sealing to hard appendages that tend to fail. Ethylene-based polymers with HSIT between 65°C and 125°C allow for lower heat sealing pressures/temperatures during container manufacture. A lower heat seal pressure/temperature results in lower stress at the gusset fold point and lower stress at the joint of the top and bottom section films. This improves film integrity by reducing wrinkling during container manufacture. Reduced stresses at folds and seams improve the mechanical performance of the finished container. Low HSIT ethylene-based polymers are sealed at temperatures below the temperature that weakens the outer layer.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded 5-layer film or a coextruded 7-layer film having at least two layers containing an ethylene-based polymer. The ethylene-based polymer may be the same or different for each layer.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded 5-layer or coextruded 7-layer film having at least two layers containing polyamide polymer.

In one embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is an ethylene-based polymer, ie, a linear or substantially linear polymer, or ethylene and 1-butene, 1-hexene, having a Tm of 90° C. to 104° C. , or a seven-layer coextruded film with a seal layer composed of a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer with an alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-octene. The outer layer is a polyamide with a Tm between 170°C and 270°C. The film has an inner layer (first inner layer) composed of a second ethylene-based polymer that is different from the ethylene-based polymer in the seal layer. The film has an inner layer (second inner layer) composed of a polyamide that is the same or different from the polyamide in the outer layer. A seven layer film has a thickness of 100 micrometers to 250 micrometers.

Flexible container 10 has an expanded configuration (shown in FIGS. 1-4) and a collapsed configuration shown in FIG. When the container 10 is in the collapsed configuration, the flexible container is in a flattened or otherwise empty condition. Gusset panels 18 , 20 are folded inward (dotted lines in FIG. 5 ) and sandwiched by front panel 22 and rear panel 24 .

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of bottom seal area 33 and front panel 26a of FIGS. The fold lines 60 and 62 of each gusset panel 18, 20 are separated by a distance U of 0 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm to 12.0 mm, or 60 mm, or greater than 60 mm. . In one embodiment, distance U varies based on the size and volume of flexible container 10 . For example, the flexible container 10 may have a distance U (mm) of greater than 0 mm to 3 times the volume of the container (liters). For example, a 2 liter flexible container may have a distance U from greater than 0 to 6.0 mm or less. In another example, a 20 liter flexible container 10 has a distance U greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 60 mm.

FIG. 3 shows line A (defined by inner edge 29a) intersecting line B (defined by inner edge 29b) at cusp 35a. BDISP 37a is on distal inner seal arc 39a. The apex 35a is greater than 0 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 2.6 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9 mm to 4.0 mm , or 4.0 mm from BDISP 37a. separated by a distance S having a length of 5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm, or 6.5 mm, or 7.0 mm, or 7.5 mm, or 7.9 mm be done.

In FIG. 3, an overseal 64 is formed in which four peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d converge in the bottom seal area. The overseal 64 includes a quadruple portion 66 where a portion of each panel (18, 20, 22, 24) is heat sealed to a portion of every other panel. Each panel becomes one ply in a four ply heat seal. Overseal 64 also includes a two-ply portion 68 where two panels (front panel 22 and rear panel 24) are sealed together. Consequently, as used herein, an "overseal" is subject to a subsequent heat-sealing operation (and is subject to at least two heat-sealing operations combined) where the peripheral taper seal converges. area. The overseal 64 is located within the peripheral tapered seal and does not extend into the chamber of the flexible container 10 . Each panel 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 extends from bottom seal area 33 to neck 27 and each panel is sealed to inlet 30 . In one embodiment, each panel 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 extends from overseal 64 to neck 27 and each panel is sealed to inlet 30 .

In one embodiment, cusps 35a are located above overseal 64 . Point 35a is separated from overseal 64 and does not contact it. BDISP 37a is located above overseal 64 . BDISP 37a is separated from overseal 64 and does not contact it.

In one embodiment, cusp 35a is located between BDISP 37a and overseal 64, overseal 64 does not contact cusp 35a, and overseal 64 does not contact BDISP 37a.

The distance between cusp 35a and the top edge of overseal 64 is defined as distance W shown in FIG. In one embodiment, the distance W has a length of 0 mm, or greater than 0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 4.0 mm to 1 , 6.0 mm, or 8.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 15.0 mm.

When four or more webs are used to make the container, portion 68 of overseal 64 may be a four-ply, or six-ply, or eight-ply portion.

Gusseted side panels 18, 20 join front panel 22 and rear panel 24 along perimeter seals to form a chamber.

Each perimeter seal has (i) a body seal inner edge (BSIE) having a bottom end and an opposing top end. (ii) a bottom tapered seal inner edge (b-TSIE) extends from the bottom edge of the BSIE; A top tapered seal inner edge (t-TSIE) extends from the BSIE top end. The t-TSIE has a length that is at least 1.1 times the length of the BSIE.

In one embodiment, there is a bottom angular arc between each BSIE and its respective b-TSIE.

The perimeter seal 41 shown in FIG. 1 is explained in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6, perimeter seal 41 of FIG. 1 is individually identified as perimeter seals 132a, 132b, 132c, and 132d. Each perimeter seal 132a-132d has opposite ends, a top end and a bottom end. Each perimeter seal 132a-132d includes a respective body seal inner edge (BSIE) 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d. Each perimeter seal 132a-132d further includes a respective tapered seal inner edge (TSIE) extending from the bottom and top ends of each respective BSIE. TSIEs 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d extend from the top end of each respective BSIE 134a-134d and are hereinafter collectively referred to as "t-TSIEs." TSIEs 138a, 138b, 138c, and 138d extend from the bottom end of each respective BSIE and are hereinafter collectively referred to as "b-TSIEs."

Arcs 140a-140d (or "CAs 140a-140d") extend between each BSIE and TSIE and connect or otherwise adjoin each b-TSIE to its respective BSIE end. Flexible container 10 has four arcs (or CA) 140a-140d. As best shown in FIG. 5, CA 140a extends between BSIE 134a and b-TSIE 138a. CA 140a connects BSIE 134a to b-TSIE 138a. It is understood that CAs 140b-140d connect their respective BSIEs and TSIEs in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to CA 140a. It is further understood that the angular arcs 140a-140d are different from the distal inner sealing arcs 39a, 39c of the bottom sealing area.

Flexible container 10 has BSIEs 134a-134d. Each BSIE 134a-134d has a length. The length of the BSIE is the distance between the arc and the vertex of the BSIE. The "vertex of BSIE" (or "apex") is the point where BSIE ends and t-TSIE begins. Figures 1 and 5 show that BSIE 134a has a length K from arc 140a to vertex 150a. The lengths of BSIEs 134b-134d are measured in a similar manner. Each BSIE 134a-134d may have the same or different length. In one embodiment, each BSIE 134a-134d has the same length.

Flexible container 10 has t-TSIEs 136a-136d. Each t-TSIE 136a-136d has a length. The length of the t-TSIE is the distance between the vertices and neck points of the BSIE. The “neck point” is the point where the t-TSIE touches neck 27 . Figures 1 and 5 show that t-TSIE 136a has a length M from apex 150a to neck point 152a. The length of each t-TSIE 136b-136d is measured in a similar manner. The length of each t-TSIE 136a-136d can be the same or different. In one embodiment, each t-TSIE 136a-136d has the same length.

In one embodiment, each BSIE has the same length (eg length K) and each t-TSIE has the same length (eg length M). Each t-TSIE 136a-d is 1.1, or 1.5 or 2.0, or 3.0, or 4.0 or 5.0 to 6.0 greater than the length of the respective BSIE 134a-134d , or 7.0, or 8.0, or 9.0, or 10.0 times the length. In other words, M/K is from 1.1, or 1.5 or 2.0, or 3.0, or 4.0 or 5.0 , 6.0, or 7.0, or 8.0, Or 9.0, or 10.0.

In one embodiment, the flexible container 10 includes top arcuate tapered seal inner edges (t-ATSIE) 236a, 236b, 236c, and 236d, as shown in FIGS. Each t-ATSIE 236a-236d has a radius of curvature Rc. The Rc of each t-ATSIE 236a-236d may be the same or different. Rc of each t-ATSIE is 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm, or 100 .0 mm to 150.0 mm , or 200.0 mm, or 250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm. In one embodiment, the Rc of each t-ATSIE is the same, 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm , or 75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm to 150.0 mm , or 200.0 mm, or 250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm.

In one embodiment, flexible container 10 has an aspect ratio of 1:1 to 3.0:1. As used herein, "aspect ratio" is the height of the flexible container divided by the width of the flexible container. Aspect ratio is measured when the flexible container is in an extended upright configuration (eg, when the container is filled with product), as shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, flexible container 10 is in an extended, upright position. Distance H is the height of flexible container 10 and distance I is the width of flexible container 10 . The aspect ratio is the distance H divided by the distance I.

In one embodiment, the flexible container 10 has a 1:1, or 1.2:1, or 1.2:1 , or 1.5:1 to , or has an aspect ratio of 3.0:1.

In one embodiment, the flexible container 10 is 0.25 liters (L), or 0.5L, or 0.75L, or 1.0L, or 1.5L, or 2.5L, or 3L, or 3L. .5 L, or 4.0 L, or 4.5 L, or 5.0 L , 6.0 L, or 7.0 L, or 8.0 L, or 9.0 L, or 10.0 L, or 20 L, or 30 L volume have

FIG. 7 shows a prior art flexible container 310 . A flexible container 10 having t-TSIEs 136a-136d (or ATSIEs 236a-236d) exhibits a larger aspect ratio compared to that of a four panel upright flexible container 310. FIG. Flexible container 310 has a width I that is the same length as width I of flexible container 10 . Container 310 has a height J that is less than height H of flexible container 10 . The aspect ratio H/I of flexible container 10 is greater than the aspect ratio J/I of prior art container 310 .

Returning to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which each BSIE 134a-134d has respective BSIE vertices 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d. Plane L passes through all four of BSIE vertices 150a-150d. The chamber volume from bottom section 26 to plane L and bounded by panels 18-24 (when flexible container 10 is in the expanded configuration) defines the lower container volume. The lower container volume is greater than 50% of the total flexible container 10 volume. Thus, plane L defines for flexible container 10 a lower container volume of more than 50% of the total volume.

In one embodiment, the lower container volume is from 51 vol.%, or 53 vol.%, or 55 vol.%, or 60 vol.%, or 65 vol.%, or 70 vol.%, or 75 vol.% of the total volume of flexible container 10. % by volume.

Flexible container 10 may be used to store any number of flowable substances therein. In particular, fluid food products may be stored within flexible container 10 . In one aspect, fluid food products such as salad dressings, sauces, dairy products, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup and other condiments, beverages such as water, juice, milk or syrup, carbonated beverages, beer, wine, animal feed , pet food and the like can be stored in the flexible container 10 .

Flexible containers 10 include, but are not limited to, oils, paints, greases, chemicals, cleaning liquids, washing fluids, suspensions of solids in liquids, and solid particulate matter (powder, particles, granular solids). Suitable for storage of other flowable substances without limitation.

The flexible container 10 is suitable for storage of flowable substances that have higher viscosities and require application of a squeezing force to the container in order to dispense. Non-limiting examples of such squeezable flowable substances include greases, butters, margarines, soaps, shampoos, animal feeds, sauces, and infant foods.

By way of example and not by way of limitation, some embodiments of the disclosure will now be described in detail in the following examples.

Two flexible containers (comparative sample and Example 1) is produced. The dimensions of each flexible container are provided in Table 1 below.

Fall test. Put a non-slip mat on the board. Place the filled flexible container on a non-slip mat. One end of the plate is lifted by hand (lifted end) while the other end of the plate (fixed end) remains in contact with a horizontal support surface. The tipping point is determined when the flexible container begins to lift off the lifted plate. Take a picture of the flexible container on the raised board at the tipping point. The angle of the plate relative to the horizontal support surface is measured with Adobe Illustrator™. The results of the fall test are reported as the fall angle (in degrees) between the board and the horizontal plane and the fall point.

The roll test was performed on (i) a polyethylene pellet-filled flexible container and (ii) a water-filled flexible container with a side roll (gusset panel toward the fixed end) and a front roll (front side roll). panel toward the fixed end). The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Billboard area. Each flexible container is filled with polyethylene pellets. For each of the two flexible containers (comparative sample, Example 1), front side photographs are taken with the respective shapes of flexible container 310 and flexible container 10 of the present invention. Import the photo into Adobe Illustrator™. For each flexible container, draw the shape of the front perimeter. Draw the shape around the apical stalk void. Logic within Adobe Illustrator™ calculates the area of the front surface shape and also the area of the apex stalk void. The area of the apex void is subtracted from the area of the front surface and reported as "Billboard Area" in Table 1 below.

aspect ratio. In Table 1, the aspect ratios for the Comparative Samples and Example 1 are calculated by dividing the "Vertical Rest Height to Top of Inlet" value by the "Footprint Width" value.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and figures contained herein, but rather the modifications of these embodiments, such as portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments that are within the scope of the following claims. It is specifically intended to include
It should be noted that the present invention includes the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
A flexible container,
A. comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel;
said double gusseted side panels join said front panel and said rear panel along a perimeter seal to form a chamber;
B. Each perimeter seal is
(i) a body seal inner edge (BSIE) having a bottom end and an opposing top end;
(ii) a bottom tapered seal inner edge (b-TSIE) extending from said BSIE bottom edge;
(iii) having a top tapered seal inner edge (t-TSIE) extending from said BSIE top end;
C. the t-TSIE has a length that is at least 1.1 times greater than the length of the BSIE;
each BSIE top end has a vertex,
the plane containing all four BSIE vertices defines the lower vessel volume;
A flexible container, wherein the lower container volume is at least 51% of the total volume of the flexible container.
[Aspect 2]
A flexible container according to aspect 1, wherein the length of the t-TSIE is 1.1 to 10 times the length of the BSIE.
[Aspect 3]
3. The flexible container of aspect 2, wherein said flexible container includes four BSIEs, each BSIE having a respective t-TSIE extending from said BSIE top end.
[Aspect 4]
4. The flexible container according to any one of aspects 1-3, comprising a handle.
[Aspect 5]
The flexible container of any one of aspects 1-4, comprising a top handle and a bottom handle.
[Aspect 6]
6. The flexible container of aspect 5, wherein the top stalk is an upstanding top stalk.
[Aspect 7]
A flexible container according to any one of aspects 1-6, wherein each t-TSIE is a top arcuate tapered seal inner edge (t-ATSIE) having a radius of curvature Rc of 1.0 mm to 300 mm.

Claims (6)

A flexible container,
A. comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel;
said first and second gusseted side panels joining said front panel and said rear panel along a perimeter seal to form a chamber;
B. Each perimeter seal is
(i) a body seal inner edge (BSIE) having a bottom end and an opposing top end;
(ii) a bottom tapered seal inner edge (b-TSIE) extending from said BSIE bottom edge;
(iii) having a top tapered seal inner edge (t-TSIE) extending from said BSIE top end;
C. The t- TSIE is 1 . having a length of 1 to 10.0 times,
each BSIE top end has a vertex,
the plane containing all four BSIE vertices defines the lower vessel volume;
The flexible container, wherein the lower container volume is between 51% and 75% by volume of the total volume of the flexible container. The flexible container of Claim 1 , wherein said flexible container includes four BSIEs, each BSIE having a respective t-TSIE extending from said BSIE top end. 3. A flexible container according to claim 1 or 2 , comprising a handle. A flexible container according to any preceding claim , comprising a top handle and a bottom handle. 5. The flexible container of Claim 4 , wherein the top stalk is an upstanding top stalk. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein each t- TSIE is a top arcuate tapered seal inner edge (t-ATSIE) having a radius of curvature Rc of 1.0 mm to 300 mm.