WO2004037674A1

WO2004037674A1 - Spout and container made from flexible film

Info

Publication number: WO2004037674A1
Application number: PCT/CA2003/001630
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luc Marcel Lafond
Original assignee: Luc Marcel Lafond
Priority date: 2002-10-25
Filing date: 2003-10-24
Publication date: 2004-05-06
Also published as: AU2003275849A1

Abstract

A container (3) includes a spout (14) with two opposing collars pieces. The spout (14) is connected with an opening in the container. At least one of the collar pieces (14, 64, 664) is flexible yet resilient and operates between closed and opened positions. The container (13) also includes a tubular neck that moves along with the collar pieces, between the closed and open positions. The neck is made with two opposing flexible walls. The flexible walls of the neck may extend to form the flexible walls of a chamber to store dispensable material within the container. The neck may be folded to be in the closed position, and unfolded to be in the open position. The spout (14) may be locked in the closed position. The spout (14) may define a mouthpiece. Initially, the spout (14) may be covered with a removable flap. The spout may be provided with detents corresponding to one or both of the open and closed positions. The container may be provided with a textured gripping surface. The gripping surface may be reinforced with ribs (7) defining air filled pockets

Description

SPOUT AND CONTAINER MADE FROM FLEXIBLE FILM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container made from flexible film, including thermoplastic films and other plastics, including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polyester, composite films and laminated films. The invention also relates to a spout which may be incorporated into a container made from flexible film.

The invention also includes a container having an inner storage chamber made from flexible materials. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many conventional containers for beverages and other dispensable fluid products are made from rigid thermoplastics or from flexible films. Those conventional containers are either substantially rigid, preformed bottles and boxes or bag-like pouches with flexible walls. Conventional containers designed for beverages and other dispensable food items are often provided with various features to allow a user to drink or dispense the fluid contents from the container. However, those dispensing features are prone to various inefficiencies and inherent problems. For example, conventional beverage containers are often provided with small, pre-wrapped drinking tubes or straws in removable, sealed pouches secured to the containers. A user may tear open the sealed pouch, remove the straw and puncture the container with a sharpened end of the straw and insert the straw to drink the fluid contents. However, there are various problems inherent with these designs. For example, the pre-wrapped drinking tubes often become separated from their corresponding containers and the user is left without a straw. The user must either find a replacement straw (which may be particularly inconvenient) or the user may be forced to tear open the container to drink directly from the container. In many instances, it may be very undesirable to drink directly from the container because the container may be unsightly or dirty. Similar disadvantages arise where the containers are designed so that the user is expected to tear away a portion of the container and drink from an exposed spout such as in conventional waxed milk cartons. There are also other disadvantages associated with conventional container designs which are based on using pre-wrapped, sharpened drinking straws. The drinking straws and the wrappings may become separated from the containers, and thereby add to unsightly litter. Small children also risk injury from misusing sharp straws or from choking on tear away pieces of the plastic wrappings.

Many other conventional containers are made from rigid materials with preformed spouts sealed with twist caps. A user is then expected to twist open the cap and drink from the neck of the preformed spout, hold the cap and then reapply the cap in order to reseal the container and its partially emptied contents. Often the caps are dropped or soiled by handling when they are separated from the containers. When the rigid container is emptied, the user is left with a rigid, air filled container which may be inconvenient to carry in view of its size and rigid shape. Users may be tempted to throw away the spent containers as litter if they consider that it will be particularly inconvenient for them to carry the empty containers to a waste bin or recycling receptacle.

There are many other disadvantages associated with conventional container designs. It is desirable to provide spouts and containers which overcome one or more of the foregoing disadvantages, or other disadvantages inherent in those earlier designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention includes a container comprising a storage chamber made from one or more layers of a flexible film. The storage chamber may be formed by folding and then securing the one or more layers into the desired shape of the storage chamber. A spout is secured to the container, to allow a user to pour out the contents of the storage chamber. The spout may be formed as part of a container assembly, to replace the use of straws, sipping tubes and related packaging. The spout may be provided with a tear away closure, to allow the user to open the container.

In another aspect, the invention includes a spout for use with a variety of containers suitable for food, beverages, sauces, and other liquids, pastes and dispensable materials. For example, the spout may be reclosable to allow a user to re-store a partially emptied container for a beverage, food or other material. The spout may be used with rigid containers, for example, containers comprising inner chambers made from flexible films or other flexible components.

In one aspect, the invention is a container for dispensable materials. The container comprises a spout which is in fluid communication with an opening defined by the container for access to the contents of the container. The spout comprises a pair of opposing collar zones. At least one of the collar zones is flexible, yet rigid, and preferably having a memory so that the collar zone(s) return to their intended shapes when operating between a closed position and an open position. In some instances, only one of the collar zones will be flexibly rigid and the other collar zone will be rigid. The two collar zones may be manufactured from different materials. In other instances, the two collar zones may be manufactured from the same materials but they may be constructed differently so that only one collar zone has the desired characteristics. The container also comprises a tubular neck. The tubular neck comprises a pair of opposing flexible walls co-acting with the collar zones for operation between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments, the collar zones may be manufactured in a single, unitary collar element. For example, in some instances it may be desirable to manufacture collars in a single work piece, by injection molding or other conventional processes. In other instances, each collar zone may correspond to a separate collar piece. The separate collar pieces may be secured . together by welding, adhesives or other methods. In other embodiments, the separate collar pieces may be secured on opposite sides of the walls of the tubular neck. Many other variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

The container of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features.

The flexible walls of the neck may extend to define opposing walls of a chamber for containing dispensable materials within the container. The neck may be folded when in the closed position, and unfolded when in the open position.

The opposing collar zones of the spout may bend along a common axis extending along a common axis extending across the tubular neck. At least one of the collar zones may define a weakened bend zone to allow the collar zones to bend more easily about the common axis.

One of the collar zones may define a flexible band co-acting with a first one of the flexible walls of the neck, for operation between the closed position and the open position. When the spout is in the closed position, the flexible band may project through a recess defined by the other one of the opposing collar zones.

The neck or spout may be locked in the closed position, if desired.

The flexible walls of the neck may be positioned between the collar zones. The flexible walls may be secured to the collar zones. The spout may emit an audible signal when it operates between the closed position and the open position.

Initially, for transportation and storage, the spout may be covered with a removable flap to prevent soiling of the spout.

The spout may also be covered with a tamper indicating seal. The body of the container may include two opposing textured gripping surfaces. The textured gripping surfaces may be reinforced with ribs extending between opposing edges of the two textured surfaces.

The ribs may be formed from two layers of adjacent flexible film. The ribs may be sealed to form air filled compartments. The spout may be part of a mouthpiece provided with the container so that a person may drink from the container when the spout is in the open position. The spout may be provided with detents corresponding to one or both of the closed and open positions.

The container may also be designed so that, when it is empty, it may be collapsed into a roll. The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings which are appended to the application. The drawings are briefly described below.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 represents a pair of container boxes during manufacture along a continuous line within a packaging and filling machine.

FIG. 2 shows a filled and sealed container manufactured in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, in cross section, of a spout featured in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front, sectional view of the spout featured in the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial, sectional view of a container featuring the spout of FIGs. 3 and 4, with a portion of the spout deflected to seal the contents of the container in this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spout of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the spout of the present invention. FIG. 8A is an exploded view of a pair of opposing collar components of an embodiment of the spout of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of another spout of the present invention in which the collar pieces of FIG. 8A are attached, in the open position.

FIG. 8C is another representation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, in which the spout is shown in the closed position.

FIG. 9A is a representation of another embodiment of the container of the present invention in which another spout is illustrated, in the open position.

FIG. 9B is a representation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, in which the spout is shown in a closed position. FIG. 10 is a top, plan view showing the wall construction of one embodiment of a container of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top, plan view of another wall construction of another container embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a top, plan view of yet another wall construction of another embodiment of the container of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top, plan view of yet another wall construction of the container of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a further representation, of a top plan view of another wall construction of a container of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 , a filled, sealed and substantially completed lower container 3 is shown connected to a partially completed upper container 1. Lower container 3 may be filled with a liquid, including water, juice or other refreshments. Upper container 1 and lower container 3 are shown during a manufacturing operation carried on along a continuous feed of flexible thermoplastic film. In this embodiment, partially completed upper container 1 has undergone several folding and sealing operations to shape the partially completed container and apply a laminated outer sheet featuring reinforcing ribs. With reference to lower container 3, reinforcing ribs 7 extend across substantially all of the front wall of the container 3. The reinforcing ribs may be formed by embossing a separate film of thermoplastic material and thereafter securing that embossed sheet to another film feed used to form the inner walls of the container structure. The exterior laminated sheet may be secured to the inner wall of the container by welding brought about by the application of heat to suitable, compatible thermoplastic materials. In other instances, adhesives or other steps may be applied to secure the outer laminated material to the inner walls of the container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the embossed outer sheet is welded to the side wall 15 of the inner layer of the container along a seam represented by frontal overlapping edge 12. A corresponding reinforced, embossed outer laminated layer is attached to the back wall 10 of the container along a seam represented by rear, overlapping edge 13. Bottom wall 4 of the container 3 is sealed through folding and welding a combination of overlapping flaps (not shown). Front wall 5 is shown with a plurality of parallel, reinforcing ribs 7. Each reinforcing rib may be manufactured to provide a sealed pocket of air. The sealed air in the ribs will act to cushion the outer walls against deflection or distortion. However, in other embodiments, other patterns or reinforcing elements may be used in place of a laminated, embossed layer of film. For example, a layer of other material may be secured to a container core formed from flexible film. By way of an example, a layer of reinforcing material may be provided by cardboard, or other thermoplastic materials selected for their rigidity and compatibility with the flexible core of the container. In some cases, rigidity may be provided by a thicker, single layer of suitable thermoplastic film. With reference to FIG. 1 , upper flap 6 of the container is folded and shaped to provide a substantially flat, top surface for the lower container 3. The upper flap 6 is made by shaping and folding right inner flap 8 and left inner flap 9 to project inwardly to form left fold tip 11 and right fold tip 11'.

In this representation, left fold tip 11 and right fold tip 11' are separated by a distance slightly greater than the illustrated width of spout 14. The separation distance between left fold tip 11 and right fold tip 11' is preferably greater than the illustrated width of spout 14, to ensuring easier opening and access to the fluid contents. Spout inlet 16 allows fluid communication between the channel within spout 14 and the main chamber formed within the core of the container 3.

Upper flap 6 is connected to upwardly projecting folded web 17. Folded web 17 is joined to welded web 19 which forms a textured gripping surface along . the top edge of the container 3. Terminal edge 20 represents the boundary between lower welded flap 22 of upper container 1. During the manufacturing process, the filled and sealed container 3 is detached from upper container 1 as the latter container proceeds further through the manufacturing cycle. Lower welded flap 22 is preferably welded to bottom wall 24 of upper container 1. Flap 22 may be folded to overlay and further reinforce left welded flap 28 and right welded flap 29 incorporated in bottom wall 24 of container 1.

With reference to FIG. 2, lower container 3 is shown detached from upper container 1. In this embodiment, spout 14 together with welded web 19 and folded web 17 are shown projecting upwardly from the body of the container 3. In other, preferred embodiments, the folded web 17 and welded web 19 may be folded over to lie flat against upper flap 6 of the container. Space saving and other advantages may be obtained by securing webs 17 and 19 to the upper portion of container 3. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 welded web 19 includes outer welded seams 30 and 30' made of four laminated layers of flexible film. Inner welded seams 33 and 33' represent welded zones made from two laminated layers of flexible film. A tear away closure 21 is shown securely fixed to the top of spout 14. The tear away closure 21 is made of welded flexible film which seals the opening of the spout 14. The tear away closure 21 may be removed by tearing the closure piece along the upper edge of spout 14. Various embodiments of a tear away closure are possible. In some instances, it may be desirable to fix one end or another portion of the tear away closure 21 so that once the closure 21 is torn away to expose the opening of spout 14, the closure piece remains affixed to the container and does not separate to form a small, annoying piece of refuse.

When the tear away closure is removed from the spout, the vacuum within the sealed container is released. The upper wall 6 of the container may be lifted, so that the inner flaps 8 and 9 will unfold to create an empty headspace above the fluid level within the filled container.

In a most preferred embodiment of a container for foods or beverage products, the combined dimensions of webs 17 and 19 may be lengthened. For example, it may be desirable to protect the spout from contamination by folding the lengthened webs over the spout, to envelop the spout. The oversized web and enveloped spout may be secured to the top of the filled container with a tamper proof seal or other closure feature. The seal may be removed, the oversized web may be unfolded to expose the spout and allow the user to open the tear away closure.

In some instances, it may be particularly desirable to provide a collapsible container made from flexible materials. The walls of the container may be reinforced to prevent the container from collapsing when it is filled. However, the reinforced elements of the container may be designed to conveniently fold up or roll up when the container is emptied. For example, with reference to the container 3 shown in FIG. 2, ribs 7 run in parallel, horizontally across the container to provide reinforcement. These ribs may be designed to provide a second textured gripping surface, being on the body of the container in this embodiment, to allow the user to firmly hold the container when it is in use. However, when a suitably designed box is emptied, the single layer side walls may be collapsed, and the collapsed container may be rolled up along the vertical axis of the box. The reinforcing ribs 7 may be spaced apart, so that they will allow the reinforced walls to be rolled up when the container is empty. In certain cases, if the tamper proof seal is suitably designed, the opened seal may be re-used to secure the collapsed container in the rolled-up position, for convenient handling and disposal. This may be of particular advantage to joggers, travellers and others who have emptied their containers and are faced with the task of disposal at a remote trash bin. Empty conventional bottles, boxes and rigid packages are inconvenient to carry. However, many embodiments of the present invention may be adapted for convenient size reduction and disposal.

With reference to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the spout of the present invention is shown in a top, plan view. FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the embodiment of the spout shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the spout in FIGs. 3 and 4 shown affixed to a container 460. The spout is shown in a closed position. With reference to FIGs. 3 and 4, spout 42 includes a collar piece 14' secured to a first film layer 40. Collar piece 14' is secured to the first film layer 40 by thermal welding, application of adhesives, or other suitable means. Collar piece 14' is preferably made from a pre-stressed flexible, yet resilient material having a suitable memory allowing the collar piece to operate between open and closed positions. Collar piece 14' extends between first collar edge 44 and second collar edge 44'. Second film layer 41 is welded or otherwise secured to first film layer 40 along first spout seam 43 and second spout seam 43' to pre-form a sealed neck extending from spout opening 49 to the open tip of spout 42. Second film layer 41 is tightly secured between collar edges 44 and 44'. In FIGs. 3 and 4, the spout is shown in the open position. That is, an arcuate open channel extends along the length of the spout 42 from its opening 49 to its upper most tip.

In FIG. 5 the flexible, yet resilient collar piece 14' is bent along valve edge 45 so that the inner wall of the collar piece 14' is deformed to provide a straight edge along which first film layer 40 and second film layer 41 are stretched to close spout channel 46. In the illustrated embodiment, movable collar zone 141 has been deflected downwardly back toward stationary collar zone 144. The flexible yet resilient, collar piece 14' preferably snaps into a locked, closed position. To reopen the spout channel 46, movable collar zone 141 may be deflected upwardly, away from stationary collar zone 144 so that movable collar zone 141 snaps back into its fully open position. The collar piece 14' may be made of a suitable material having appropriate memory and other physical characteristics to enable it to return to its preformed, open position. Similarly, the flexible material selected to provide the first film layer 40 and second film layer 41 are preferably selected to provide suitable, physical and other characteristics, including flexibility and elasticity to enable those films to stretch over valve edge 45 to provide a taut seal when the spout is closed. In this embodiment, container 460 is shown with a generally envelope-like construction with a single left welded seam 48 and single right welded seam 48' extending vertically along the body of the container to form a pouch (including a pouch bottom which is not shown).

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the spout of the present invention. Container bag 160 is in part defined by left shoulder edge 67 and right shoulder edge 67'. Left shoulder edge 67 extends to left side wall 68. Right shoulder edge 67' extends to right side wall 68'. When filled, the front wall, back wall and side walls of container 160 bulge outwardly to form a bag-like container for fluids or other materials. In this embodiment, two opposing collar pieces are secured about a spout channel 646. First collar piece 64 is secured to second film layer 641. Preferably, the second film 641 is secured along the entire inner surface of collar piece 64.

First film layer 640 is preferably fully secured to second collar piece 664 along the entirety of the length of that collar piece 664. First collar piece 64 is provided with a hinge cut extending horizontally, within an inner zone of collar piece 64. The hinge cut 63 is provided to better enable movable collar zone 164' to bend in the direction toward the bottom of second collar piece 664. Hinge cut 63 opens slightly upon deflection of movable collar zone 164'. When the movable collar zone 164' is moved from the fully opened position (as shown in FIG. 6) to a fully closed position, in a preferred case, the movable collar zone 164' locks into a closed position. In a manner similar to that illustrated with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, first film layer 640 and second film layer 641 are stretched taut along a valve edge (not shown) formed within the spout of this embodiment. When desired, the movable collar zone 164' may be moved from its locked, open position by deflecting the movable collar zone away from the second collar piece 664, so that the movable collar zone 164' snaps back into its fully opened position.

In this embodiment, container bag 160 is provided with a tapered, reinforced seam 60 which slopes inwardly toward the spout from left shoulder edge 67 and right shoulder 67'. Left weld zone 62 and right weld zone 62' are shown as being made from four layers of folded and laminated flexible film. Left inner seam 61 and right inner seam 61' are both formed from welding two layers of film, namely, first film layer 640 and second film layer 641. Reinforced seam 60 may be provided with textured or patterned surface features to enhance better gripping of the container. For example, a better grip may be desirable if the container is damp with condensation (moisture).

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a spout of the present invention. A flexible bag-like container includes a reinforced seam 760. The reinforced seam 760 includes welded outer zones 762 and 762' which are both made up of four folded and welded layers of flexible film. The welded outer zones 762 and 762' extend inwardly along the shoulders of the bag toward the spout which includes frontal collar 764 and rear collar 766. The collars 764 and 766 are preferably made of a flexible, yet resilient material with suitable memory and other physical properties. Rear collar 766 is embossed with a hinge groove 750. The hinge groove 750 provides a weakened zone to allow the upper portion of rear collar 766 to more easily bend downwardly toward the bottom, stationary portion of frontal collar 764. The groove 750 may be formed as a depression on one surface of rear collar 766 rather than an elongated hole through collar 766. To close the spout, the upper, moveable portion of the spout will be deflected downwardly toward left latch hook 701 and right latch hook 702. Left collar edge 711 and right collar edge 712 of the spout will deflect downwardly toward the stationary portion of the spout, to engage with latch hooks 701 and 702. That is, left collar edge 711 will be received by first latch recess 721 and right collar edge 712 will be received within second latch recess 722. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, spout channel 746 is shown in the fully opened position. However, when the upper, moveable zone of the spout is deflected downwardly toward the stationary zone of the spout, and the spout tip is engaged with latch hooks 701 and 702, the first film layer 740 and second film layer 741 are stretched across a valve edge (not shown) to close the spout channel 746. In a preferred embodiment, the spout may be detached from latch hooks 701 and 702 so that the spout will snap back into its fully open position. Left inner welded zone 761 and right inner welded zone 761 ' connect welded outer zones 762 and 762' to the spout. Inner welded zones 761 and 761 ' are formed by welding together first film layer 740 and second film layer 741.

FIG. 8A shows another embodiment of two opposing collar pieces in an exploded arrangement. Rear collar piece 804 is positioned opposite front collar. piece 864. When assembled to form a spout, one or more layers of flexible film are secured to back inner wall 811 of rear collar piece 804. Similarly, one or more layers of flexible film may be secured to the upper portion of front inner wall 810 of front collar piece 864. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible layers of film secured to back inner wall 811 are welded, glued or otherwise secured to rear collar piece 804 along the length of the inner wall 811 , from its top edge 815 to its bottom edge 816. An opening or back recess 831 is provided in collar piece 804 with a size and configuration to receive flexible band 809 when band 809 is deflected inwardly toward back recess 831 , in the direction shown by arrow X. With reference to front collar piece 864, one or more layers of flexible film are secured to the upper portion of front inner wall 810 in an area corresponding approximately to upper spout zone 820. The one or more layers of flexible film are also securely fixed to left shoulder 821 and right shoulder 822 of front collar piece 864. When fully assembled, the layers of flexible film are sandwiched between the left and right shoulders of the front collar piece 864 and rear collar piece 804 and are securely sealed along those shoulders to ensure a leak-proof spout channel. In front collar piece 864, flexible band 809 forms a bridge extending along upper cut out 805 and lower cut out 806. A lower frame 819 defines the lower edge of front collar piece 864.

One embodiment of a container in which the collar pieces of FIG. 8A are included, is shown in FIGs. 8B and 8C to better illustrate the steps of closing a spout having these collar pieces. FIGs. 8B and 8C show an embodiment of a spout in which single layers of flexible film have been secured between opposing rear collar piece 804 and front collar piece 864. The first film layer

801 is secured along the inner wall of rear collar piece 804. Second film layer

802 is secured along the upper portion of front collar piece 864. The film layers 801 and 802 are sandwiched between and sealed along the left and right shoulders of the collar pieces to provide a leak proof spout channel 800.

In FIG. 8B the spout channel 800 is shown in the fully opened position. Flexible band 809 is shown projecting outwardly from spout channel 800. When flexible band 809 is deflected inwardly toward spout channel 800, in the. direction of arrow X, flexible band 806 pushes against second film layer 802, which in turn pushes against flexible film layer 801 , through back recess 831 of rear collar piece 804. As shown in FIG. 8C, first and second film layers 801 and 802 are stretched and extended along a valve edge defined by inwardly deflected flexible band 809. Film layers 801 and 802 are stretched, in close contact to shut off fluid flow through the spout channel 800. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible band 809 may be designed to snap into its fully closed position. Similarly, the flexible band may be positioned so that it may be snapped back to its fully opened position. by pressing against the exposed portions of first film layer 801 which protrude outwardly through back recess 831.

It may be desirable to provide the spout with an audible snapping feature which will alert the user to an opening or closure of the spout. This and other embodiments of the spout of the present invention may be configured and designed to allow the user to easily open and close the spout of a container.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention in which a flexible container bag 90 is shown. In FIG. 9A, the spout is shown in the fully opened position to expose spout opening 92. In FIG. 9B, the spout is fully closed. In the fully open position shown in FIG. 9A, a back collar piece 964 project rearwardly and away from a front collar piece 96. The inner wall of back collar piece 964 is secured to a layer of flexible film defining the back wall 98 of the container bag 90. Front collar piece 96 is secured to front wall 97, made from the same flexible material. That flexible material may include one or more layers of the same or different materials laminated together or otherwise secured together. It is preferred that in this embodiment, that the flexible material forming front wall 97 be secured to front collar piece 96 along the vertical weld zone 94 extending from the lower edge of front collar piece up to the upper edge of the front collar piece. In addition, it is preferable that the flexible film be secured to the inner wall of the front collar piece along the lateral weld zone 95. It will also be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that the opposing layers of the flexible film forming the front and back walls of the container bag will be suitably sealed along the vertical edges of the spout to prevent leakage along those edges. When opened, the front and back layers of flexible film are held apart by the outwardly bulging front and back collar pieces to define a spout opening 92.

In FIG. 9B, one of the collar pieces has been collapsed inwardly to snap shut, tightly, causing the sandwiched layers of flexible material to close the spout channel and in turn close the spout opening 92. In some embodiments of the invention it may be desirable to allow one or both of the collar pieces to collapse inwardly toward the other of the two collar pieces to provide this closing action. In the closed embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the back collar piece 964 has been snapped inwardly against front collar piece 96 so that lower edge 99 of the back collar piece 964 snuggly closes the sandwiched layers of flexible film against lower edge 91 of front collar piece 96. If the user chooses to reopen the container bag 90, the user may press against front collar piece 96 to return back collar piece 964 towards its original, open position. Preferably, front collar piece 96 is provided with a memory which will inhabit it from snapping up against back collar piece 964 when the back collar piece 964 is returned to its fully opened position. That is, it is preferable that at least one of the two collar pieces be provided with a memory to prevent the collar pieces from accidentally closing shut a second time, and ensure the opening of the spout channel.

Some of the embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to a single film construction, or a multi-layered construction made from a single material. However, other embodiments are possible. For example, in some instances, it may be desirable to use multi-layer laminated films, or multiple, individual layers of different materials. For example, it may be desirable to use a multi-layered laminate in which a single layer of polyester film is sandwiched between two outer layers of polyethylene film. Suitable measures may be taken to prevent delamination. In some embodiments of the present invention, it may be desirable to reinforce the walls of a container by folding and securing together two or more layers of laminated flexible film. Those reinforced and laminated layers of flexible film may then be used to form an inner core of a container for fluids, pastes, sauces and other dispensable materials. FIGs. 10 to 14 illustrate only . a few of the many different embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a single sheet of flexible film is shaped and folded to provide opposing reinforced, laminated rear wall 105 and reinforced, laminated front wall 106. The front and rear walls are joined together by first side wall 101 and second side wall 101', along their respective corners to form a container box 100. It will be appreciated that other layers of flexible film, reinforcing layers, or other elements may be added to enhance the performance characteristics of the container box. However, in the simplified embodiment featured in FIG. 10, a leak proof container box may be reinforced by a series of folding and shaping steps followed by application of heat or adhesive to weld the folded layers of film together. With reference to laminated rear wall 105, a triple layer, laminated construction is provided. The left inner film layer 107 is folded against a left second film layer 108, and a third, left outer film layer 109, and simultaneously, the right inner film layer 107' is folded up against right second film layer 108', which in turn is folded up against a right outer film layer 109' to provide a three-layer laminated rear wall 105. Similar steps are taken to form the laminated front wall 106. Although this embodiment is illustrated to show a laminated, three-layer construction, it is possible to provide other constructions in which fewer or more laminated layers are formed.

Another embodiment of a three-layer laminated construction is shown in FIG. 11. A container box 110 is formed with first side wall 111 and opposing second side wall 111'. Laminated rear wall 115 and laminated front wall 116 are both constructed with a laminated, three-layer construction. In this embodiment, an inner layer 117 of the flexible film extends substantially along the entirety of rear wall 115, in contact against a second folded layer 118 of the same flexible film, of similar dimension. A third, outer layer 119 of the same flexible film extends along the rear wall 115. After folding, the film is laminated together by heat welding, application of adhesive or using other steps or materials to secure those layers together.

In FIG. 12, yet another embodiment of a laminated wall construction is shown for a container box 120. The container box 120 is made from three sheets of flexible film. An outer layer of flexible film extends around and outside of two opposing, parallel, sheets of film, one of which forms an inner back wall 125 and the second of which forms an inner front wall 126. The outer wall sheet is closed and secured along an outer wall seam 128. Inner back wall 125 and inner front wall 126 are laminated with corresponding front and rear wall portions of the outer film to provide reinforced rear and front wall sections. Right side wall 121 and left side wall 121' are made of a single layer of flexible film construction.

In the foregoing examples, specific embodiments of the container of the invention have been described with reinforced walls. The reinforced walls may be provided to enhance the performance and rigidity of the filled container. In another embodiments, it may be desirable to reinforce the container in other ways. By way of an example, the flexible film material may be shaped, folded and welded (or otherwise constructed) to provide a reinforcing framework for the container.

FIGs. 13 and 14 illustrate two examples of a container box construction in which a single sheet of flexible film has been shaped, folded and then welded to provide a more rigid framework adjacent to the corners of the container box. In FIG. 13, container box 130 is shown in plan view. The container box 130 is made from a single layer of flexible film which has been shaped and folded to provide a three-layer, L-shaped bracing within corners 131, 132, 133 and 134. In a preferred embodiment, made of suitable thermoplastic film, the layers of flexible film may be laminated together by heat welding directed to the appropriate zones within the four illustrated corners. The reinforced, L- shaped braces may be secured to a laminated, multi-layered bottom wall and a reinforced top-wall of the container (not shown). The container box 130 is defined by interconnected left side wall 135, back wall 136, right side wall 135' and front wall 136'.

Another simplified reinforcing framework is illustrated in FIG. 14. An embodiment of a container box 140 of the present invention is shown having four reinforcing seams 145, 146, 147 and 148. Each reinforcing seam is constructed by shaping and folding a single layer of flexible film to form a folded flap along an edge of a side wall. By way of example, folded flap 149 is shaped, folded and constructed along the edge of right.front seam 146. After the flap 149 is shaped and folded, it is welded, contacted with adhesive, or otherwise treated to form a more rigid, laminated right front seam 146. Each of the resulting seams 145, 146, 147 and 148 may be in turn be secured to reinforced bottom wall and top wall portions of the container box.

Although the container of the invention has been described in terms of bag- like and box containers, other shapes and configurations will also be possible. Furthermore, the flexible film components of a container will not necessarily represent a major proportion of the size or weight of the overall container. For example, the flexible film component may be used together with a rigid outer shell for a container made of paper, cardboard, wood or other material. The flexible container component of the present invention may be used as a liner or storage compartment within a larger, outer shell, box or other container.

The embodiments described in this application are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limited to the specific features, elements, or steps as described herein. Further and other modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, thus making it possible to practice the other embodiments of the methods and products, all of which are within the scope and spirit of the present invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A container for dispensable materials comprising: a spout in fluid communication with an opening defined by the container, the spout comprising: a pair of opposing collar zones; at least one of the opposing collar zones being of flexibly rigid construction, operating between a closed position and an open position; and a tubular neck comprising a pair of opposing flexible walls co-acting with the collar zones for operation between the closed position and open position.

2. The container claimed in claim 1 , wherein the opposing flexible walls extend to define opposing walls of a chamber for containing dispensable materials.

3. The container claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the neck is folded in the closed position, and the neck is unfolded in the open position.

4. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the opposing collar zones bend along a common axis extending across the tubular neck.

5. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, or 4, wherein at least one of the collar zones defines a weakened bend zone.

6. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein one of the collar zones defines a flexible band co-acting with a first one of the flexible walls for operation between the closed position and the open position.

7. The container claimed in claim 6, wherein the flexible band projects through a recess defined by the other one of the opposing collar zones, when the spout is in the closed position.

8. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the neck may be locked in the closed position.

9. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the flexible walls are positioned between the opposing collar zones.

10. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the spout emits an audible signal when operating between the closed position and the open position.

11. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein the spout is initially covered by a removable flap.

12. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 , wherein the spout is initially covered by a tamper indicating seal.

13. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , or 12, wherein the collar zones are secured to the flexible walls.

14. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, or 13, further comprising two opposing, textured gripping surfaces.

15. The container claimed in claim 14, wherein the textured gripping surfaces are reinforced with a plurality of parallel ribs extending between opposing edges of.the two textured surfaces.

16. The container claimed in claim 15, wherein the ribs are defined by two layers of adjacent flexible film.

17. The container claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the ribs define sealed compartments filled with air.

18. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17 comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises the spout.

19. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the spout is provided with detents corresponding to one or both of the closed and open positions.

20. The container claimed in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, wherein the container, when empty, is collapsible into a roll.