WO2019113945A1

WO2019113945A1 - Refill pouch for pastilles

Info

Publication number: WO2019113945A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/116495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fengkai Wang; Yue Zhang
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 2017-12-15
Filing date: 2017-12-15
Publication date: 2019-06-20

Abstract

A refill pouch (1) containing pastilles comprises a dispensing zipper (11A) from greater than 30 mm to less than 70 mm in length measured in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (50) and in-between a first longitudinal seal edge (7B) and a first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A), wherein the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) is a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50). The dispensing zipper's (11A) length is less than 50% of the overall width of the pouch (measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) ). The pouch having certain dimensions provides users an improved refilling experience but yet allows manufacturers to maximize manufacturing efficiencies.

Description

REFILL POUCH FOR PASTILLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to pouch containing pastilles to refill rigid containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pastilles, especially those imparting scent, are growing in popularity. Examples include those for fabric care as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,453,189 B2; and CN103205328 B. These pastilles are often advertised as providing in-wash scent boosting. One example of a commercialized product is

UNSTOPLES^TM. This commercialized product is sold in a rigid container that includes a dosing cap.

The use of refill pouches containing product used to refill rigid containers are also growing in popularity given cost, convenience, and/or environmental reasons. These refill pouches are particularly popular for liquid compositions, e.g., liquid detergents. There is a need to provide such refill pouch for pastilles. However, a direct reapplication of pouches used for liquid compositions failed because users often spill the pastilles when refilling the rigid container. There is a need for a refill pouch that provides better dosing control by the user (e.g., minimizes pastilles spillage while dosing) .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the surprising discovery, at least in part, that the opening of the refill pouch used to dispense fabric care pastilles has optimized dimensions to balance the need of refill rigid containers to mitigate against clogging (from too small an orifice) and but also provides better dosing control, e.g., mitigate against spilling (from too large an orifice) . Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides for a pouch comprising a dispensing zipper: from greater than 30 mm to less than 70 mm in length measured in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis; and located in-between a first longitudinal seal edge and a first longitudinal partitioning seal edge. The first longitudinal seal edge is a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. The said dispensing zipper’s length is less than 50%of the overall width of the pouch (measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis) . Another aspect of the invention provides a method of refilling a rigid container comprising the step of pouring product (especially pastilles) from the pouch to the rigid container, wherein the rigid container has an opening diameter from 25 mm to 50 mm.

Another aspect of the invention provides for a kit comprising: the pouch; and the rigid container having an opening with a diameter from 25 mm to 50 mm, and optionally use instructions.

One advantage of the pouch is it’s easy to open and begin refilling the target rigid container with product (especially pastilles) .

Another advantage of the pouch is easy to control the product flow (especially pastilles) during the refilling process.

Another advantage of the pouch is easy to stop the product refilling (to the target rigid container) by minimizing spillage and/or flow, especially when the pouch contains additional product (for more than one refill) .

Another advantage is the pouch can be used for other products forms beyond pastilles (especially non-liquid forms) .

Another advantage is the pouch provides one or more of these benefits while minimizing costs, steps, or capital investment associated with manufacturing the pouch (and pouch containing product) .

These and other features, aspects and advantages of specific embodiments will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to limit the invention defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, and in which:

Figure 1 is a first intermediate pouch;

Figure 2 is a second intermediate pouch made from cutting the first intermediate pouch of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an empty pouch made from second intermediate pouch of Figure 2 just before filling it with pastilles;

Figure 4 is a pouch containing pastilles after the empty pouch of Figure 3 is filled with pastilles and sealed; and

Figure 5 is a rigid container which is refilled from the pouch containing pastilles of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present disclosure. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

Pastilles include particles, beads, tablets, pills, spheres, lentil shape, oblong shape, spherical, hemispherical, and the like; where each pastille weighs from 0.95 milligram to 2 grams, alternatively from 10 mg to 1 gram, or from 10 mg to 500 mg. A pastille may have a volume from 0.003 cm³ to 0.15 cm³. The pastille can be any product. Preferably the pastille is a fabric care pastille comprising a fabric care active. One preferred example of a fabric care active is perfume. The perfume may be free or encapsulated (e.g., perfume microcapsule) . Typically these fabric care pastilles contain a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and perfume. Some examples of these fabric care pastilles also contain a water-soluble salt, such as sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, sodium citrate, sodium formate, sodium acetate, preferably sodium sulfate. The fabric care pastille formulation may contain from 20%to 99.9%, preferably from 30 -99.9%, more preferably 40 -99%, yet more preferably from 50-98.5%, of PEG by weight of the fabric care pastille. Alternatively, the fabric care pastille is from 65%to 99%of PEG, by weight of the fabric care pastille. The PEG may be from PEG 1000 to PEG 15000, preferably PEG 3000 to PEG 13000, or combinations therein between. The perfume, free or encapsulated or combinations thereof, may be from 0.05%to 12%, preferably from 0.1-6%by weight of the fabric care pastille. Preferably the fabric care pastille is free or substantially free of detersive surfactants or fabric softener actives. One example of a fabric care pastille is 39.995 weight percentage (wt%) of PEG 4000; 54 wt%of sodium sulfate; 3 wt%of liquid perfume; 3 wt%of polyuria resin-encapsulated perfume microcapsule; and 0.005 wt%of dyes. This example is made by granulation. Another example of a fabric care pastille formulation is one comprising 88.23 wt%of PEG 8000; 5.88 wt%of free perfume; 5.88 wt%of perfume microcapsule (having a urea-formaldehyde shell encapsulating 1.88 wt%of perfume) ; and 0.01 wt%of dye. This example is made by pastillation.

The fabric care pastilles are contained in a rigid container with re-closable opening and a doser. Preferably the doser is a dispensing cap, more preferably the dispensing cap is releasably detachable to the rigid container. The user dispenses the contained pastilles into the doser and then dispense the pastilles from the doser into the laundry washing machine or manual washing basin. A typical unit dose of the pastilles is from 13 g to 27 g, preferably from 14 g to 20 g. Preferably the doser is capable of containing a single unit dose of the pastilles. The rigid container is typically a plastic molded (e.g., ISBM or EBM) container. The rigid container typically contains about 50 grams to 1,000 grams, preferably from 100-600 grams of fabric care pastilles; alternatively, from 200-400 grams, or 250-350 grams, or 325-425 grams, of fabric care pastilles. The opening of the rigid container typically has a cross sectional area from 3 cm² to 30 cm², preferably from 5 cm² to 20 cm², more preferably 10 cm² to 16 cm². In one example, the opening is a circular having a diameter from 2 cm to 6cm, preferably from 2.5 to 5 cm, more preferably from 3.5 to 4.5 cm, alternatively about 4 cm or about 3.8 cm.

Given the savings opportunity or other considerations in reusing the rigid container, there is an opportunity to provide a refill pouch containing the fabric pastilles and refill the subject rigid container. The refill pouch may be sold separately from the rigid container or may be sold as a kit with the rid container (wherein the rigid container may or may not contain product when sold) . The use of refill pouches is generally known for liquid detergent products. For example, the user will make an initial purchase of a rigid container containing a liquid laundry detergent. Upon depletion, the user will then purchase a refill pouch of liquid laundry detergent and refill the empty rigid container. For ordinary use (e.g., dispensing product into a laundry washing machine) , the user will dispense from refilled rigid container. The refill pouch may contain enough product to refill the rigid container two, three, or more times. Accordingly, the total amount of pastilles contained in the refill pouch can be two, thee, more times as described contained in the rigid container as previously described. One challenge for a refill pouch when containing so much product is the ability for the user to stop the refilling process without excess product undesirably spilling out. Refill pouches can be stand up pouches. That is, the opening of the refill pouch is in the upright position to minimize potential spillage. These refill pouches are typically constructed of polymeric laminates that are heat sealed together.

Pouring liquid from classic refill pouches are typically not problematic given the liquids generally flow in a predictable and thus unproblematic manner. However, a classic refill pouch containing the aforementioned pastilles or fabric care pastilles faces a number of potential challenges. Firstly, if the opening of the refill pouch is too large, the contents will undesirable spill out as the user is attempting to refill the target rigid container. Part of the reason could be the shape and size of pastilles may not flow in manner as predictable to the user as a liquid. This is especially true for a generally new product form (wherein some consumers may not have attempted or have much experience in dispensing such fabric care pastilles particularly larger quantities associated with refilling) . Secondly, if the opening of the refill pouch is too small, the opening can become clogged and thus frustrate some users. There is a need to provide a refill pouch that optimizes the user’s experience in dispensing pastilles, especially to a rigid container, in view of the unique challenges of dispensing pastilles, particularly larger volumes (associated with refilling) . A further potential additional challenge is to also provide optimized dimensions so an empty refill pouch can be packaged with pastilles in a cost and technical favorable manner. Still yet further challenges may include constructing such pouch in a cost and technically desirable manner, preferably minimizing capital costs especially as it relates to high speed manufacturing lines.

Figure 1 is a first intermediate pouch (4) . The first intermediate pouch (4) is connected to a number of such pouches in the assembly line (partially viewable in Figure 1) . A first laminate (55) and a second laminate (66) are opposing each other and heat sealed to each other. In one example, the laminate is an outer layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and an inner layer of polyethylene (PE) film. It is the two opposing PE layers that are heat sealed together (forming the interior (16) of the first intermediate pouch (4) ) ; and wherein a PET layer form the exterior of the first intermediate pouch (4) . The laminate is preferably reversed printed so branding and other information is viewable by the user through the clear PET layer (and protected from scratching or damage) . Any number of laminate types may be used including 2, 3, 4, or more layers. A vacuum metallized layer may also be used (e.g., for cosmetic or barrier property reasons) . In one example, the laminate is from 5 microns to 25 microns thick PET film that is adhered to a 50 micron to 200 micron thick PE film. The films may be adhered together with a solvent or non-solvent approach. A specific example is a first and second laminate that is 12 microns thick PET film layer adhered to 100 microns thick PE film layer. Suppliers of laminates may include Novel or Coveris.

Heat sealing is conducted under high temperature and pressure, and will depend upon the materials, thickness, and other variables associated with the laminates used. For example, temperatures for heat sealing are typically from 200 to 230 degrees Celsius and pressures are typically from 150 to 300 kbar, for a time duration of 0.5-2 seconds. A heat sealing bar is typical equipment used to heat seal laminates. Referring to Figure 1, a first intermediate longitudinal seal (7) and a second intermediate longitudinal seal (8) are each in parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) and are opposing each other on either sides of the first intermediate pouch (4) . These seals (7, 8) are preferably heat seals, and will ultimately divide one pouch from another pouch. Preferably the final pouch (not shown in Figure 1) will be a standup pouch wherein the bottom edge (51) will contact the shelf or table, etc., surface. The bottom edge (51) is in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) . The first intermediate pouch (4) comprises a bottom gusset seal (6) made from a third laminate sealed in-between the first and second laminates (55, 66) . Preferably the third laminate is the same or similar, preferably the same, to the first and second laminates (55, 66) . For example, the third laminate is at least a film layer of PE and a film layer of PET. In one example, the third laminate is from 5 microns to 25 microns thick PET film that is adhered to a 50 micron to 200 micron thick PE film. The films may be adhered together with a solvent or non-solvent approach. Supplier of laminates may include Novel or Coveris. In a specific example, the third laminate is a 12 microns thick PET film layer adhered to 100 microns thick PE film layer. The third laminate is folded on to itself so that the PET film layers contact each other and the PE film layer is facing outwardly. The third laminate is inserted in-between the first and second laminates (55, 66) such that outwardly facing PE film layer (of the third laminate) are able to (heat) seal with the respective PE film layers (of the first and second laminates) . Preferably the PE film layers are heat sealed forming the bottom gusset seal (6) .

Still referring to Figure 1, a top edge (14) opposes the bottom edge (51) and is also in plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) . The bottom edge (51) , top edge (14) , first intermediate longitudinal seal (7) , and second intermediate longitudinal seal (8) define the outer boundary of the first intermediate pouch (4) . An important aspect of Figure 1 is the presence of an intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal (15) that intersects the top edge (14) and is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) and extends only a partial length of the first intermediate pouch (4) . Preferably the length of the intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal (15) is from 5%to 25 %, preferably from 10 to 20%, more preferably from 12 to 15 %, alternatively about 15%, relative to the length of the first intermediate pouch (4) (measured along the longitudinal axis (50) and from the top edge (14) ) . The length of the intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal (15) may be from 2 to 7 cm, preferably from 2.5 to 6 cm, more preferably from 3 to 5 cm, alternatively about 4 cm (measured along the longitudinal axis (50) and from the top edge (14) ) . The overall length of the first intermediate pouch (4) is from 15 cm to 35 cm, preferably from 20 to 30 cm, more preferably from 22 to 28 cm, alternatively about 25, 26, or 27 cm (measured along the longitudinal axis (50) ) . Preferably this intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal (15) is heat sealed. The intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal (15) , for example, divides the zipper into a dispensing zipper (11A) and a non-dispensing zipper (11B) ; and divides the top seal edge into a dispensing top seal edge (9A) and non-dispensing top seal edge (9B) . The intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal (15) is preferably biased (along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) ) toward one side, i.e., closer in proximity to the first intermediate longitudinal seal (7) (vs. the second intermediate longitudinal seal (8) ) . The zipper (11A, 11B) and top seal edge (9A, 9B) are in respective planes orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) . The zipper (11A, 11B) is affixed to the interior (16) of the first intermediate pouch by an upper and lower zipper seals (12A, 12B, and 13A, 13B) . The upper and lower zipper seals (12A, 12B, and 13A, 13B) are also in planes orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) . Specifically, the upper dispensing zipper seal (12A) and the lower dispensing zipper seal (13A) are on either sides of the dispensing zipper (11A) . Similarly, the upper non-dispensing zipper seal (12B) and the lower non-dispensing zipper seal (13B) are on either sides of the non-dispensing zipper (11B) . The upper zipper seals (12A, 12B) are closer in proximity to the top seal edge (9A, 9B) as compared to the lower zipper seals (13A, 13B) . The length of a dispensing zipper (11A) is greater than 30 mm and less than 70 mm, preferably the length is 33 to 67 mm, more preferably from 35 –65 mm, yet more preferably form 40 –60 mm, yet still more preferably from 45-55 mm; alternatively, about 48 mm, 50 mm, or 52 mm.

Figure 2 illustrates a second intermediate pouch (3) which is a result of a first intermediate pouch (4) of Figure 1 subjected to certain cuts as to remove it from other pouches as well as a certain discard-able portion. Specifically, a first longitudinal cut line (91) is made by cutting through about the midpoint of the first intermediate longitudinal seal (and in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) ) to form a third longitudinal seal edge (7A) (of another, adjacent pouch, partially shown) and first longitudinal seal edge (7B) (of the second intermediate pouch (3) ) . Similarly, a second longitudinal cut line (92) is made by cutting through about the midpoint of the second intermediate longitudinal seal (and in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) ) to form a fourth longitudinal seal edge (8B) (of another, adjacent pouch, partially shown) and second longitudinal seal edge (8A) (of the second intermediate pouch (3) ) . A third partial longitudinal cut line (93) is made by cutting through about the midpoint of the intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal (and in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) ) to form a first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and second longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15B) . The first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) is in closer proximity to the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) (vs. second longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15B) ) . Preferably the third partial longitudinal cut line (93) does not go through the entire length of the intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal ( (15) of Figure 1) , but rather the third partial longitudinal cut line (93) extends through the top edge (14) and from 60%to 99%, preferably from 65 to 85%, more preferably from 70 to 80%, alternatively about 75%, of the length relative to the intermediate longitudinal partitioning seal ( (15) of Figure 1) and along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) . In other words, the length of the third partial longitudinal cut line (93) (along the longitudinal axis (50) ) is from 2 cm to 4 cm, preferably from 2.5 to 3.5 cm, more preferably from 3 to 3.5 cm, alternatively about 3 cm.

Still referring to Figure 2, a horizontal partial cut line (94) (in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) ) intersects the second longitudinal cut line (92) and the third partial longitudinal cut line (93) . The length of the horizontal partial cut line (94) may be from 7 cm to 16 cm, preferably from 9 to 15 cm, more preferably from 10 to 14 cm, alternatively about 13 cm. The combination of the third partial longitudinal cut line (93) and the horizontal partial cut line (94) intersecting and cutting through the intermediate longitudinal partitioning forms a first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and a second longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15B) . The first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) is closer in proximity to the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) (in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) ) . It is the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) that ultimately forms part of the empty pouch ( (2) of Figure 3) and the pouch containing pastilles ( (1) of Figure 4) ) . In contrast, the second longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15B) , non-dispensing top seal edge (9B) , non-dispensing zipper (11B) , upper non-dispensing zipper seal (12B) , and lower non-dispensing zipper seal (13B) are part of the portion that is discarded (i.e., said discard-able portion) .

Figure 3 is an empty pouch (2) . The empty pouch (2) is what remains after removing the desired section from the cut lines described in Figure 2. Notably a non-sealed fill edge (25) now provides an opening for the filling (21) of pastilles (23) into the interior (16) of the empty pouch (2) . The non-sealed fill edge (25) is preferably in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) , and is in-between the edge of the first longitudinal portioning seal edge (15A) and to the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) . The length of the non-sealed fill edge (25) is from 6 cm to 15 cm, preferably from 8 cm to 14 cm, more preferably from 9 cm to 13 cm, alternatively about 10, 11, or 12 cm. This length is notable because it provides enough of opening for pastilles (23) filling (21) (via classic manufacturing, i.e., without, or at least minimizing, the need for expensive or burdensome manufacturing modifications) , but is not too large as to make the pastille dispensing from the pouch too restrictive. The distance between the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) , measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) , is at least 8 cm, preferably from 8 to 15 cm, more preferably from 9 to 14 cm, yet more preferably from 10 to 13 cm. The non-sealed fill edge (25) is opposing the bottom edge (51) . A pouch manufacturer may make and ship the empty pouch (2) to a pastille manufacturer for filling (21) the empty pouch (2) with pastilles (23) .

The empty pouch (2) comprising a first and second longitudinal seal edges (7B, 8A) oppose each other. The length of the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) is less than the length of the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) (measured along the longitudinal axis (50) ) . Preferably the length of the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) is from 60%to 99%, preferably from 70%to 95%, more preferably from 75%to 90%, yet still more preferably from 80%to 90%that of the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) .

Still referring to Figure 3, the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) has a length, measured from the top edge (14) and along a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) , of from 2 to 7 cm, preferably from 2.5 to 6 cm, more preferably from 3 to 5 cm, alternatively about 4 cm. The longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) may have a protrusion, as seen in Figure 3, that is at end opposing the top edge (14) , and wherein the protrusion is protrudes toward the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) . Measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) this protrusion portion of the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) may have an overall width from 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably from 16mm to 22 mm, alternatively about 20mm. The width of the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) , measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) and wherein said plane is along the dispensing zipper (11A) , is from 2 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 15 mm, more preferably from 6 mm to 12 mm, alternatively about 9, 10, or 11 mm. All the other elements of the empty pouch (2) of Figure 3, are the same as discussed in the second intermediate pouch (3) of Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 4, a pouch containing pastilles (1) is shown. This pouch (1) notably contains pastilles; and what was formerly the non-sealed fill edge (25) , is sealed to form a post-filling top seal (27) . The post-filling top seal (27) (or formerly the non-sealed fill edge (25) ) is in-between the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) , and preferably in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) . This post-filling top seal (27) may have a length, measured in a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) from 7 cm to 16 cm, preferably from 9 to 15 cm, more preferably from 10 to 14 cm, alternatively about 11, 12, or 13 cm. The intersection of the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and post-filling top seal (27) is flush, i.e., does not have any protrusions that may otherwise cause pastilles to become caught during the refilling process. The overall width of the pouch containing pastilles (1) is from 10 cm to 30 cm, preferably from 15 to 25 cm, more preferably from 16 to 22 cm, alternatively about 19, 20, 21 cm. The dispensing zipper’s (11A) length is less than 50%of the overall width of the pouch (measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) ) . Preferably the distance of the dispensing zipper (11A) is from 15%to 35%, more preferably from 18%to 30%, yet more preferably from 19%to 28%, yet still more preferably from 20%to 25%, of the overall width of the pouch (1) . The overall length of the pouch (1) is from 15 cm to 35 cm, preferably from 20 to 30 cm, more preferably from 22 to 28 cm, alternatively about 25, 26, 27 cm. The length is measured in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) while the width is measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) . The ratio of the length of the dispensing zipper (11A) to the overall width of the pouch containing pastilles (1) (both of these dimensions measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) ) is from 3: 20 to 7: 20, preferably from 4: 20 to 6: 20, more preferably from 9:40 to 11: 40. Also with respect to the pouch containing pastilles (1) , the ratio of the length of the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) to the overall length of the pouch containing pastilles (1) (both of these dimensions measured in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) ) is from 3: 27 to 8: 27, preferably from 4: 27 to 6: 27, more preferably from 9: 54 to 11: 54. Preferably the length of the longitudinal partitioning seal (15A) is less than 40%of the overall length of the pouch (1) . More preferably the length of the longitudinal partitioning seal (15A) is from 2%to 40%, preferably 5%to 35%, more preferably from 10%to 30%, yet more preferably from 10%to 20%, yet still more preferably from 12%to 18%, of the overall length of the pouch (1) . The first longitudinal partitioning seal (15A) is substantially in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) .

Still referring to Figure 4, the ratio of the overall width of the pouch containing pastilles (1) to the length of the pouch containing pastilles (1) is from 2: 7 to 7: 7, preferably from 3: 6 to 5: 6, more preferably from 36: 63 to 49: 63. The width is measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) , while the length is measured in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) . The pouch containing pastilles (1) comprising an openable opening (53) that opposing the bottom edge (51) .

As part of this openable opening (53) , the pouch (1) comprises a dispensing top edge seal (9A) : between the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) and the first longitudinal partitioning seal (15A) ; and in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) . A top edge (14) of the dispensing top seal edge (9A) opposes a bottom edge (51) of the pouch (1) . The pouch (1) may further comprise an initiating tear (not shown) : on either the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) or the longitudinal partitioning seal (15A) ; and in-between the dispensing edge seal (9A) and the dispensing zipper (11A) . The user can easily access the contained pastilles through the openable opening (53) by tearing from the initiating tear to access the dispensing zipper (11A) and unzip it thereby opening the pouch (1) to access the contents (i.e., pastilles) therein. All the other elements of the pouch containing pastilles (1) of Figure 4, are the same as discussed the empty pouch (2) of Figure 3 (and as relevant in the second intermediate pouch (3) of Figure 2) .

Figure 5 is an example of rigid container (81) to which the pouch containing pastilles of the present invention may be dispense the pastilles into. The rigid container (81) may include a dosing cap (85) . Notably the rigid container (81) has an opening (84) to dispense pastilles (not shown) . Notably it is this same opening (84) that the pouch containing pastilles (1) is able to dispense through this opening. The opening (84) of the rigid container (81) has a diameter (83) from 2 cm to 6 cm, preferably from 2.5 to 5 cm, more preferably from 3.5 to 4.5 cm; alternatively, about 3.8 cm or 4 cm. The rigid container may contain from 50 grams to 1,000 grams, preferably from 100-600 grams, alternatively from 200-400 grams, or 250-350 grams, or 325-425 grams. The total volume of the rigid container (when devoid of product) is from 100 ml to 2000 ml, preferably form 200 ml to 1000 ml, more preferably from 400 ml to 700 ml, alternatively about 600ml. The rigid container and dosing cap can be made from plastic, such as PET and PP. EBM or ISBM and IM are techniques to make such a rigid container and dosing cap. One aspect of the invention provides for a method of refilling a rigid container comprising the step of pouring pastilles from a pouch to said rigid container having opening diameter from 20 mm to 60 mm, preferably from 30 mm to 50 mm. The mass of pastilles that can be poured from the pouch to the rigid container may be from 100 grams to 1000 grams, preferably from 200 g to 800 g, more preferably 250 g to 550 g. The refill pouch may, for example, contain a total mass of pastilles from 200 grams to 2000 grams, preferably from 400 g to 1600 g, more preferably 500 g to 1100 g. Preferably the refill pouch contains enough pastilles for two or more refills of the rigid container. This method preferably balances the easy of pourability but allows sufficient room by the non-sealed fill edge to maximize manufacturing capabilities or efficiencies without the need, or at least minimizing the needs, for extensive changes to classic manufacturing processes.

Another aspect of the invention provides for a kit comprising the aforementioned pouch and a rigid container having an opening diameter from 25 mm to 50 mm, and optionally use instructions. Preferably the use instructions instruct the user to refill the rigid container with product contained in the pouch, preferably the product is pastilles.

In addition to pastilles, the pouch of the present invention may contain a product that is in a non-liquid form, such as oatmeal, granola, or other food stuffs or products that may pose similar dispensing challenges as pastilles.

EXAMPLES

An inventive and two comparative pouches are provided containing pastilles. Ten test panelists are asked three questions and asked to rank their overall user experiences with these pouches.

The pastilles are those commercially available as

UNSTOPLES^TM . Generally, these pastilles comprise PEG and perfume, have a density of about 0.54 g/ml, and each have a diameter of about 4-6 mm. The three pouches tested are the same except for the length of the dispensing zipper. The inventive pouch has a dispensing zipper length of 50 mm, while the comparative pouches A and B have a dispensing zipper length of 30 mm and 70 mm. All three pouches have an overall width of 220 mm and an overall length of 260 mm, and made in the laboratory. The first longitudinal partitioning seal edge has a length of 4 cm. The width of the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge is 10 mm when measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and wherein said plane is along the dispensing zipper. The post-filling top seal is 13 cm. The first, second, and third laminates of the pouches are made each PET/vacuum metalized PET/PE with an overall thickness of 120 microns. The pouches each contains about 450 grams of pastilles (or about 880 ml) . The rigid container, to which the pouches pour their contents notable, has an opening having a diameter of 38 mm. The rigid container can hold up to 520 ml of pastilles.

Ten panelists are asked to refill the rigid container with the three subject pouches. The panelists are asked three questions and then asked to rank their experience for the three questions. 1 is the worst while 5 is the best. Average scores are presented as well as user testing preferences described. The questions presented are: (1) When you start, how easy to open the pouch and start the refilling? (2) During the refilling, how easy it to control the pastilles flow? (3) When you finish the first bottle refill, how easy is it to stop the refilling? Table 1 summarizes the results.

Table 1

The inventive pouch scored as total better among panelists than the comparative pouches A and B which had respectively shorter and longer dispensing zipper lengths.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm. ”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

A pouch (1) comprising a dispensing zipper (11A) from greater than 30 mm to less than 70 mm in length measured in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (50) and in-between a first longitudinal seal edge (7B) and a first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) , wherein the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) is a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) ; and wherein the dispensing zipper’s (11A) length is less than 50% of the overall width of the pouch (measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) ) .
The pouch (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance of the dispensing zipper (11A) is from 15% to 35% , more preferably from 18% to 30% , yet more preferably from 19% to 28% , yet still more preferably from 20% to 25% , of the overall width of the pouch (1) .
The pouch (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispensing zipper (11A) length is 33 mm to 67 mm, preferably from 35 –65 mm, more preferably form 40 –60 mm, yet more preferably from 45 –55 mm.
The pouch (1) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second longitudinal seal edge (8A) opposing the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) , wherein the length of the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) is less than the length of the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) (measured along the longitudinal axis (50) ) ,

preferably the length of the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) is from 60% to 99% , preferably from 70% to 95% , more preferably from 75% to 90% , yet still more preferably from 80% to 90% that of the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) .
The pouch (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) is less than 40% of the overall length of the pouch (1) measured along the longitudinal axis (50) ;

preferably the length of the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) is from 2% to 40% , preferably 5% to 35% , more preferably from 10% to 30% , yet more preferably from 10% to 20% , yet still more preferably from 12% to 18% , of the overall length of the pouch (1) .
The pouch (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) is substantially in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (50) .
The pouch (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein a non-sealed fill edge (25) or a post-filling top seal (27) is in-between the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) , preferably the non-sealed fill edge (25) or the post-filling top seal (27) is in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) .
The pouch (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) , measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) , is at least 8 cm, preferably from 8 cm to 15 cm, more preferably from 9 cm to 14 cm, yet more preferably from 10 cm to 13 cm.
The pouch (1) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a post-filling top seal (27) between the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and the second longitudinal seal edge (8A) , and wherein the intersection of the first longitudinal partitioning seal edge (15A) and post-filling top seal (27) is flush.
The pouch (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch is a flexible pouch, preferably the flexible pouch comprises a first laminate heat sealed to an opposing second laminate, more preferably wherein the first and second laminates each comprises at least a film layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the outer most facing surface and a film layer of polyethylene (PE) as the inner most facing surface.
The pouch (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch is a stand-able pouch; preferably the stand-able pouch is bottom gusset sealed with a third laminate; more preferably the third laminate comprises at least a film layer of PET as the outer most facing surface and a film layer of PE as the inner most facing surface.
The pouch (1) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a dispensing top seal edge (9A) : between the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) and the first longitudinal partitioning seal (15A) ; and in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (50) , wherein a top edge (14) of the dispensing top seal edge (9A) opposes a bottom edge (51) of the pouch (1) ;

preferably the pouch (1) further comprises an initiating tear (not shown) : on either the first longitudinal seal edge (7B) or the longitudinal partitioning seal (15A) : and in-between the dispensing edge seal (9A) and the dispensing zipper (11A) .
The pouch (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch contains a plurality of pastilles in an interior (16) of the pouch (1) ,

preferably the plurality of pastilles each weighs from 10 mg to 1 g, preferably from 10 mg to 500 mg, more preferably each having a volume from 0.003 cm³ to 0.15 cm³;

more preferably the plurality of pastilles are fabric care pastilles;

yet more preferably the fabric care pastilles comprise a perfume;

yet still more preferably the pouch (1) contains a total mass of pastilles from 200 grams to 2000 grams, preferably from 400 g to 1600 g, more preferably 500 g to 1100 g of said pastilles; and

yet still even more preferably the pastilles are fabric care pastilles, preferably the fabric pastilles comprise a perfume.
A method of refilling a rigid container comprising the step of pouring pastilles from a pouch of any of the preceding claims into said rigid container having an opening, wherein the opening has a diameter from 25 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 35 mm to 45 mm.
A kit comprising: a pouch (1) of any one of claims 1-13; and a rigid container having an opening, wherein the opening has a diameter from 25 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 35 mm to 45 mm.