Flexible package with a transverse access panel device

Abstract

A flexible package generally including a front panel portion, a back panel portion, a first side panel portion, and at least one access device. The flexible package can further include a second side panel portion, a bottom panel portion, and a top panel portion. Additionally, one or more of the portions can be shaped and / or manufactured substantially as a gusset. Each of the panel portions comprise two longitudinal sides or edges. The access device can be attached to at least one surface of at least one of the side panel portions such that the device is in transverse orientation to the longitudinal sides. The device can be manually attached to the side portions, or attached with existing and / or specially designed manufacturing machinery. Attachment of the access device to a side portion of the package is achieved using heat bonding techniques, adhesives, and the like.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 396,295, filed Mar. 25, 2003, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 368,121, filed Mar. 26, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 372,709, filed Apr. 11, 2002, each of the above-referenced applications being incorporated fully herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to flexible packages, and methods for manufacturing and using packages, having a side panel access device integrated in, and in a transverse relationship to the longitudinal axis of, a side panel of the package. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Gusset-type packages made of sheet materials are commonly utilized in many fields to hold food, chemicals, liquids, and a myriad of other materials. Further, the gussets are utilized on side and / or end portions of the packages to provide spati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a flexible package with a front panel, back panel, side panels, and access device. The package can have gusseted features that allow for adjustable expansion and retraction of the package's inner cavity. The access device can be integrated along the surface of at least one of the side panels and can be a re-closeable device. The invention solves problems with conventional flexible packages by integrating a re-closeable access device without reducing the package's capacity. The access device can be positioned at a predetermined location and can serve as an efficient and preferred pour spout for unloading material from the package. The integration of a measurably smaller re-closeable device to the typically smaller side panels increases convenience, efficiency, and saves costs."

Problems solved by technology

The innate drawback of this type of packaging lies in the measurable reduction in material holding resulting from the location and design of the re-closeable access opening.

However, this type of gusseted package merely introduces different problems.

First, the fin assembly introduces complexity into the manufacturing and use of the product.

Second, the fin assembly adds sizeable mass to the package that is detrimental to storage, handling, shipping, and disposal.

However, these patents are limited to using these single panel access devices on front or back panel portions.

When access devices are limited to front and back panel portions of the packages, manufacturing flexibility and convenience-of-use are greatly sacrificed.

The location for handles, the size of the re-closeable device, and a myriad of other packaging features, designs, and methods are negatively effected by the limited integration options of the re-closeable devices.

Further, pouring efficiency and convenience is sacrificed.

As a result, there are generally significant spaces between the edges of these front and back panels and the ends of the re-closeable device.

This wasted space is the primary cause of the pouring inefficiency.

It is difficult to guide the content material efficiently through the re-closeable device.

Images