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

[0012] Various embodiments of the present invention substantially eliminate conventional flexible package limitations regarding attachment options and internal volume utilization. The present invention enables manufacturing of a package wherein a re-closeable access opening is integrated into the package without significantly reducing the available material holding capacity of the package. The present invention does not require the opening and closing of the end portions of package panels that will limit volumetric capacity. Instead, a re-closeable access opening can be integrated into at least one of the side panels, gusseted or non-gusseted. The access opening is attached / integrated to the panel, therefore transforming said panel into an access panel, wherein the opening can be some size measurably smaller in length than the distance “A” between the longitudinal edges of the access panel, and in perpendicular / transverse orientation to the edges. The sizing option for the access opening reduces material and manufacturing costs. Re-closeable access devices in accordance with the present invention permit access in and out of the internal cavity of the package through the access panel, thus avoiding the inherent problems associated with those conventional packages requiring the joining or interlocking of two or more panel portions, i.e., the front and back panels.

[0013] Further, the re-closeable access device can serve as an efficient and preferred pour spout for conveniently unloading material from the package without altering the volumetric capacity of the package. The access device can be positioned at a predetermined location on the access panel portion according to the particular needs of the manufacturer and / or end user. This positioning flexibility in turn increases the configuration and design options for the package. For instance, handles and like features can be attached or integrated to the package without interfering with the function and use of the re-closeable access device. Additionally, a selectively locatable re-closeable device on one or both of the side panel portions substantially increases the pouring or unloading efficiency of the material out of the package. With such a side-integrated access device, the material is channeled out the side access panel rather than the traditionally larger front or back panel portions. This provides for much better control over the direction and speed of the exiting material, as well as significant control over the quantity of material being poured. Further, since the re-closeable device is generally a substantial expense in the manufacturing of flexible packaging, the integration of a measurably smaller device to the typically smaller side panel(s) 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.

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