High-Clarity, Cast Polypropylene Produce Pouch and Method

Abstract

A high-clarity, cast polypropylene produce pouch with first and second sidewalls and a bottom panel joined to form a pouch wherein the first and second sidewalls and the bottom panel are formed from cast polypropylene. The bottom panel can be a bottom gusset panel. The first and second sidewalls and the bottom gusset panel can have edges joined by side welding or heat sealing. Zipper or slide closures can close the first and second sidewalls. A method for forming a high-clarity, cast polypropylene produce pouch comprises creating a polypropylene (PP) resin, passing the polypropylene (PP) resin through a cast extruding machine and extruding molten polypropylene (PP) to produced extruded polypropylene (PP), rolling the extruded polypropylene (PP) in a cooling roller, and applying a surface-modifying corona treatment to the extruded polypropylene (PP).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to flexible containers. More particularly, disclosed herein is a flexible, self-standing produce pouch of high-clarity, cast polypropylene film for containing loose produce, particularly fruits and vegetables.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Prior art bags or pouches for fruits, vegetables, and other produce are often crafted from an extruded tube of thermoplastic film. The thermoplastic film is assembled by heat sealing and processed to yield a finished pouch. Processing steps commonly include hole punching, perforating, and potentially further manufacturing steps designed to produce a specified pouch. Pouches are commonly crafted with rectangular or tapered shapes. Some pouches have zipper or slide closures with engaging male and female strips that can be selectively engaged to seal the mouth of the pouch. Other pouches are designed for being tied or fastened in a closed configuration. Pouches can incorporate hand...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a produce pouch with high-clarity that can better tolerate temperature variations and is cost-efficient to manufacture and sell. Additionally, it is self-standing when retaining goods.

Problems solved by technology

However, the laminated film is approximately three times the cost of coextruded polyethylene.

However, although desirable, high-clarity packaging can entail increased production costs.

Moreover, existing high-clarity constructions often do not tolerate changes in temperature well and suffer losses in clarity, strength, and durability, all quite undesirable to produce growers, shippers, sellers, and consumers.

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