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(11) EP 3 066 021 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: B65D 75/00 (2006.01) B65D 75/20 (2006.01) 14.02.2018 Bulletin 2018/07 B65D 75/52 (2006.01) B65D 75/54 (2006.01) B65D 75/56 (2006.01) B65D 30/10 (2006.01) (2006.01) (2006.01) (21) Application number: 14802556.2 B65D 75/58 B65D 33/02 B65D 81/03 (2006.01) B65B 1/02 (2006.01) B65B 3/02 (2006.01) B65B 5/02 (2006.01) (22) Date of filing: 06.11.2014 (86) International application number: PCT/US2014/064207

(87) International publication number: WO 2015/069819 (14.05.2015 Gazette 2015/19)

(54) FLEXIBLE AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME FLEXIBLE BEHÄLTER UND VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG DAVON RÉCIPIENTS SOUPLES ET LEURS PROCÉDÉS DE FORMAGE

(84) Designated Contracting States: • BOURGEOIS, Marc AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (US) GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO • CLARE, Benjamin PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (US) • STANLEY, Scott (30) Priority: 06.11.2013 US 201361900450 P Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (US)

(43) Date of publication of application: (74) Representative: Engisch, Gautier 14.09.2016 Bulletin 2016/37 NV Procter & Gamble Services Company SA IP Patent Department (73) Proprietor: The Procter & Gamble Company Temselaan 100 Cincinnati, OH 45202 (US) 1853 Strombeek-Bever (BE)

(72) Inventors: (56) References cited: • ISHIHARA, Tadayoshi EP-A1- 1 787 912 WO-A1-96/01775 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (US) WO-A1-2013/124201 US-A1- 2010 308 062 • LESTER, Joseph Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (US)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 3 066 021 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 3 066 021 B1 2

Description ers or products, which together form an article of com- merce. A can be offered for sale as a primary FIELD package with or without a secondary package. A con- tainer can be decorated to display characters, graphics, [0001] The presentdisclosure relatesin general to con- 5 branding, and/or other visual elements when the contain- tainers, and in particular, to containers made from flexible er is displayed for sale. A container can be configured to material and methods of making such containers. In par- be displayed for sale while laying down or standing up ticular, the present disclosure relates to methods of cut- on a store shelf, while presented in a merchandising dis- ting and sealing to form a container made from flexible play, while hanging on a display hanger, or while loaded material. 10 into a display rack or a vending machine. A container for fluent product(s) should be configured with a structure BACKGROUND that allows it to be displayed in any of these ways, or in any other way known in the art, as intended, without fail- [0002] Fluent products include liquid products and/or ure. pourable solid products. In various embodiments, a con- 15 [0005] A container can also be put into use in many tainer can be used to receive, contain, and dispense one different ways, by its end user. A container can be con- or more fluent products. And, in various embodiments, a figured to be held and/or gripped by an end user, so a container can be used to receive, contain, and/or dis- container should be appropriately sized and shaped for pense individual articles or separately packaged portions human hands; and for this purpose, a container can in- of a product. A container can include one or more product 20 clude useful structural features such as a handle and/or volumes. A product volume can be configured to be filled a gripping surface. A container can be stored while laying with one or more fluent products. A container receives a down or standing up on a support surface, while hanging fluent product when its product volume is filled. Once on or from a projection such as a hook or a clip, or while filled to a desired volume, a container can be configured supported by a product holder, or (for refillable or re- to contain the fluent product in its product volume, until 25 chargeable containers) positioned in a refilling or re- the fluent product is dispensed. A container contains a charging station. A container can be configured to dis- fluent product by providing a barrier around the fluent pense fluent product(s) while in any of these storage po- product. The barrier prevents the fluent product from es- sitions or while being held by the user. A container can caping the product volume. The barrier can also protect be configured to dispense fluent product(s) through the the fluent product from the environment outside of the 30 use of gravity, and/or pressure, and/or a dispensing container. A filled product volume is typically closed off mechanism, such as a pump, or a straw, or through the by a cap or a seal. A container can be configured to dis- use of other kinds of dispensers known in the art. Some pense one or more fluent products contained in its prod- containers can be configured to be filled and/or refilled uct volume(s). Once dispensed, an end user can con- by a seller (e.g. a merchant or retailer) or by an end user. sume, apply, or otherwise use the fluent product(s), as 35 A container for fluent product(s) should be configured appropriate. In various embodiments, a container may with a structure that allows it to be put to use in any of be configured to be refilled and reused or a container these ways, or in any other way known in the art, as may be configured to be disposed of after a single fill or intended, without failure. A container can also be config- even after a single use. A container should be configured ured to be disposed of by the end user, as waste and/or with sufficient structural integrity, such that it can receive, 40 recyclable material, in various ways. contain, and dispense its fluent product(s), as intended, [0006] One conventional type of container for fluent without failure. products is a rigid container made from solid material(s). [0003] Acontainer for fluent product(s) can be handled, Examples of conventional rigid containers include mold- displayed for sale, and put into use. A container can be ed , , metal cans, cardboard - handled in many different ways as it is made, filled, dec- 45 es, etc. These conventional rigid containers are well- orated, packaged, shipped, and unpacked. A container known and generally useful; however their designs do can experience a wide range of external forces and en- present several notable difficulties. vironmental conditions as it is handled by machines and [0007] First, some conventional rigid containers for flu- people, moved by equipment and vehicles, and contact- ent products can be expensive to make. Some rigid con- ed by other containers and various packaging materials. 50 tainers are made by a process shaping one or more solid A container for fluent product(s) should be configured materials. Other rigid containers are made with a phase with sufficient structural integrity, such that it can be han- change process, where container materials are heated dled in any of these ways, or in any other way known in (to soften/melt), then shaped, then cooled (to harden/so- the art, as intended, without failure. lidify). Both kinds of making are energy intensive proc- [0004] A container can also be displayed for sale in 55 esses, which can require complex equipment. many different ways as it is offered for purchase. A con- [0008] Second, some conventional rigid containers for tainer can be offered for sale as an individual article of fluent products can require significant amounts of mate- commerce or packaged with one or more other contain- rial. Rigid containers that are designed to stand up on a

2 3 EP 3 066 021 B1 4 support surface require solid walls that are thick enough faces and objects, and then to bounce back. Fifth, fluent to support the containers when they are filled. This can products in these flexible containers can be more readily require significant amounts of material, which adds to the and carefully dispensed, because the sides of flexible cost of the containers and can contribute to difficulties containers can be more easily and controllably squeezed with their disposal. 5 by human hands. Even though the containers of the [0009] Third, some conventional rigid containers for present disclosure are made from flexible material, they fluent products can be difficult to decorate. The sizes, can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such shapes, (e.g. curved surfaces) and/or materials of some that they can receive, contain, and dispense fluent prod- rigid containers, make it difficult to print directly on their uct(s),as intended, withoutfailure. Also, thesecontainers outside surfaces. Labeling requires additional materials 10 can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such and processing, and limits the size and shape of the dec- that they can withstand external forces and environmen- oration. Overwrapping provides larger decoration areas, tal conditions from handling, without failure. Further, but also requires additional materials and processing, these containers can be configured with structures that often at significant expense. allow them to be displayed and put into use, as intended, [0010] Fourth, some conventional rigid containers for 15 without failure. fluent products can be prone to certain kinds of damage. [0013] In accordance with an embodiment, a method If a rigid container is pushed against a rough surface, for sealing and cutting of a web or sheet of flexible ma- then the container can become scuffed, which may ob- terial for forming a flexible container comprising a product scure on the container. If a rigid container is volume and at least one structural support volume can pressed against a hard object, then the container can 20 include feeding a web or sheet of flexible material com- become dented, which may look unsightly. And if a rigid prising at least two layers of flexible material into a sealing container is dropped, then the container can rupture, apparatus comprising a sealing surface and an opposed which may cause its fluent product to be lost. anvil surface; contacting a seam region of the at least [0011] Fifth, some fluent products in conventional rigid two flexible material with the sealing surface to form a containers can be difficult to dispense. When an end user 25 seal in the seam region and cut the seal to form a seam squeezes a rigid container to dispense its fluent product, in a single unit operation. The seal defines at least a the end user must overcome the resistance of the rigid portion of a boundary of the product volume and/or at sides, to deform the container. Some users may lack the least a portion of a boundary of the at least one structural hand strength to easily overcome that resistance; these support volume. users may dispense less than their desired amount of 30 [0014] In accordance with another embodiment, a fluent product. Other users may need to apply so much method for sealing and cutting of a web or sheet of flexible of their hand strength, that they cannot easily control how material for forming a flexible container blank comprising much they deform the container; these users may dis- a product volume and at least one structural support vol- pense more than their desired amount of fluent product. ume can include feeding at a web or sheet comprising 35 at least two layers of flexible material into a sealing ap- SUMMARY paratus, the at least two layers of flexible materials com- prising a first flexible material laminate and a second flex- [0012] The present disclosure describes various em- ible material laminate; and contacting a seam region of bodiments of containers made from flexible material. Be- the first and second flexible laminates with a sealing ap- cause these containers are made from flexible material, 40 paratus to form a seal in the seam region and cut the these containers can be less expensive to make, can use seal to form a seam in a single unit operation. The first less material, and can be easier to decorate, when com- laminate can include a first gas barrier laminate layer pared with conventional rigid containers. First, these con- disposed betweenfirst andsecond sealable laminate lay- tainers can be less expensive to make, because the con- ers, and the second laminate can include a third sealable version of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished 45 laminate layer and a second gas barrier laminate layer. goods) generally requires less energy and complexity, The flexible material is fed into the sealing apparatus than formation of rigid materials (from bulk form to fin- such that a first region of the flexible material facing a ished goods). Second, these containers can use less ma- second region of the flexible material and a portion of the terial, because they are configured with novel support first sealable laminate layer in the first region is in contact structures that do not require the use of the thick solid 50 with a portion of the first sealable laminate layer in the walls used in conventional rigid containers. Third, these second region. In a first zone of the seam region, the seal flexible containers can be easier to print and/or decorate, joins one or more of (i) in each of the first and second because they are made from flexible materials, and flex- regions of the flexible material at least a portion of the ible materials can be printed and/or decorated as con- second sealable laminate layer of the first laminate to a formable webs, before they are formed into containers. 55 portion of the third sealable laminate layer of the second Fourth, these flexible containers can be less prone to laminate to define a at least a portion of a boundary of scuffing, denting, and rupture, because flexible materials the at least one structural support volume, and (ii) at least allow their outer surfaces to deform when contacting sur- a portion of the first sealable laminate layer in the first

3 5 EP 3 066 021 B1 6 region of the flexible material to at least a portion of the container having a structural support frame that has first sealable laminate layer in the second region of the an overall shape like a pyramid. flexible material to define at least a portion of a boundary Figure 3B illustrates a front view of the container of of the product volume. Figure 3A. [0015] In yet another embodiment, a cut-sealing appa- 5 Figure 3C illustrates a side view of the container of ratus can include a sealing surface comprising first and Figure 3A. second tapered portions terminating at a tip, the first and Figure 3D illustrates an isometric view of the con- second tapered portions each being tapered at an angle tainer of Figure 3A. of about 5° to about 20° relative to a plane perpendicular Figure 3E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- to the tip, and the tip having a radius of less than or equal 10 native embodiment of the stand up flexible container to 0.3 mm. of Figure 3A, including an asymmetric structural sup- port frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 3F illustrates a perspective view of an alter- native embodiment of the stand up flexible container [0016] 15 of Figure 3A, including an internal structural support frame. Figure 1A illustrates a front view of an embodiment Figure 3G illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of a stand up flexible container. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flex- of Figure 3A, including an external structural support ible container of Figure 1A. 20 frame. Figure 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flex- Figure 4A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible ible container of Figure 1A. container having a structural support frame that has Figure 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up an overall shape like a trigonal prism. flexible container of Figure 1A. Figure 4B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 1E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- 25 Figure 4A. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 4C illustrates a side view of the container of of Figure 1A, including an asymmetric structural sup- Figure 4A. port frame. Figure 4D illustrates an isometric view of the con- Figure 1F illustrates a perspective view of an alter- tainer of Figure 4A. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container 30 Figure 4E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 1A, including an internal structural support native embodiment of the stand up flexible container frame. of Figure 4A, including an asymmetric structural sup- Figure 1G illustrates a perspective view of an alter- port frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 4F illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 1A, including an external structural support 35 native embodiment of the stand up flexible container frame. of Figure 4A, including an internal structural support Figure 2A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible frame. container having a structural support frame that has Figure 4G illustrates a perspective view of an alter- an overall shape like a frustum. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 2B illustrates a front view of the container of 40 of Figure 4A, including an external structural support Figure 2A. frame. Figure 2C illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 5A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible Figure 2A. container having a structural support frame that has Figure 2D illustrates an isometric view of the con- an overall shape like a tetragonal prism. tainer of Figure 2A. 45 Figure 5B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 2E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- Figure 5A. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 5C illustrates a side view of the container of of Figure 2A, including an asymmetric structural sup- Figure 5A. port frame. Figure 5D illustrates an isometric view of the con- Figure 2F illustrates a perspective view of an alter- 50 tainer of Figure 5A. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 5E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 1A, including an internal structural support native embodiment of the stand up flexible container frame. of Figure 5A, including an asymmetric structural sup- Figure 2G illustrates a perspective view of an alter- port frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container 55 Figure 5F illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 2A, including an external structural support native embodiment of the stand up flexible container frame. of Figure 5A, including an internal structural support Figure 3A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible frame.

4 7 EP 3 066 021 B1 8

Figure 5G illustrates a perspective view of an alter- port frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 8F illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 5A, including an external structural support native embodiment of the stand up flexible container frame. of Figure 8A, including an internal structural support Figure 6A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible 5 frame. container having a structural support frame that has Figure 8G illustrates a perspective view of an alter- an overall shape like a pentagonal prism. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 6B illustrates a front view of the container of of Figure 8A, including an external structural support Figure 6A. frame. Figure 6C illustrates a side view of the container of 10 Figure 9A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of Figure 6A. a self-supporting flexible container, having an overall Figure 6D illustrates an isometric view of the con- shape like a square. tainer of Figure 6A. Figure 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible con- Figure 6E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- tainer of Figure 9A. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container 15 Figure 9C illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 6A, including an asymmetric structural sup- native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible port frame. container of Figure 9A, including an asymmetric Figure 6F illustrates a perspective view of an alter- structural support frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 9D illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 6A, including an internal structural support 20 native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible frame. container of Figure 9A, including an internal struc- Figure 6G illustrates a perspective view of an alter- tural support frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 9E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 6A, including an external structural support native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible frame. 25 container of Figure 9A, including an external struc- Figure 7A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible tural support frame. container having a structural support frame that has Figure 10A illustrates a top view of an embodiment an overall shape like a cone. of a self-supporting flexible container, having an Figure 7B illustrates a front view of the container of overall shape like a triangle. Figure 7A. 30 Figure 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible con- Figure 7C illustrates a side view of the container of tainer of Figure 10A. Figure 7A. Figure 10C illustrates a perspective view of an alter- Figure 7D illustrates an isometric view of the con- native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible tainer of Figure 7A. container of Figure 10A, including an asymmetric Figure 7E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- 35 structural support frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 10D illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 7A, including an asymmetric structural sup- native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible port frame. container of Figure 10A, including an internal struc- Figure 7F illustrates a perspective view of an alter- tural support frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container 40 Figure 10E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 7A, including an internal structural support native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible frame. container of Figure 10A, including an external struc- Figure 7G illustrates a perspective view of an alter- tural support frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 11A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of Figure 7A, including an external structural support 45 of a self-supporting flexible container, having an frame. overall shape like a circle. Figure 8A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible Figure 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible con- container having a structural support frame that has tainer of Figure 11A. an overall shape like a cylinder. Figure 11C illustrates a perspective view of an alter- Figure 8B illustrates a front view of the container of 50 native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible Figure 8A. container of Figure 11A, including an asymmetric Figure 8C illustrates a side view of the container of structural support frame. Figure 8A. Figure 11D illustrates a perspective view of an alter- Figure 8D illustrates an isometric view of the con- native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible tainer of Figure 8A. 55 container of Figure 11A, including an internal struc- Figure 8E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- tural support frame. native embodiment of the stand up flexible container Figure 11E illustrates a perspective view of an alter- of Figure 8A, including an asymmetric structural sup- native embodiment of the self-supporting flexible

5 9 EP 3 066 021 B1 10 container of Figure 11A, including an external struc- gion of a flexible container illustrating the sealing tural support frame. achieved by a method of sealing and cutting in ac- Figure 12A illustrates an isometric view of push-pull cordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. type dispenser. Figure 21B is a zoomed in view of the seam region Figure 12B illustrates an isometric view of dispenser 5 of Figure 21A at line 1-1’. with a flip-top cap. Figure 21C is a zoomed in view of the seam region Figure 12C illustrates an isometric view of dispenser of Figure 21A at line 2-2’. with a screw-on cap. Figure 12D illustrates an isometric view of rotatable DETAILED DESCRIPTION type dispenser. 10 Figure 12E illustrates an isometric view of nozzle [0017] The present disclosure describes various em- type dispenser with a cap. bodiments of containers made from flexible material. Be- Figure 13A illustrates an isometric view of straw dis- cause these containers are made from flexible material, penser. these containers can be less expensive to make, can use Figure 13B illustrates an isometric view of straw dis- 15 less material, and can be easier to decorate, when com- penser with a . pared with conventional rigid containers. First, these con- Figure 13C illustrates an isometric view of flip up tainers can be less expensive to make, because the con- straw dispenser. version of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished Figure 13D illustrates an isometric view of straw dis- goods) generally requires less energy and complexity, penser with bite valve. 20 than formation of rigid materials (from bulk form to fin- Figure 14A illustrates an isometric view of pump type ished goods). Second, these containers can use less ma- dispenser. terial, because they are configured with novel support Figure 14B illustrates an isometric view of pump structures that do not require the use of the thick solid spray type dispenser. walls used in conventional rigid containers. Third, these Figure 14C illustrates an isometric view of gger tri 25 flexible containers can be easier to decorate, because spray type dispenser. their flexible materials can be easily printed before they Figure15 is aprocess diagram of amethod of making are formed into containers. Fourth, these flexible con- a flexible container in accordance with an embodi- tainers can be less prone to scuffing, denting, and rup- ment of the disclosure. ture, because flexible materials allow their outer surfaces Figure 16 is a schematic drawing of a sealing appa- 30 to deform when contacting surfaces and objects, and ratus in accordance with an embodiment of the dis- then to bounce back. Fifth, fluent products in these flex- . ible containers can be more readily and carefully dis- Figure 17A is a schematic of a sealing apparatus in pensed, because the sides of flexible containers can be accordance with another embodiment of the disclo- more easily and controllably squeezed by human hands. sure. 35 Alternatively, any embodiment of flexible containers, as Figure 17B is a zoomed in illustration of the sealing described herein, can be configured to dispense fluent surface and anvil surface of the sealing apparatus products by pouring the fluent products out of its product of Figure 17A. volume. Figure 18A is a schematic illustration of a seam re- [0018] Even though the containers of the present dis- gion of a flexible container illustrating the sealing 40 closure are made from flexible material, they can be con- achieved by a method of sealing and cutting in ac- figured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they cordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. can receive, contain, and dispense fluent product(s), as Figure 18B is a zoomed in view of the seam region intended, without failure. Also, these containers can be of Figure 18A at line 1-1’. configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that Figure 18C is a zoomed in view of the seam region 45 they can withstand external forces and environmental of Figure 18A at line 2-2. conditions from handling, without failure. Further, these Figure 19A is a schematic illustration of a seam re- containers can be configured with structures that allow gion of a flexible container illustrating the sealing them to be displayed for sale and put into use, as intend- achieved by a method of sealing and cutting in ac- ed, without failure. cordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 50 [0019] As used herein, the term "about" modifies a par- Figure 19B is a zoomed in view of the seam region ticular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular of Figure 19A at line 1-1’. value, plus or minus twenty percent (+/- 20%). For any Figure 19C is a zoomed in view of the seam region of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed of Figure 19A at line 2-2. herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in vari- Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible con- 55 ous alternate embodiments, also be understood as a dis- tainer in accordance with an embodiment of the dis- closure of a range equal to about that particular value closure. (i.e. +/- 20%). Figure 21A is a schematic illustration of a seam re- [0020] As used herein, the term "ambient conditions"

6 11 EP 3 066 021 B1 12 refers to a temperature within the range of 15-35 degrees a barrier, and by a cap), but the product volume is not Celsius and a relative humidity within the range of necessarily hermetically sealed. For example, a closed 35-75%. container can include a vent, which allows a head space [0021] As used herein, the term "approximately" mod- in the container to be in fluid communication with air in ifies a particular value, by referring to a range equal to 5 the environment outside of the container. the particular value, plus or minus fifteen percent (+/- [0027] As used herein, the term "deflation feature" re- 15%). For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, fers to one or more structural features provided with a disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, flexible container and configured for use in deflating can, in various alternate embodiments, also be under- some or all of the expanded structural support volume(s) stood as a disclosure of a range equal to approximately 10 of the flexible container, by allowing expansion materi- that particular value (i.e. +/- 15%). al(s) inside of the structural support volume to escape [0022] As used herein, when referring to a sheet of into the environment, so that the structural support vol- material, the term "basis weight" refers to a measure of ume is no longer expanded. A deflation feature can be mass per area, in units of grams per square meter (gsm). used when the flexible container is ready to be disposed For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, dis- 15 of (i.e. as waste, compost, and/or recyclable material). closed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible Any of the flexible containers disclosed herein can be materials can be configured to have a basis weight of configured with any number of any kind of deflation fea- 10-1000 gsm, or any integer value for gsm from 10-1000, ture, configured in any way disclosed herein or known in or within any range formed by any of these values, such the art. as 20-800 gsm, 30-600 gsm, 40-400 gsm, or 50-200, etc. 20 [0028] One kind of deflation feature is a cutting device, [0023] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- which is a rigid element that includes a point or edge tainer, the term "bottom" refers to the portion of the con- configured to cut and/or pierce through flexible materi- tainer that is located in the lowermost 30% of the overall al(s) that form at least part of a structural support volume. height of the container, that is, from 0-30% of the overall As an example, a cutting device can be included with a height of the container. As used herein, the term bottom 25 flexible container by attaching the device to any portion can be further limited by modifying the term bottom with of the outside (e.g. top, middle, side, bottom, etc.) of the a particular percentage value, which is less than 30%. container with , or under a , or any other For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, dis- way known in the art, for externally attaching rigid ele- closed herein, a reference to the bottom of the container ments to a container. As another example, a cutting de- can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to the bot- 30 vice can be included with a flexible container by including tom 25% (i.e. from 0-25% of the overall height), the bot- the device with other packaging material, such as at- tom 20% (i.e. from 0-20% of the overall height), the bot- tached to an outer , inside of an layer, in tom 15% (i.e. from 0-15% of the overall height), the bot- between containers provided together, etc. As still an- tom 10% (i.e. from 0-10% of the overall height), or the other example, a cutting device can be included with a bottom 5% (i.e. from 0-5% of the overall height), or any 35 flexible container by including the device inside of any integer value for percentage between 0% and 30%. portion of the container, such as in a product volume, in [0024] As used herein, the term "branding" refers to a a structural support volume, in a mixing chamber, in a visual element intended to distinguish a product from oth- dedicated space for the device, in a base structure, or er products. Examples of branding include one of more any other way known in the art, for internally including of any of the following: trademarks, trade dress, logos, 40 rigid elements within a container. As yet another exam- icons, and the like. For any of the embodiments of flexible ple, a cutting device can be included with a flexible con- containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, tainer, by making the cutting device integral with or de- any surface of the flexible container can include one or tachable from another rigid element that is part of the more brandings of any size, shape, or configuration, dis- container, such as a rigid base structure, cap, dispenser, closed herein or known in the art, in any combination. 45 fitment, connecting element, reinforcing element, or any [0025] As used herein, the term "character" refers to a other rigid element for containers disclosed herein or visual element intended to convey information. Examples known in the art. A cutting device can be configured to of characters include one or more of any of the following: be any convenient size and any workable shape and can letters, numbers, symbols, and the like. For any of the be used manually or through use of a tool. In addition to embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in 50 rigid elements, flexible materials that can be turned into various embodiments, any surface of the flexible contain- a rigid cutting device through rolling up or folding flexible er can include one or more characters of any size, shape, materials are also envisioned. or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in [0029] Another kind of deflation feature is an exit chan- any combination. nel, which can be configured to be opened in material(s) [0026] As used herein, the term "closed" refers to a 55 that border or define at least a portion of the fillable space state of a product volume, wherein fluent products within of a structural support volume. An exit channel can be the product volume are prevented from escaping the an existing connection (e.g. seam, seal, or joint) in the product volume (e.g. by one or more materials that form container, which is configured to fail (e.g. separate and

7 13 EP 3 066 021 B1 14 at least partially open) when exposed to opening forces. dispenser, etc. A dispenser can be a parallel dispenser, An exit channel can also be formed with one or more providing multiple flow channels in fluid communication points, lines, and/or areas of weakness (e.g. thinned, with multiple product volumes, wherein those flow chan- scored, perforated, frangible seal, etc.), which are con- nels remain separate until the point of dispensing, thus figured to fail or to otherwise be breached, when exposed 5 allowing fluent products from multiple product volumes to opening forces. An exit channel can be protected by to be dispensed as separate fluent products, dispensed another material, such as an adhesive label, to ensure together at the same time. A dispenser can be a mixing the exit channel remains closed until the user wishes to dispenser, providing one or more flow channels in fluid deflate. An exit channel can further be formed by config- communication with multiple product volumes, with mul- uring the container with one or more tear initiation sites 10 tiple flow channels combined before the point of dispens- (such as a notch in an edge, a pull-tab, etc.) such that a ing, thus allowing fluent products from multiple product tear propagating from the site(s) can open the flexible volumes to be dispensed as the fluent products mixed material. An exit channel can be configured to be any together. As another example, a dispenser can be formed convenient size and any workable shape and can be by a frangible opening. As further examples, a dispenser opened manually (by grasping and pulling, by poking with 15 can utilize one or more valves and/or dispensing mech- a finger or fingernail, or any other way) or through use of anisms disclosed in the art, such as those disclosed in: a tool or by overpressurizing a structural support volume published US patent application 2003/0096068, entitled (through application of compressive force or controlled "One-way valve for inflatable package"; US patent environmental conditions) such that the structural sup- 4,988,016 entitled "Self-sealing container"; and US portvolume fails when its expansionmaterial(s) burst out. 20 7,207,717, entitled "Package having a fluid actuated clo- [0030] Still another kind of deflation feature is a valve, sure". Still further, any of the dispensers disclosed herein, connected to the fillable space of a structural support may be incorporated into a flexible container either di- volume, wherein the valve can be opened to the contain- rectly, or in combination with one or more other materials er’s environment. Embodiments of the present disclosure or structures (such as a fitment), or in any way known in can use as a deflation feature, any and all embodiments 25 the art. In some alternate embodiments, dispensers dis- of valves (including materials, structures, and/or features closed herein can be configured for both dispensing and for valves, as well as any and all methods of making filling, to allow filling of product volume(s) through one or and/or using such valves), as disclosed in the following more dispensers. In other alternate embodiments, a patent documents: US nonprovisional patent application product volume can include one or more filling struc- 13/379,655 filed June 21, 2010, entitled "Collapsible Bot- 30 ture(s) (e.g. for adding water to a mixing volume) in ad- tle, Method Of Manufacturing a Blank For Such dition to or instead of one or more dispenser(s). Any lo- and Beverage-Filled Bottle Dispensing System" in the cation for a dispenser, disclosed herein can alternatively name of Reidl, published as US2012/0097634; US non- be used as a location for a filling structure. In some em- provisional patent application 10/246893 filed Septem- bodiments, a product volume can include one or more ber 19, 2002, entitled "Bubble-Seal Apparatus for Easily 35 filling structures in addition to any dispenser(s). And, any Opening a Sealed Package" in the name of Perell, et al., location for a dispenser, disclosed herein can alterna- published as 20040057638; and US patent 7,585,528 tively be used as a location for an opening, through which filed December 16, 2002, entitled "Package having an product can be filled and/or dispensed, wherein the open- inflated frame" in the name of Ferri, et al., granted on ing may be reclosable or non-reclosable, and can be con- September 8, 2009. As used herein, the term "directly 40 figured in any way known in the art of packaging. For connected" refers to a configuration wherein elements example, an opening can be: a line of weakness, which are attached to each other without any intermediate el- can be torn open; a zipper seal, which can be pulled open ements therebetween, except for any means of attach- and pressed closed (e.g. a press seal), or opened and ment (e.g. adhesive). closed with a slider; openings with adhesive-based clo- [0031] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- 45 sures; openings with cohesive-based closures; openings tainer, the term "dispenser" refers to a structure config- with closures having fasteners (e.g. snaps, tin tie, etc.), ured to dispense fluent product(s) from a product volume openings with closures having micro-sized fasteners and/or from a mixing volume to the environment outside (e.g. with opposing arrays of interlocking fastening ele- of the container. For any of the flexible containers dis- ments, such as hook, loops, and/or other mating ele- closed herein, any dispenser can be configured in any 50 ments, etc.), and any other kind of opening for packages way disclosed herein or known in the art, including any or containers, with or without a closure, known in the art. suitable size, shape, and flow rate. For example, a dis- [0032] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- penser can be a push-pull type dispenser, a dispenser tainer, the term "disposable" refers to a container which, with a flip-top cap, a dispenser with a screw-on cap, a after dispensing a product to an end user, is not config- rotatable type dispenser, dispenser with a cap, a pump 55 ured to be refilled with an additional amount of the prod- type dispenser, a pump spray type dispenser, a trigger uct, but is configured to be disposed of (i.e. as waste, spray type dispenser, a straw dispenser, a flip up straw compost, and/or recyclable material). Part, parts, or all dispenser, a straw dispenser with bite valve, a dosing of any of the embodiments of flexible containers, dis-

8 15 EP 3 066 021 B1 16 closed herein, can be configured to be disposable. These chords are drawn to create the largest possible [0033] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- effective base contact area. tainer, the term "durable" refers to a container that is re- [0040] Thus, the outer periphery is formed by a com- usable more than non-durable containers. bination of the outer extent of the combined area and any [0034] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- 5 chords, constructed as described above, which all to- tainer, the term "effective base contact area" refers to a gether enclose the effective base area. Any chords that particular area defined by a portion of the bottom of the are bounded by the combined area and/or one or more container, when the container (with all of its product vol- other chords, are not part of the outer periphery and ume(s) filled 100% with water) is standing upright and its should be ignored. bottom is resting on a horizontal support surface. The 10 [0041] Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, effective base contact area lies in a plane defined by the disclosed herein, can be configured to have an effective horizontal support surface. The effective base contact base contact area from 1 to 50,000 square centimeters area is a continuous area bounded on all sides by an (cm2), or any integer value for cm 2 between 1 and 50,000 outer periphery. cm2, or within any range formed by any of the preceding [0035] The outer periphery is formed from an actual 15 values, such as: from 2 to 25,000 cm 2, 3 to 10,000 cm 2, contact area and from a series of projected areas from 4 to 5,000 cm2, 5 to 2,500 cm2, from 10 to 1,000 cm2, defined cross-sections taken at the bottom of the con- from 20 to 500 cm2, from 30 to 300 cm 2, from 40 to 200 tainer. The actual contact area is the one or more portions cm2, or from 50 to 100 cm 2, etc. of the bottom of the container that contact the horizontal [0042] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- support surface, when the effective base contact area is 20 tainer, the term "expanded" refers to the state of one or defined. The effective base contact area includes all of more flexible materials that are configured to be formed the actual contact area. However, in some embodiments, into a structural support volume, after the structural sup- the effective base contact area may extend beyond the port volume is made rigid by one or more expansion ma- actual contact area. terials. An expanded structural support volume has an [0036] The series of projected area are formed from 25 overall width that is significantly greater than the com- five horizontal cross-sections, taken at the bottom of the bined thickness of its one or more flexible materials, be- flexible container. These cross-sections are taken at 1%, fore the structural support volume is filled with the one 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the overall height. The outer or more expansion materials. Examples of expansion extent of each of these cross-sections is projected verti- materials include liquids (e.g. water), gases (e.g. com- cally downward onto the horizontal support surface to 30 pressed air), fluent products, foams (that can expand af- form five (overlapping) projected areas, which, together ter being added into a structural support volume), co- withthe actualcontact area, form a singlecombined area. reactive materials (that produce gas), or phase change This is not a summing up of the values for these areas, materials (that can be added in solid or liquid form, but but is the formation of a single combined area that in- which turn into a gas; for example, liquid nitrogen or dry cludes all of these (projected and actual) areas, overlap- 35 ice), or other suitable materials known in the art, or com- ping each other, wherein any overlapping portion makes binations of any of these (e.g. fluent product and liquid only one contribution to the single combined area. nitrogen). In various embodiments, expansion materials [0037] The outer periphery of the effective base con- can be added at atmospheric pressure, or added under tact area is formed as described below. In the following pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, or added description, the terms convex, protruding, concave, and 40 to provide a material change that will increase pressure recessed are understood from the perspective of points to something above atmospheric pressure. For any of outside of the combined area. The outer periphery is the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, formed by a combination of the outer extent of the com- its one or more flexible materials can be expanded at bined area and any chords, which are straight line seg- various points in time, with respect to its manufacture, ments constructed as described below. 45 sale, and use, including, for example: before or after its [0038] For each continuous portion of the combined product volume(s) are filled with fluent product(s), before area that has an outer perimeter with a shape that is or after the flexible container is shipped to a seller, and concave or recessed, a chord is constructed across that before or after the flexible container is purchased by an portion. This chord is the shortest straight line segment end user. that can be drawn tangent to the combined area on both 50 [0043] As used herein, when referring to a product vol- sides of the concave/recessed portion. ume of a flexible container, the term "filled" refers to the [0039] For a combined area that is discontinuous state when the product volume contains an amount of (formed by two or more separate portions), one or more fluent product(s) that is equal to a full capacity for the chords are constructed around the outer perimeter of the product volume, with an allowance for head space, under combined area, across the one or more discontinuities 55 ambient conditions. As used herein, the term filled can (open spaces disposed between the portions). These be modified by using the term filled with a particular per- chords are straight lines segments drawn tangent to the centage value, wherein 100% filled represents the max- outermost separate portions of the combined area. imum capacity of the product volume.

9 17 EP 3 066 021 B1 18

[0044] As used herein, the term "flat" refers to a surface ples of materials that can be flexible materials include that is without significant projections or depressions. one or more of any of the following: films (such as plastic [0045] As used herein, the term "flexible container" re- films), elastomers, foamed sheets, foils, fabrics (includ- fers to a container configured to have a product volume, ing wovens and nonwovens), biosourced materials, and wherein one or more flexible materials form 50-100% of 5 , in any configuration, as separate material(s), or the overall surface area of the one or more materials that as layer(s) of a laminate, or as part(s) of a composite define the three-dimensional space of the product vol- material, in a microlayered or nanolayered structure, and ume. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, in any combination, as described herein or as known in disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the flexible the art. container can be configured to have a product volume, 10 [0049] As examples, flexible materials such as films wherein one or more flexible materials form a particular and nonwovens, can be made from one or more thermo- percentage of the overall area of the one or more mate- plastic polymers, as described herein and/or as known rials that define the three-dimensional space, and the inthe art. Thermoplasticpolymers can include polyolefins particular percentage is any integer value for percentage such as and/or copolymers thereof, includ- between 50% and 100%, or within any range formed by 15 ing low density, high density, linear low density, or ultra any of these values, such as: 60-100%, or 70-100%, or low density . and/or poly- 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc. One kind of flexible container propylene copolymers, including atactic polypropylene; is a film-based container, which is a flexible container isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, made from one or more flexible materials, which include and/or combinations thereof can also be used. Polybuty- a film. 20 lene is also a useful polyolefin. [0046] For any of the embodiments of flexible contain- [0050] Other suitable polymers include polyamides or ers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the mid- copolymers thereof, such as Nylon 6, Nylon 11, Nylon dleof the flexible container(apart fromany fluentproduct) 12, Nylon 46, Nylon 66; and/or copolymers can be configured to have an overall middle mass, where- thereof, such as maleic anhydride polypropylene copol- in one or more flexible materials form a particular per- 25 ymer, polyethylene terephthalate; olefin carboxylic acid centage of the overall middle mass, and the particular copolymers such as ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, percentage is any integer value for percentage between ethylene/maleic acid copolymer, ethylene/methacrylic 50% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the acid copolymer, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or preceding values, such as: 60-100%, or 70-100%, or combinations thereof; polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc. 30 and/or their copolymers such as poly(methyl methacr- [0047] For any of the embodiments of flexible contain- ylates). ers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the entire [0051] Other nonlimiting examples of polymers include flexible container (apart from any fluent product) can be polyesters, polycarbonates, polyvinyl acetates, po- configured to have an overall mass, wherein one or more ly(oxymethylene), styrene copolymers, polyacrylates, flexible materials form a particular percentage of the35 polymethacrylates, poly(methyl methacrylates), polysty- overall mass, and the particular percentage is any integer rene/methyl methacrylate copolymers, polyetherimides, value for percentage between 50% and 100%, or within polysulfones, and/or combinations thereof. In some em- any range formed by any of the preceding values, such bodiments, polymers can include polypro- as: 60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc. pylene, polyethylene, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohol, eth- [0048] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- 40 ylene acrylic acid, polyolefin carboxylic acid copolymers, tainer, the term "flexible material" refers to a thin, easily polyesters, and/or combinations thereof. deformable, sheet-like material, having a flexibility factor [0052] Biodegradable thermoplastic polymers also are within the range of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m. For any of the contemplated for use herein. Biodegradable materials embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in are susceptible to being assimilated by microorganisms, various embodiments, any of the flexible materials can 45 such as molds, fungi, and bacteria when the biodegrad- be configured to have a flexibility factorable material of is buried in the ground or otherwise contacts 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or any integer value for flexibility the microorganisms Suitable biodegradable polymers al- factor from 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or within any range so include those biodegradable materials which are en- formed by any of these values, such as 1,000-1,500,000 vironmentally-degradable using aerobic or anaerobic di- N/m, 1,500-1,000,000 N/m, 2,500-800,000 N/m,50 gestion procedures, or by virtue of being exposed to en- 5,000-700,000 N/m, 10,000-600,000 vironmental N/m, elements such as sunlight, rain, moisture, 15,000-500,000 N/m, 20,000-400,000 wind, N/m, temperature, and the like. The biodegradable ther- 25,000-300,000 N/m, 30,000-200,000 moplastic N/m, polymers can be used individually or as a com- 35,000-100,000 N/m, 40,000-90,000 N/m, bination or of biodegradable or non-biodegradable poly- 45,000-85,000 N/m, etc. Throughout the present disclo- 55 mers. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters con- sure the terms "flexible material", "flexible sheet", taining aliphatic components. Among the polyesters are "sheet", and "sheet-like material" are used interchange- ester polycondensates containing aliphatic constituents ably and are intended to have the same meaning. Exam- and poly(hydroxycarboxylic) acid. The ester polyconden-

10 19 EP 3 066 021 B1 20 sates include diacids/diol aliphatic polyesters such as cleating and clarifying agents for the thermoplastic poly- polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate co-adi- mer. Specific examples, suitable for polypropylene, for pate, aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as terpolymers example, are benzoic acid and derivatives (e.g. sodium made of butylenes diol, adipic acid and terephthalic acid. benzoate and lithium benzoate), as well as kaolin, talc The poly(hydroxycarboxylic) acids include lactic acid5 and zinc glycerolate. Dibenzlidene sorbitol (DBS) is an based homopolymers and copolymers, polyhydroxybu- example of a clarifying agent that can be used. Other tyrate (PHB), or other polyhydroxyalkanoate homopoly- nucleating agents that can be used are organocarboxylic mers and copolymers. Such polyhydroxyalkanoates in- acid salts, sodium phosphate and metal salts (for exam- clude copolymers of PHB with higher chain length mon- ple aluminum dibenzoate). omers, such as C6-C12, and higher, polyhydroxyalkana- 10 [0058] Contemplated nanoparticles include metals, otes, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Numbers metal oxides, allotropes of carbon, clays, organically RE 36,548 and 5,990,271, polyglycolic acid, and polyc- modified clays, sulfates, nitrides, hydroxides, oxy/hy- aprolactone. droxides, particulate water-insoluble polymers, silicates, [0053] Non-limiting examples of suitable commercially phosphates, and carbonates. Examples include silicon available polymers include Basell Profax PH-835 (a 35 15 dioxide,carbon black,graphite, graphene,fullerenes, ex- melt flow rate Ziegler-Natta isotactic polypropylene from panded graphite, carbon nanotubes, talc, calcium car- Lyondell-Basell), Basell Metocene MF-650W (a 500 melt bonate, bentonite, montmorillonite, kaolin, zinc glycero- flow rate metallocene isotactic polypropylene from Lyon- late, silica, aluminosilicates, boron nitride, aluminum ni- dell-Basell), Polybond 3200 (a 250 melt flow rate maleic tride, barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, antimony oxide, anhydride polypropylene copolymer from Crompton),20 feldspar, mica, nickel, copper, iron, cobalt, steel, gold, Exxon Achieve 3854 (a 25 melt flow rate metallocene silver, platinum, aluminum, wollastonite, aluminum ox- isotactic polypropylene from Exxon-Mobil Chemical), ide, zirconium oxide, titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, zinc Mosten NB425 (a 25 melt flow rate Ziegler-Natta isotactic oxide, magnesium oxide, tin oxide, iron oxides (Fe2O3, polypropylene from Unipetrol), Danimer 27510 (a poly- Fe3O4) and mixtures thereof. hydroxyalkanoatepolypropylene fromDanimer Scientific 25 [0059] Thermoplastic polymers, and their variations, LLC), Dow Aspun 6811A (a 27 melt index polyethylene as disclosed herein can be formed into a film and can polypropylene copolymer from Dow Chemical), and comprise many different configurations, depending on Eastman 9921 (a terephthalic homopolymer the film properties desired. The properties of the film can with a nominally 0.81 intrinsic viscosity from Eastman be manipulated by varying, for example, the thickness, Chemical), any biosourced materials for example, from 30 or in the of multilayered films, the number of layers, Braskem, and acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate polymers, the chemistry of the layers, i.e., hydrophobic or hy- such as Barex.. drophilic, and the types of polymers used to form the [0054] A thermoplastic polymer component of a flexi- polymeric layers. The films disclosed herein can be multi- ble materialcan be a single polymer speciesas described layer films. The film can have at least two layers (e.g., a above or a blend of two or more thermoplastic polymers 35 first film layer and a second film layer). The first film layer as described above. and the second film layer can be layered adjacent to each [0055] Also as examples, flexible materials can further other to form the multi-layer film. A multi-layer film can includeone or more additives, as described hereinand/or have at least three layers (e.g., a first film layer, a second as known in the art. Non-limiting examples of classes of film layer and a third film layer). The second film layer such additives include perfumes, dyes, pigments, nano- 40 can at least partially overlie at least one of an upper sur- particles, antistatic agents, fillers, photoactives, and oth- face or a lower surface of the first film layer. The third er classes of additives known in the art, and combina- film layer can at least partially overlie the second film tions. The films disclosed herein can contain a single layer such that the second film layer forms a core layer. additive or a mixture of any number of additives. It is contemplated that multi-layer films can include ad- [0056] Contemplated fillers include, but are not limited 45 ditional layers (e.g., binding layers, non-permeable lay- to inorganic fillers such as, for example, the oxides of ers, etc.). It will be appreciated that multi-layer films can magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and titanium. These ma- comprise from about 2 layers to about 1000 layers; in terials can be added as inexpensive fillers or processing certain embodiments from about 3 layers to about 200 aides. Other inorganic materials that can function as fill- layers; and in certain embodiments from about 5 layers ers include hydrous magnesium silicate, titanium dioxide, 50 to about 100 layers, or any integer value for number of calcium carbonate, clay, chalk, boron nitride, limestone, layers, in any of these ranges. For multi-layer films, each diatomaceous earth, mica glass quartz, and ceramics. respective layercan be made from any material disclosed Additionally, inorganic salts, including alkali metal salts, herein or known in the art, in any manner disclosed herein alkaline earth metal salts, phosphate salts, can be used. or known in the art. Additionally, alkyd resins can also be added as fillers. 55 [0060] A multi-layer film can include a 3-layer arrange- Alkyd resins can comprise a polyol, a polyacid or anhy- ment wherein a first film layer and a third film layer form dride, and/or a fatty acid. the skin layers and a second film layer is formed between [0057] Additional contemplated additives include nu- the first film layer and the third film layer to form a core

11 21 EP 3 066 021 B1 22 layer. The third film layer can be the same or different [0067] An exemplary class of materials suitable for use from the first film layer, such that the third film layer can as a tie layer is a class of materials known as anhydride comprise a composition as described herein. It will be modified ethylene vinyl acetate sold by DuPont under the appreciated that similar film layers could be used to form tradename Bynel®, e.g., Bynel® 3860. Another material multi-layer films having more than 3 layers. One embod- 5 suitable for use as a tie layer is an anhydride modified iment for using multi-layer films is to control the location ethylene methyl acrylate also sold by DuPont under the of the oil. For example, in a 3 layer film, the core layer tradename Bynel®, e.g., Bynel® 2169. Maleic anhydride may contain the oil while the outer layer do not. Alterna- graft polyolefin polymers suitable for use as tie layers are tively, the inner layer may not contain oil and the outer also available from Elf Atochem North America, Func- layers do contain oil. 10 tional Polymers Division, of Philadelphia, PA as Ore- [0061] If incompatible layers are to be adjacent in a vacTM. multi-layer film, a tie layer can be positioned between [0068] Alternatively, a polymer suitable for use as a tie them. The purpose of the tie layer is to provide a transition layer material can be incorporated into the composition and adequate adhesion between incompatible materials. of one or more of the layers of the films as disclosed An adhesive or tie layer is typically used between layers 15 herein. By such incorporation, the properties of the var- of layers that exhibit delamination when stretched, dis- ious layers are modified so as to improve their compati- torted, or deformed. The delamination can be either mi- bility and reduce the risk of delamination. croscopic separation or macroscopic separation. In ei- [0069] Other intermediate layers besides tie layers can ther event, the performance of the film may be compro- be used in the multi-layer film disclosed herein. For ex- mised by this delamination. Consequently, a tie layer that 20 ample, a layer of a polyolefin composition can be used exhibits adequate adhesion between the layers is used between two outer layers of a hydrophilic resin to provide to limit or eliminate this delamination. additional mechanical strength to the extruded web. Any [0062] A tie layer is generally useful between incom- number of intermediate layers may be used. patible materials. For instance, when a polyolefin and a [0070] Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials copoly(ester-ether) are the adjacent layers, a tie layer is 25 for use in forming intermediate layers include polyethyl- generally useful. ene resins such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), lin- [0063] The tie layer is chosen according to the nature ear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ethylene vinyl ac- of the adjacent materials, and is compatible with and/or etate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA), polypropyl- identical to one material (e.g. nonpolar and hydrophobic ene, and poly(vinyl chloride). Polymeric layers of this type layer) and a reactive group which is compatible or inter- 30 can have mechanical properties that are substantially acts with the second material (e.g. polar and hydrophilic equivalent to those described above for the hydrophobic layer). layer. [0064] Suitable backbones for the tie layer include pol- [0071] In addition to being formed from the composi- yethylene (low density - LDPE, linear low density - tions described herein, the films can further include ad- LLDPE, high density - HDPE, and very low density 35 - ditional additives. For example, opacifying agents can be VLDPE) and polypropylene. added to one or more of the film layers. Such opacifying [0065] The reactive group may be a grafting monomer agents can include iron oxides, carbon black, aluminum, that is grafted to this backbone, and is or contains at least aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, talc and combinations one alpha- or beta- ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic thereof. These opacifying agents can comprise about acid or anhydrides, or a derivative thereof. Examples of 40 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the film; and in certain such carboxylic acids and anhydrides, which maybe mo- embodiments, the opacifying agents can comprise about no-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, are acrylic acid, meth- 0.3% to about 3% of the film. It will be appreciated that acrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, cro- other suitable opacifying agents can be employed and in tonicacid, itaconic anhydride, maleic anhydride,and sub- various concentrations. Examples of opacifying agents stituted malic anhydride, e.g. dimethyl maleic anhydride. 45 are described in US Patent Number 6,653,523. Examples of derivatives of the unsaturated acids are [0072] Furthermore, the films can comprise other ad- salts, amides,imides and esterse.g. mono- and disodium ditives, such as other polymers materials (e.g., a poly- maleate, acrylamide, maleimide, and diethyl fumarate. propylene, a polyethylene, a ethylene vinyl acetate, a [0066] A particularly tie layer is a low molecular weight polymethylpentene any combination thereof, or the like), polymer of ethylene with about 0.1 to about 30 weight 50 a (e.g., glass, talc, calcium carbonate, or the like), percent of one or more unsaturated monomers which a mold release agent, a flame retardant, an electrically can be copolymerized with ethylene, e.g., maleic acid, conductive agent, an anti-static agent, a pigment, an anti- fumaric acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, oxidant, an impact modifier, a stabilizer (e.g., a UV ab- acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, butadiene, carbon mon- sorber), wetting agents, dyes, a film anti-static agent or oxide, etc. Exemplary embodiments are acrylic esters, 55 any combination thereof. Film antistatic agents include maleic anhydride, vinyl acetate, and methyacrylic acid. cationic, anionic, and/or, nonionic agents. Cationic Anhydrides can be used as grafting monomers, for ex- agents include ammonium, phosphonium and sulphoni- ample maleic anhydride can be used. um cations, with alkyl group substitutions and an asso-

12 23 EP 3 066 021 B1 24 ciated anion such as chloride, methosulphate, or nitrate. of these. Anionic agents contemplated include alkylsulphonates. [0077] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- Nonionic agents include polyethylene glycols, organic tainer, the term "flexibility factor" refers to a material pa- stearates, organic amides, glycerol monostearate rameter for a thin, easily deformable, sheet-like material, (GMS), alkyl di-ethanolamides, and ethoxylated amines. 5 wherein the parameter is measured in Newtons per me- Other filler materials can comprise fibers, structural re- ter, and the flexibility factor is equal to the product of the inforcing agents, and all types of biosourced materials value for the Young’s modulus of the material (measured such as oils (hydrogenated soy bean oil), fats, starch, etc. in Pascals) and the value for the overall thickness of the [0073] For any of the flexible materials, materials that material (measured in meters). are safe/approved for contact may be selected. Ad- 10 [0078] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- ditionally, materials that are approved for medical usage, tainer, the term "fluent product" refers to one or more or materials that can be sterilized through retort, auto- liquids and/or pourable solids, and combinations thereof. clave, or radiation treatment, or other sterilization proc- Examples of fluent products include one or more of any esses known in the art, may be used. of the following: bites, bits, creams, chips, chunks, [0074] In various embodiments, part, parts, or all of a 15 crumbs, crystals, emulsions, flakes, gels, grains, gran- flexible material can be coated or uncoated, treated or ules, jellies, kibbles, liquid solutions, liquid suspensions, untreated, processed or unprocessed, in any manner lotions, nuggets, ointments, particles, particulates, known in the art. In various embodiments, parts, parts, pastes, pieces, pills, powders, salves, shreds, sprinkles, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or and the like, either individually or in any combination. nearly all, or all of a flexible material can made of sus- 20 Throughout the present disclosure the terms "fluent prod- tainable, bio-sourced, recycled, recyclable, and/or bio- uct"and "flowable product"are used interchangeablyand degradable material. Part, parts, or about all, or approx- are intended to have the same meaning. Any of the prod- imately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any uct volumes disclosed herein can be configured to in- of the flexible materials described herein can be partially clude one or more of any fluent product disclosed herein, or completely translucent, partially or completely trans- 25 or known in the art, in any combination. parent, or partially or completely opaque. [0079] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- [0075] With regard to films and elastomers for use as tainer, the term "formed" refers to the state of one or more flexible materials, these can be formed in any manner materials that are configured to be formed into a product known in the art, such as casting, extruding (blown or volume, after the product volume is provided with its de- flat; singly or with coextrusion), calendering, depositing 30 fined three-dimensional space. solution(s), skiving, etc. then slitting, cutting, and/or con- [0080] As used herein, the term "gas barrier laminate verting the films and/or elastomers into the desired sizes layer" refers to a layer of a laminate of a flexible material, or shapes, as sheets or webs, as will be understood by the gas barrier layer being a material or coated material one skilled in the art. With regard to blown films, multiple that resists the permeation of gas through the layer. The processes can be used including: collapsed bubble to 35 gas barrier layer imparts at least partial resistance to the create a blocked film, and double and or triple bubble permeation of gas through the flexible material. The flex- processes. Flexible materials may further be subjected ible material can include one or more gas barrier layers. to any number or orienting, tenter frame, tenter hook, The gas barrier layer can have a gas transmission rate, stretching, or activation processes. With regard to for example, of about 0.01 cc/m 2·day·atm toabout 10,000 foamed sheets for use as flexible materials, these can 40 cc/m2·day·atm, about 0.01 cc/m 2·day·atm to about 3000 be formed in any manner known in the art, by mixing cc/m2·day·atm, about 0.01 cc/m2·day·atm to about 20 base ingredients, adding the foaming mixture to a mold cc/m2·day·atm, about 0.05 cc/m2·day·atm to about 18 or shaping apparatus, then curing, cutting, and/or con- cc/m2·day·atm, about 0.05 cc/m2·day·atm to about 3 verting the foam into the desired sizes or shapes, as cc/m2·day·atm, about 0.05 cc/m2·day·atm to about 1 sheets or webs. With regard to nonwoven fabrics, these 45 cc/m2·day·atm, about 25 cc/m2·day·atm to about 100 can be formed in any manner known in the art using spun- cc/m2·day·atm, about 50 cc/m2·day·atm to about 500 bonded fibers and/or meltblown fibers, -length cc/m2·day·atm, about 1000 cc/m 2·day·atm to about 5000 and/or continuous fibers, with any layering, mixing, or cc/m2·day·atm, about 5000 cc/m2·day·atm to about other combination known in the art. Other materials listed 10,000 cc/m2·day·atm. Other suitable gas transmission herein for use as flexible materials can be made in any 50 rates include, for example, about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, manner known in the art. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, [0076] The flexible materials used to make the contain- 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, ers disclosed herein can be formed in any manner known 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, and in the art, and can be joined together using any kind of 10000 cc/m2·day·atm, and any range formed by a com- joining or sealing method known in the art, including, for 55 bination of these values.. For example, the gas barrier example, heat sealing (e.g. conductive sealing, impulse layer can have the foregoing gas transmission rates for sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, crimping, Nitrogen. Unless otherwise specified, the gas transmis- bonding, adhering, and the like, and combinations of any sion rate is measured by ASTM D 1434-82 at 50% relative

13 25 EP 3 066 021 B1 26 humidity and 25°C using Procedure V with partial pres- [0083] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- sures of 1 atm of high purity test gas on the high pressure tainer, the term "height area ratio" refers to a ratio for the side and 1 atm of clean atmospheric air on the low pres- container, with units of per centimeter (cm-1), which is sure side. equal to the value for the overall height of the container [0081] An exemplary gas barrier layer is ethylene vinyl 5 (with all of its product volume(s) filled 100% with water, alcohol. The gas transmission rate of EVOH can be tai- and with overall height measured in centimeters) divided lored by varying the thickness and mol% of ethylene con- by the value for the effective base contact area of the tent in the layer. The EVOH gas barrier layer can include container (with all of its product volume(s) filled 100% from about 24 mol% to about 48 mol% ethylene, with the with water, and with effective base contact area meas- lower content of ethylene resulting in a gas barrier layer 10 ured in square centimeters). For any of the embodiments having a lower gas transmission rate. Additionally, the of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various em- gas transmission rate of the gas barrier layer can be re- bodiments, any of the flexible containers, can be config- duced by providing a thicker layer. For example, the gas ured to have a height area ratio from 0.3 to 3.0 per cen- transmission rate of a gas barrier layer of EVOH can be timeter, or any value in increments of 0.05 cm -1 between tailored by changing the mol% of ethylene in the barrier 15 0.3 and 3.0 per centimeter, or within any range formed material and/or thickness of the gas barrier layer. In gen- by any of the preceding values, such as: from 0.35 to 2.0 eral, an increase in the mol% of EVOH will increase the cm-1, from 0.4 to 1.5 cm-1, from 0.4 to 1.2 cm-1, or from gas transmission rate, with increase thickness of the gas 0.45 to 0.9 cm-1, etc. barrier layer will decrease the gas transmission rate., For [0084] As used herein, the term "indicia" refers to one example, a flexible material having a gas transmission 20 or more of characters, graphics, branding, or other visual rate for Nitrogen of about 0.05 cc/m2·day·atm, can in- elements, in any combination. For any of the embodi- clude a gas barrier layer formed of EVOH having 32 mol% ments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various ethylene and/or the gas barrier can have a thickness of embodiments, any surface of the flexible container can about 9 microns or greater. For example, a flexible ma- include one or more indicia of any size, shape, or con- terial having an increased gas transmission rate for Ni- 25 figuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any trogen, such as a rate of about 18 cc/m2·day·atm, the combination. ethylene content can be increased to greater than 32 [0085] As used herein, the term "indirectly connected" mol% and/or a thickness of less than about 9 microns. refers to a configuration wherein elements are attached Other suitable gas barrier layer materials can include, for to each other with one or more intermediate elements example, nylons, polyamides, Nylon 6, polyamide 6, Ny- 30 therebetween. lon MXD6, PVOH, PVC, PVDC, PCTFE, sol-gel materi- [0086] As used herein, the term "joined" refers to a als, liquid crystal polymers, coated substrates, PAN3,ori- configuration wherein elements are either directly con- entedPA 6,PGA, PHA, PLA, cellulosic esters, TPS, PBS, nected or indirectly connected. vacuum metal or metal oxide coated flexible materials [0087] As used herein, the term " strength" (e.g. Al, SiOx, AlOx), nanoclay coated flexible materials, 35 refers to the strength of the joining connection between foil, and blends, combinations, laminates, microlayered, adjacent layers of a laminate. The laminates in accord- nanolayered, and coextrusions thereof. These materials ance with the disclosure can have a lamination strength can be bio-based, petro-based, and/or recycled or re- between each of the layers of the laminate of about 2 ground materials.. As used herein, the term "graphic" re- N/m to about 10,000 N/m, about 4 N/m to about 9000 fers to a visual element intended to provide a decoration 40 N/m, about 17 N/m to about 3150 N/m, and about 34 N/m or to communicate information. Examples of graphics in- to about 2450 N/m. Other suitable lamination strengths clude one or more of any of the following: colors, patterns, include about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, designs, images, and the like. For any of the embodi- 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, ments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, embodiments, any surface of the flexible container can 45 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, include one or more graphics of any size, shape, or con- 800, 850, 900, 1000, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, figuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, 7000, 7500, combination. 8000, 8500, 9000, and 10000 N/m, and any range formed [0082] As used herein, the term "graphic" refers to a by a combination of these values. Unless otherwise spec- visual element intended to provide a decoration or to50 ified, lamination strengths disclosed herein are meas- communicate information. Examples of graphics include ured by ASTM F904-98 using a draw rate of 280 mm/min one or more of any of the following: colors, patterns, de- and with an unseparated portion of the sample left lose signs, images, and the like. For any of the embodiments to move freely. The lamination strength can be tailored of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various em- by selecting the layers in direct contact including use of bodiments, any surface of the flexible container can in- 55 tie layers and . For example, where a laminate clude one or more graphics of any size, shape, or con- having a lower lamination strength in the above-de- figuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any scribed range is suitable for a given application, the lam- combination. inate can be formed without tie layers and/or with tie lay-

14 27 EP 3 066 021 B1 28 ers between some or all of the layers of the laminate ers. and/or with very thin tie layers of about 1 micron or less. [0092] As used herein, with reference to flexible mate- High lamination strengths can be achieved by directly rials and sheets or webs of one or more flexible materials, connecting layers that are chemically similar or have co- the term "layer" refers to a portion of the flexible material reactivity. For example, Nylon and EVOH have strong 5 present in a definedregion, for example, theseam region. reactivity and can generally be coextruded to produce a Layers can refer to portions of the same sheet or web of high lamination strength without the need for added tie flexible material. For example, as a result of folding the or adhesive layers. Polyethylene layers have chemical flexible material, two portions of the flexible material can similarity with other polyethylene containing layers and be present in the seam region and each portion may be in some embodiments can be directly connected without 10 referred to herein as a "layer." the need of a tie or adhesive layer to provide sufficient [0093] As used herein, the term "like-numbered" refers laminate strength (i.e., in a range of 2 N/m to 10,000 N/m). to similar alphanumeric for corresponding ele- [0088] The lamination strength of the laminate can be ments, as described below. Like-numbered elements increased by using a tie or adhesive layer. The lamination have labels with the same last two digits; for example, strength can be tailored by selection of the type of tie 15 one element with a label ending in the digits 20 and an- layer as well as the thickness of the tie layer. For example, other element with a label ending in the digits 20 are like- a tie layer consisting of an adhesive with a water-based numbered. Like-numbered elements can have labels adhesive chemistry and/or thickness of less than 2 mi- with a differing first digit, wherein that first digit matches crons can be used where lamination strengths at a low the number for its figure; as an example, an element of endof theabove-described range is desired.Where high- 20 Figure 3 labeled 320 and an element of Figure 4 labeled er lamination strengths are desired, the tie layer can have 420 are like-numbered. Like-numbered elements can an increased thickness, for example, about 2 microns to have labels with a suffix (i.e. the portion of the label fol- about 5 microns, with solvent based two part adhesives lowing the dash symbol) that is the same or possibly dif- can be used. Additionally, the tie layer can include poly- ferent (e.g. corresponding with a particular embodiment); mer ties layers. Tie layers having higher anhydride con- 25 for example, a first embodiment of an element in Figure tent, for example, above 150 ppm, in the polymeric layer 3A labeled 320-a and a second embodiment of an ele- can also beused toincrease lamination strength between ment in Figure 3B labeled 320-b, are like numbered. two layers of a laminate. Flexible containers having larg- [0094] As used herein, the term "liquid barrier laminate er-sized structural support volumes may require a flexible layer" refers to a layer of a laminate of a flexible material, material having laminates with higher laminate strength 30 wherein the liquid barrier layer is a (coated or uncoated) to avoid delaminationof the flexible material when formed material that is configured to provide reduced permeation into a flexible container with expanded structural support of moisture and/or moisture vapor, and when present in volumes. the laminate provides the primary contribution for re- [0089] Exemplary tie layers include, but are not limited duced permeation of moisture and/or moisture vapor to to, ethylene acrylates with either acid or maleic anhydride 35 the laminate. In some embodiments, the liquid barrier modification, EVA with or without maleic anhydride layer can be substantially impermeable to liquids. The (MAH) modification, LDPE with maleic anhydride modi- liquid barrier layer can have a moisture vapor transmis- fication, LLDPE with maleic anhydride modification, sion rate of about 0.05 g/m2·day to about 12 g/m2·day, HDPE with maleic anhydride modification, polypropylene about 0.07 g/m2·day to about 6 g/m2·day, or about 0.1 with maleic anhydride modification, ethylene acrylic acid, 40 g/m2·day to about 4 g/m2·day. Other suitable moisture ionomers, terpolymers, adhesives including solvent, sol- vapor transmission rates include, for example, about vent-less, water-based, and two part adhesives, and 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, blends, combinations, laminates, microlayered, nanolay- 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 g/m 2·day, any range formed ered, and coextrusions thereof. These materials can be by a combination of these values. The liquid barrier layer bio-based, petro-based, and/or recycled or reground ma- 45 can include a material or selected from the group terials. consisting of metal foils, vacuum metal or metal oxide [0090] As used herein, the term "lateral" refers to a coated substrates, (e.g. Al, SiOx, AlOx) Biaxially oriented direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel to polypropylene(BOPP), HDPE, cycliccopolymers olefins, a lateral centerline of a container, when the container is PP, LDPE, LLDPE, ionomer, PET and blends, combina- standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as de- 50 tions, laminates, microlayered, nanolayered, and coex- scribed herein. A lateral orientation may also be referred trusions thereof. These materials can be bio-based, pet- to a "horizontal" orientation, and a lateral measurement ro-based, and/or recycled or reground materials. may also be referred to as a "width." [0095] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to [0091] As used herein, the term "laminate layer" refers a direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel to a layer of a laminate structure, which is laminated to 55 to a longitudinal centerline of a container, when the con- the other laminate layers in the structure to form the flex- tainer is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, ible material laminate. Lamination of the laminate layers as described herein. A longitudinal orientation may also refers to a lamination strength between the laminate lay- be referred to a "vertical" orientation. When expressed

15 29 EP 3 066 021 B1 30 in relation to a horizontal support surface for a container, the non-fluent product can be supported and/or enclosed a longitudinal measurement may also be referred to as by packaging that is self-supporting and/or standing up- a "height", measured above the horizontal support sur- right, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. face. [0102] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- [0096] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- 5 tainer, the term "nonstructural panel" refers to a layer of tainer, the term "middle" refers to the portion of the con- one or more adjacent sheets of flexible material, the layer tainer that is located in between the top of the container having an outermost major surface that faces outward, and the bottom of the container. As used herein, the term toward the environment outside of the flexible container, middle can be modified by describing the term middle and an innermost major surface that faces inward, toward with reference to a particular percentage value for the 10 product volume(s) disposed within the flexible container; top and/or a particular percentage value for the bottom. a nonstructural panel is configured such that, the layer, For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, dis- does not independently provide substantial support in closed herein, a reference to the middle of the container making the container self-supporting and/or standing up- can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to the por- right. tion of the container that is located between any particular 15 [0103] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- percentage value for the top, disclosed herein, and/or tainer, the term "overall height" refers to a distance that any particular percentage value for the bottom, disclosed is measured while the container is standing upright on a herein, in any combination. horizontal support surface, the distance measured verti- [0097] As used herein, the term "mixing volume" refers cally from the upper side of the support surface to a point to a type product volume that is configured to receive one 20 on the top of the container, which is farthest away from or more fluent product(s) from one or more product vol- the upper side of the support surface. Any of the embod- umes and/or from the environment outside of the con- iments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be tainer. configured to have an overall height from 2.0 cm to 100.0 [0098] As used herein, when referring to a product vol- cm, or any value in increments of 0.1 cm between 2.0 ume, the term "multiple dose" refers to a product volume 25 and 100.0 cm, or within any range formed by any of the that is sized to contain a particular amount of product that preceding values, such as: from 4.0 to 90.0 cm, from 5.0 is about equal to two or more units of typical consumption, to 80.0 cm, from 6.0 to 70.0 cm, from 7.0 to 60.0 cm, from application, or use by an end user. Any of the embodi- 8.0 to 50.0 cm, from 9.0 to 40.0 cm, or from 10.0 to 30.0, ments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be etc. configured to have one or more multiple dose product 30 [0104] As used herein, when referring to a sheet of volumes. A container with only one product volume, flexible material, the term "overall thickness" refers to a which is a multiple dose product volume, is referred to linear dimension measured perpendicular to the outer herein as a "multiple dose container." major surfaces of the sheet, when the sheet is lying flat. [0099] As used herein, the term "nearly" modifies a par- For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, dis- ticular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular 35 closed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible value, plus or minus five percent (+/- 5%). For any of the materials can be configured to have an overall thickness embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, 5-500 micrometers ( mm), or any integer value for microm- any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alter- eters from 5-500, or within any range formed by any of nate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure these values, such as 10-500 mm, 20-400 mm, 30-300 of a range equal to approximately that particular value 40 mm, 40-200 mm, 50-100 mm, or 50-150 mm, etc. (i.e. +/- 5%). [0105] As used herein, the term "print laminate layer" [0100] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- refers to a layer of a laminate of a flexible material, where- tainer, the term "non-durable" refers to a container that in the print layer is a material having at least one major is temporarily reusable, or disposable, or single use. surface that is configured to receive and retain an ink, [0101] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- 45 including a material that is treated in at least a portion in tainer, the term "non-fluent product" refers to materials, order to have a sufficient surface energy to receive and products, and/or articles that are not liquids, pourable retain an ink. For example, a material can be treated by solids, or combinations or liquids and pourable solids. , plasma treatment, and/or oxidation via Any of the flexible containers disclosed herein can be flame. Exemplary print layer materials include, but are configured for packaging one or more of any non-fluent 50 not limited to, papers, oriented and un-oriented polyes- product disclosed herein, or known in the art, in any com- ters, PET, co-polyesters, PETG, PEF, PBT, PLA, Nylons bination. When used for non-fluent products, flexible con- or Polyamides, cellulosic or cellulosic esters, PHA, PVC, tainers, as disclosed herein, can provide benefits asso- ionomers, such as sodium ionomer or a zinc ionomer, ciated with partly or fully supporting and/or enclosing the thermoplastic starch, polyolefins including , cyclic poly- non-fluent product with primary and/or secondary pack- 55 olefins, LLDPE and PP, LDPE, HDPE, MDPE, manufac- aging that includes one or more structural support vol- tured using Ziegler-Natta catalysts, Chromium catalysts, umes, one or more structural support members, and/or metallocene based catalysts, single site catalysts and one or more structural support frames; for example, so other types of catalysts as homopolymers or copolymers.

16 31 EP 3 066 021 B1 32

The materials listed above can be bio-based, petro- nates, microlayered, nanolayered, and coextrusions based and recycled/reground. These materials could al- thereof.. The reinforcing layer can be bio-based, petro- so be combinations, blends, coextrusions, microlay- based, and/or recycled or reground materials. er/nanolayer systems and laminates of the above-mate- [0108] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- rials. 5 tainer, the term "resting on a horizontal support surface" [0106] As used herein, the term "product volume" re- refers to the container resting directly on the horizontal fers to an enclosable three-dimensional space that is support surface, without other support. configured to receive and directly contain one or more [0109] As used herein, the term "sealable laminate lay- fluent product(s), wherein that space is defined by one er" refers to a layer of a laminate of a flexible material, or more materials that form a barrier that prevents the 10 wherein the sealable laminate layer is a material that is fluent product(s) from escaping the product volume. By configured to be sealed to itself or another sealable lam- directly containing the one or more fluent products, the inate layer using any kind of sealing method known in fluent products come into contact with the materials that the art, including, for example, heat sealing (e.g. conduc- form the enclosable three-dimensional space; there is no tive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), intermediate material or container, which prevents such 15 welding, crimping, bonding, and the like, and combina- contact. Throughout the present disclosure the terms tions of any of these. Exemplary sealable laminate layers "product volume" and "product receiving volume" are include, but are not limited, low density polyethylene used interchangeably and are intended to have the same (LDPE),linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE),LLDPE meaning. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, copolymers with any one or more of butene, hexene and disclosed herein, can be configured to have any number 20 octene, metallocene LLDPE (mPE) or metallocene plas- of product volumes including one product volume, two tomers, metallocene elastomers, high density polyethyl- product volumes, three product volumes, four product ene (HDPE), rubber modified LDPE, rubber modified volumes, five product volumes, six product volumes, or LLDPE, acid copolymers, polysytyrene, cyclic polyole- even more product volumes. In some embodiments, one fins, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene acrylic acid or more product volumes can be enclosed within another 25 (EAA), ionomers, terpolymers, Barex, polypropylene, bi- product volume. Any of the product volumes disclosed modal resins, any of which may be from either homopol- herein can have a product volume of any size, including ymers or copolymers, and blends, combinations, lami- from 0.001 liters to 100.0 liters, or any value in increments nates, microlayered, nanolayered, and coextrusions of 0.001 liters between 0.001 liters and 3.0 liters, or any thereof.. Polyolefins could be manufactured using Zie- value in increments of 0.01 liters between 3.0 liters and 30 gler-Natta catalysts, Chromium catalysts, metallocene 10.0liters, or any valuein increments of 1.0 liters between based catalysts, single site catalysts and other types of 10.0 liters and 100.0 liters, or within any range formed catalysts. The materials listed could be bio-based, petro- by any of the preceding values, such as: from 0.001 to based and recycled/reground. Resins could be foamed. 2.2 liters, 0.01 to 2.0 liters, 0.05 to 1.8 liters, 0.1 to 1.6 [0110] As used herein, the term "sealed," when refer- liters, 0.15 to 1.4 liters, 0.2 to 1.2 liters, 0.25 to 1.0 liters, 35 ring to a product volume, refers to a state of the product etc. A product volume can have any shape in any orien- volume wherein fluent products within the product vol- tation. A product volume can be included in a container ume are prevented from escaping the product volume that has a structural support frame, and a product volume (e.g. by one or more materials that form a barrier, and can be included in a container that does not have a struc- by a seal), and the product volume is hermetically sealed. tural support frame. 40 [0111] As used herein, the term "sealing apparatus" [0107] As used herein, the term "reinforcing laminate refers to an apparatus for performing sealing and cutting layer" refers to a layer of a laminate of a flexible material, of a seam region of flexible materials in a unit operation. wherein the reinforcing layer is a material is configured [0112] As used herein, the term "sealing surface" re- to provide creep resistance, and when present in the lam- fers to a portion of a sealing apparatus that contacts the inate isthe primary contributor providingcreep resistance 45 flexible materials to apply a sealing force to seal and cut to the laminate. The reinforcing layer can further provide the flexible materials in the seam region in a unit opera- puncture resistance and ruggedness, and when present tion. in the laminate is the primary contributor providing punc- [0113] As used herein, the term "seal strength" refers ture resistance and ruggedness to the laminate . Exam- to the strength of the seal between adjacent laminates, ples of reinforcing layer materials include nylons, poly- 50 between adjacent major surfaces of a flexible material, esters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, or between two or more adjacent flexible materials oriented polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypro- formed using any kind of sealing method known in the pylene, polyamides, , co-polyesters, PEF, PETG, cyclic art, including, for example, heat sealing (e.g. conductive polyolefins, PBT, PLA, , ionomer, such as a sodium ion- sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, laser seal- omer or zinc ionomer, cellulosic or cellulosic esters, PHA, 55 ing, induction sealing, etc.), welding, crimping, bonding, PVC, thermoplastic starch, polyolefins such as HDPE, and the like, and combinations of any of these. The seal POM, PPS, liquid crystalline layers, PEK, PEEK, and strength between first and second laminates of a flexible homopolymer, copolymer, blends, combinations, lami- material and/or a seal joining a sealable laminate layer

17 33 EP 3 066 021 B1 34 to itself in accordance with embodiments of the disclo- containers of the present disclosure can be used to form sure can be about 20 N/m to about 10,000 N/m, about pillow packs, pouches, doy packs, , tubes, , 85 N/m to about 3500 N/m, and about 300 N/m to about tubs, , flow wraps, gusseted packs, , bottles, 1250 N/m. Other suitable seal strengths include about jars, in boxes, trays, hanging packs, blister packs, 20, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 100, 125, 150, 175, 5 or any other forms known in the art. 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, [0116] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 1000, 1250, 1500, 2000, tainer, the term "single use" refers to a closed container 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, which, after being opened by an end user, is not config- 7000, 7500, 8000, 8500, 9000, and 10000 N/m, and any ured to be reclosed. Any of the embodiments of flexible range formed by a combination of these values. Unless 10 containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be sin- otherwise specified seal strengths disclosed herein are gle use. measured by ASTM F 88/F 88M - 09 with technique B [0117] As used herein, when referring to a product vol- (supported at 90 degrees) run at 200 mm/min in a tensile ume, the term "single dose" refers to a product volume testing machine with specimens cut to 25.4 mm width. that is sized to contain a particular amount of product that Samples may be joined together in a configuration as 15 is about equal to one unit of typical consumption, appli- indicated as a fin seal or hot wire seal and sized accord- cation, or use by an end user. Any of the embodiments ingly. The seal strength should be taken from the initial offlexible containers, disclosed herein,can be configured plateau of force measured as the seal peel initiation be- to have one or more single dose product volumes. A con- gins. Seal widths are 10 mm and seals are produced at tainer with only one product volume, which is a single the conditions of temperature, pressure, and dwell time 20 dose product volume, is referred to herein as a "single that provide maximum peel force for a particular method dose container." of sealing the two materials together as is known in the [0118] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- art. In one example, a pressure of about 2.5 bar, a dwell tainer, the terms "stand up," "stands up," "standing up", time of about 0.5 seconds and a temperature of 85-135 "stand upright", "stands upright", and "standing upright" °C can be used to maximize a seal created by heat seal- 25 referto a particularorientation ofa self-supporting flexible ing two sealable materials together Sealable laminate container, when the container is resting on a horizontal layers having high content of LLDPE (Zeigler-Natta), for support surface. This standing upright orientation can be example, at least 90 wt%, can form seals having high determined from the structural features of the container seal strengths, for example, at the upper end of the and/or indicia on the container. In a first determining test, above-described range for seal strength. Other possible 30 if the flexible container has a clearly defined base struc- sealant layers include metallocene LLDPE (mLLDPE), ture that is configured to be used on the bottom of the Barex, Ionomers, HDPE, which generally have lower seal container,then thecontainer isdetermined tobe standing strengths as compared to LLDPE. The seal strength can upright when this base structure is resting on the hori- be tailored by selection of the sealable laminate layers zontal support surface. If the first test cannot determine and/or a content of LLDPE in the sealable laminate lay- 35 the standing upright orientation, then, in a second deter- ers. Methods in accordance with embodiments of the dis- mining test, the container is determined to be standing closure can advantageously form a seal in the seam re- upright when the container is oriented to rest on the hor- gion that has a greater seal strength than the lamination izontal support surface such that the indicia on the flexible strength of the flexible materials, such that the flexible container are best positioned in an upright orientation. If material will delaminate before the seal is broken. 40 the second test cannot determine the standing upright [0114] As used herein, "sealing surface" refers to a por- orientation, then, in a third determining test, the container tion of a sealing apparatus that contacts the flexible ma- is determined to be standing upright when the container terial(s) to form a seal between at least two layers or is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface such sheets of flexible material. In various embodiments, the that the container has the largest overall height. If the sealing surface can also be used to cut the flexible ma- 45 third test cannot determine the standing upright orienta- terial(s) at the seal to form a seam. tion, then, in a fourth determining test, the container is [0115] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- determined to be standing upright when the container is tainer, the term "self-supporting" refers to a container that oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface such includes aproduct volume and a structuralsupport frame, that the container has the largest height area ratio. If the wherein, when the container is resting on a horizontal 50 fourth test cannot determine the standing upright orien- support surface, in at least one orientation, the structural tation, then, any orientation used in the fourth determin- support frame is configured to prevent the container from ing test can be considered to be a standing upright ori- collapsing and to give the container an overall height that entation. is significantly greater than the combined thickness of [0119] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- thematerials thatform the container,even when theprod- 55 tainer, the term "stand up container" refers to a self-sup- uct volume is unfilled. Any of the embodiments of flexible porting container, wherein, when the container (with all containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be of its product volume(s) filled 100% with water) is stand- self-supporting. As examples, self-supporting flexible ing up, the container has a height area ratio from 0.4 to

18 35 EP 3 066 021 B1 36

1.5 cm-1. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, braces, collars, connectors, joints, ribs, etc.), which can disclosed herein, can be configured to be stand up con- be made from one or more rigid (e.g. solid) materials. tainers. [0125] Structural support members can have various [0120] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- shapes and sizes. Part, parts, or about all, or approxi- tainer, the term "structural support frame" refers to a rigid 5 mately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a structure formed of one or more structural support mem- structural support member can be straight, curved, an- bers, joined together, around one or more sizable empty gled, segmented, or other shapes, or combinations of spaces and/or one or more nonstructural panels, and any of these shapes. Part, parts, or about all, or approx- generally used as a major support for the product vol- imately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of a ume(s) in the flexible container and in making the con- 10 structural support member can have any suitable cross- tainer self-supporting and/or standing upright. In each of sectional shape, such as circular, oval, square, triangu- the embodiments disclosed herein, when a flexible con- lar, star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, tainer includes a structural support frame and one or or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes. more product volumes, the structural support frame is A structural support member can have an overall shape considered to be supporting the product volumes of the 15 that is tubular, or convex, or concave, along part, parts, container, unless otherwise indicated. or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or [0121] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- nearly all, or all of a length. A structural support member tainer, the term "structural support member" refers to a can have any suitable cross-sectional area, any suitable rigid, physical structure, which includes one or more ex- overall width, and any suitable overall length. A structural panded structural support volumes, and which is config- 20 support member can be substantially uniform along part, ured to be used in a structural support frame, to carry parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially one or more loads (from the flexible container) across a all, or nearly all, or all of its length, or can vary, in any span. A structure that does not include at least one ex- way described herein, along part, parts, or about all, or panded structural support volume, is not considered to approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all be a structural support member, as used herein. 25 of its length. For example, a cross-sectional area of a [0122] A structural support member has two defined structural support member can increase or decrease ends, a middle between the two ends, and an overall along part, parts, or all of its length. Part, parts, or all of length from its one end to its other end. A structural sup- any of the embodiments of structural support members port member can have one or more cross-sectional are- of the present disclosure, can be configured according as, each of which has an overall width that is less than 30 to any embodiment disclosed herein, including any work- its overall length. able combination of structures, features, materials, [0123] A structural support member can be configured and/or connections from any number of any of the em- in various forms. A structural support member can in- bodiments disclosed herein. clude one, two, three, four, five, six or more structural [0126] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- supportvolumes, arranged invarious ways. For example, 35 tainer, the term "structural support volume" refers to a a structural support member can be formed by a single fillable space made from one or more flexible materials, structural support volume. As another example, a struc- wherein the space is configured to be at least partially tural support member can be formed by a plurality of filled with one or more expansion materials, which create structural support volumes, disposed end to end, in se- tension in the one or more flexible materials, and form ries, wherein, in various embodiments, part, parts, or 40 an expanded structural support volume. One or more ex- about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or near- panded structural support volumes can be configured to ly all, or all of some or all of the structural support volumes be included in a structural support member. A structural can be partly or fully in contact with each other, partly or support volume is distinct from structures configured in fully directly connected to each other, and/or partly or other ways, such as: structures without a fillable space fully joined to each other. As a further example, a struc- 45 (e.g. an open space), structures made from inflexible tural support member can be formed by a plurality of sup- (e.g. solid) materials, structures with spaces that are not port volumes disposed side by side, in parallel, wherein, configured to be filled with an expansion material (e.g. in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or ap- an unattached area between adjacent layers in a multi- proximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of layer panel), and structures with flexible materials that some or all of the structural support volumes can be partly 50 are not configured to be expanded by an expansion ma- or fully in contact with each other, partly or fully directly terial (e.g. a space in a structure that is configured to be connected to each other, and/or partly or fully joined to a non-structural panel). Notably, in various embodi- each other. ments, any spaces defined by the unattached area be- [0124] In some embodiments, a structural support tween adjacent layers in a multi-layer panel may contain member can include a number of different kinds of ele- 55 any gas or vapor composition of single or multiple chem- ments. For example, a structural support member can istries including air, nitrogen or a gas composition com- include one or more structural support volumes along prising, as examples, greater than 80% nitrogen, greater with one or more mechanical reinforcing elements (e.g. than 20% carbon dioxide, greater than 10% of a noble

19 37 EP 3 066 021 B1 38 gas, less than 15% oxygen; the gas or vapor contained ular percentage value, which is less than 20%. For any in such spaces may include water vapor at a relative hu- of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed midity of 0-100%, or any integer percentage value in this herein, a reference to the top of the container can, in range. Throughout the present disclosure the terms various alternate embodiments, refer to the top 15% (i.e. "structural support volume" and "expandable chamber" 5 from 85-100% of the overall height), the top 10% (i.e. are used interchangeably and are intended to have the from 90-100% of the overall height), or the top 5% (i.e. same meaning. from 95-100% of the overall height), or any integer value [0127] In some embodiments, a structural support for percentage between 0% and 20%. frame can include a plurality of structural support vol- [0132] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- umes, wherein some of or all of the structural support 10 tainer, the term "unexpanded" refers to the state of one volumes are in fluid communication with each other. In or more materials that are configured to be formed into other embodiments, a structural support frame can in- a structural support volume, before the structural support clude a plurality of structural support volumes, wherein volume is made rigid by an expansion material. some of or none of the structural support volumes are in [0133] As used herein, when referring to a product vol- fluid communication with each other. Any of the structural 15 ume of a flexible container, the term "unfilled" refers to support frames of the present disclosure can be config- the state of the product volume when it does not contain ured to have any kind of fluid communication disclosed a fluent product. herein. [0134] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- [0128] As used herein, the term "substantially" modi- tainer, the term "unformed" refers to the state of one or fies a particular value, by referring to a range equal to 20 more materials that are configured to be formed into a the particular value, plus or minus ten percent (+/- 10%). product volume, before the product volume is provided For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, dis- with its defined three-dimensional space. For example, closed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, an article of manufacture could be a container blank with in various alternate embodiments, also be understood an unformed product volume, wherein sheets of flexible as a disclosure of a range equal to approximately that 25 material, with portions joined together, are laying flat particular value (i.e. +/- 10%). against each other. [0129] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- [0135] As used herein, the term "unit operation" refers tainer, the term "temporarily reusable" refers to a con- to a transformation of a flexible material when forming a tainer which, after dispensing a product to an end user, flexible container that is performed while the web or sheet is configured to be refilled with an additional amount of 30 of flexible material is held in registration with a single tool. a product, up to ten times, before the container experi- The unit operation can be performed with one or more ences a failure that renders it unsuitable for receiving, tools, but registration of the web or sheet is maintained containing, or dispensing the product. As used herein, throughout the unit operation with a single tool despite the term temporarily reusable can be further limited by the use of multiple tools. In an embodiment, the unit op- modifying the number of times that the container can be 35 eration can be accomplished, for example, using a single refilled before the container experiences such a failure. tool or apparatus. For example, a sealing and cutting For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, dis- transformation of the web or sheet can occur in a unit closed herein, a reference to temporarily reusable can, operation using a single sealing apparatus having a seal- in various alternate embodiments, refer to temporarily ing surface that imparts a sealing surface for both sealing reusable by refilling up to eight times before failure, by 40 and cutting the sealing apparatus. Additionally, the unit refilling up to six times before failure, by refilling up to operation could consist of multiple sealing and cutting four times before failure, or by refilling up to two times tools that seal and cut while the film is held in registration before failure, or any integer value for refills between one with one of the tools, for example the sealing tool, during and ten times before failure. Any of the embodiments of the entirety of the unit operation. Sealing and cutting may flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be configured 45 happen within the unit operation simultaneously, sub- to be temporarily reusable, for the number of refills dis- stantially at the same time, or sequentially. closed herein. [0136] Flexible containers, as described herein, may [0130] As used herein, the term "thickness" refers to a be used across a variety of industries for a variety of measurement that is parallel to a third centerline of a products. For example, any embodiment of flexible con- container, when the container is standing upright on a 50 tainers, as described herein, may be used across the horizontal support surface, as described herein. A thick- consumer products industry, including any of the follow- ness may also be referred to as a "depth." ing products, any of which can take any workable fluent [0131] As used herein, when referring to a flexible con- product form described herein or known in the art: baby tainer, the term "top" refers to the portion of the container care products (e.g. soaps, shampoos, and lotions); beau- that is located in the uppermost 20% of the overall height 55 ty care products for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or of the container, that is, from 80-100% of the overall decorating human or animal hair (e.g. hair shampoos, height of the container. As used herein, the term top can hair conditioners, hair dyes, hair colorants, hair repair be further limited by modifying the term top with a partic- products, hair growth products, hair removal products,

20 39 EP 3 066 021 B1 40 hair minimization products, etc.); beauty care products es, wood chips, tree bark nuggets, sands, natural stones for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating hu- and/or rocks (e.g. decorative stones, pea gravel, gravel, man or animal skin (e.g. soaps, body washes, body etc.) of all kinds, man-made compositions based on scrubs, facial cleansers, astringents, sunscreens, sun stones and rocks (e.g. paver bases, etc.)); products for block lotions, lipbalms, cosmetics, skin conditioners, cold 5 starting and/or fueling fires in grills, fire pits, fireplaces, creams, skin moisturizers, antiperspirants, deodorants, etc. (e.g. fire logs, fire starting nuggets, charcoal, lighter etc.); beauty care products for cleaning, treating, beau- fluid, matches, etc.); lighting products (e.g. light bulbs tifying, and/or decorating human or animal nails (e.g. nail andlight tubes orall kinds including: incandescents, com- polishes, nail polish removers, etc.); grooming products pact fluorescents, fluorescents, halogens, light emitting for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating hu- 10 diodes, ofall sizes, shapes, and uses);chemical products man facial hair (e.g. shaving products, pre-shaving prod- for construction, maintenance, remodeling, and/or dec- ucts, after shaving products, etc.); health care products orating (e.g. concretes, cements, mortars, mix colorants, for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating hu- concrete curers/sealants, concrete protectants, grouts, man or animal oral cavities (e.g. toothpaste, mouthwash, blacktop sealants, crack filler/repair products, spackles, breath freshening products, anti-plaque products, tooth 15 joint compounds, primers, paints, stains, topcoats, seal- whitening products, etc.); health care products for treat- ants, caulks, adhesives, epoxies, drain cleaning/declog- ing human and/or animal health conditions (e.g. medi- ging products, septic treatment products, etc.); chemical cines, medicaments, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, nu- products (e.g. thinners, solvents, and strippers/removers traceuticals, nutrient supplements (for calcium, fiber, including alcohols, mineral spirits, turpentines, linseed etc.), cough treatment products, cold remedies, lozeng- 20 oils, etc.); water treatment products (e.g. water softening es, treatments for respiratory and/or allergy conditions, products such as salts, bacteriostats, fungicides, etc.); pain relievers, sleep aids, gastrointestinal treatment fasteners of all kinds (e.g. screws, bolts, nuts, washers, products (for heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea, irrita- nails, staples, tacks, hangers, pins, pegs, rivets, clips, ble bowel syndrome, etc.), purified water, treated water, rings, and the like, for use with/in/on wood, metal, plastic, etc.); pet care products for feeding and/or caring for an- 25 concrete, concrete, etc.); and the like. imals (e.g. pet food, pet vitamins, pet medicines, pet [0138] As further examples, any embodiment of flexi- chews, pet treats, etc.); fabric care products for cleaning, ble containers, as described herein, may be used across conditioning, refreshing and/or treating fabrics, clothes the food and beverage industry, including any of the fol- and/or laundry (e.g. laundry detergents, fabric condition- lowing products, any of which can take any workable flu- ers, fabric dyes, fabric bleaches, etc.); dish care products 30 ent product form described herein or known in the art: for home, commercial, and/or industrial use (e.g. dish such as basic ingredients (e.g. grains such as rice, soaps and rinse aids for hand-washing and/or machine wheat, corn, beans, and derivative ingredients made washing); cleaning and/or deodorizing products for from any of these, as well as nuts, seeds, and legumes, home, commercial, and/or industrial use (e.g. soft sur- etc.), cooking ingredients (e.g. sugar, spices such as salt face cleaners, hard surface cleaners, glass cleaners, ce- 35 and pepper, cooking oils, vinegars, tomato pastes, nat- ramic tile cleaners, carpet cleaner, wood cleaners, multi- ural and artificial sweeteners, flavorings, seasonings, surface cleaners, surface disinfectants, kitchen cleaners, etc.), baking ingredients (e.g. baking powders, starches, bath cleaners (e.g. sink, toilet, , and/or shower clean- shortenings, syrups, food colorings, fillings, gelatins, ers), appliance cleaning products, appliance treatment chocolate chips and other kinds of chips, frostings, sprin- products, car cleaning products, car deodorizing prod- 40 kles, toppings, etc.), foods (e.g. creams, yogurts, ucts, air cleaners, air deodorizers, air disinfectants, etc.), sour creams, wheys, caseins, etc.), spreads (e.g. jams, and the like. jellies, etc.), sauces (e.g. barbecue sauces, salad dress- [0137] As further examples, any embodiment of flexi- ings, tomato sauces, etc.), condiments (e.g. ketchups, ble containers, as described herein, may be used across mustards, relishes, mayonnaises, etc.), processed foods additional areas of home, commercial, and/or industrial, 45 (noodles and pastas, dry cereals, cereal mixes, premade building and/or grounds, construction and/or mainte- mixes, snack chips and snacks and snack mixes of all nance, including any of the following products, any of kinds, pretzels, crackers, cookies, candies, chocolates which can take any workable fluent product form (e.g. of all kinds, marshmallows, puddings, etc.); beverages liquid, granular, powdered, etc.) described herein or such as water, milks, juices, flavored and/or carbonated known in the art: products for establishing, maintaining, 50 beverages (e.g. soda), sports drinks, coffees, teas, spir- modifying, treating, and/or improving lawns, gardens, its, alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer, wine, etc.), etc.; and and/or grounds (e.g. grass seeds, vegetable seeds, plant ingredients for making or mixing into beverages (e.g. cof- seeds, birdseed, other kinds of seeds, plant food, ferti- fee beans, ground coffees, cocoas, tea leaves, dehydrat- lizer, soil nutrients and/or soil conditions (e.g. nitrogen, ed beverages, powders for making beverages, natural phosphate, potash, lime, etc.), soil sterilants, herbicides, 55 and artificial sweeteners, flavorings, etc.). Further, pre- weed preventers, pesticides, pest repellents, insecti- pared foods, fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, pastas, cides, insect repellents, etc.); products for landscaping microwavable and or frozen foods as well as produce, use (e.g. topsoils, potting soils, general use soils, mulch- eggs, milk, and other fresh foods. Any of the embodi-

21 41 EP 3 066 021 B1 42 ments of flexible containers disclosed herein can also be storing, and/or dispensing, non-fluent products, in any of sterilized (e.g. by treatment with ultraviolet light or per- the following categories: Baby Care products, including oxide-based compositions), to make the containers safe disposable wearable absorbent articles, diapers, training for use in storing food and/or beverage. In any embodi- pants, infant and toddler care wipes, etc. and the like; ment, the containers can be configured to be suitable for 5 Beauty Care products including applicators for applying retort processes. compositions to human or animal hair, skin, and/or nails, [0139] As still further examples, any embodiment of etc. and the like; Home Care products including wipes flexible containers, as described herein, may be used and scrubbers for all kinds of cleaning applications and across the medical industry, in the areas of medicines, the like; Family Care products including wet or dry bath medical devices, and medical treatment, including uses 10 tissue, facial tissue, disposable handkerchiefs, disposa- for receiving, containing, storing and/or dispensing, any ble towels, wipes, etc. and the like; Feminine Care prod- of the following fluent products, in any form known in the ucts including catamenial pads, incontinence pads, in- art: bodily fluids from humans and/or animals (e.g. am- terlabial pads, panty liners, pessaries, sanitary napkins, niotic fluid, aqueous humour, vitreous humour, bile, tampons, tampon applicators, wipes, etc. and the like; blood, blood plasma, blood serum, breast milk, cerebro- 15 Health Care products including oral care products such spinal fluid, cerumen (earwax), chyle, chime, endolymph as oral cleaning devices, dental floss, flossing devices, (and perilymph), ejaculate, runny feces, gastric acid, gas- toothbrushes, etc. and the like; Pet Care products includ- tric juice, lymph, mucus (including nasal drainage and ing grooming aids, pet training aids, pet devices, pet toys, phlegm), pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, etc. and the like; Portable Power products including elec- pus,rheum, saliva, sebum (skinoil), semen,sputum, syn- 20 trochemical cells, batteries, battery current interrupters, ovial fluid, tears, sweat, vaginal secretion, vomit, urine, battery testers, battery chargers, battery charge monitor- etc.); fluids for intravenous therapy to human or animal ing equipment, battery charge/discharge rate controlling bodies (e.g. volume expanders (e.g. crystalloids and col- equipment, "smart" battery electronics, flashlights, etc. loids), blood-based products including blood substitutes, and the like; Small Appliance Products including hair re- buffer solutions, liquid-based medications (which can in- 25 moval appliances (including, e.g. electric foil shavers for clude pharmaceuticals), parenteral nutritional formulas men and women, charging and/or cleaning stations, elec- (e.g. for intravenous feeding, wherein such formulas can tric hair trimmers, electric beard trimmers, electric epila- include salts, glucose, amino acids, lipids, supplements, tor devices, cleaning fluid cartridges, shaving conditioner nutrients, and/or vitamins); other medicinal fluids for ad- cartridges, shaving foils, and cutter blocks); oral care ap- ministering to human or animal bodies (e.g. medicines, 30 pliances (including, e.g., electric toothbrushes with ac- medicaments, nutrients, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuti- cumulator or battery, refill brushheads, interdental clean- cals, etc.) by any suitable method of administration (e.g. ers, tongue cleaners, charging stations, electric oral irri- orally (in solid, liquid, or pill form), topically, intranasally, gators, and irrigator clip on jets); small electric household by inhalation, or rectally. Any of the embodiments of flex- appliances (including, e.g., coffee makers, water kettles, ible containers disclosed herein can also be sterilized 35 handblenders, handmixers, food processors, steam (e.g. by treatment with ultraviolet light or peroxide-based cookers, juicers, citrus presses, toasters, coffee or meat compositions or through an autoclave or retort process), grinders, vacuum pumps, irons, steam pressure stations to make the containers safe for use in sterile medical for irons and in general non electric attachments there- environments. fore, hair care appliances (including, e.g., electric hair [0140] As even further examples, any embodiment of 40 driers, hairstylers, hair curlers, hair straighteners, cord- flexible containers, as described herein, may be used less gas heated styler/irons and gas cartridges therefore, across any and all industries that use internal combustion and air filter attachments); personal diagnostic applianc- engines (such as the transportation industry, the power es (including, e.g., blood pressure monitors, ear ther- equipment industry, the power generation industry, etc.), mometers, and lensfilters therefore); clock appliances including products for vehicles such as cars, trucks, au- 45 and watch appliances (including, e.g., alarm clocks, trav- tomobiles, boats, aircraft, etc., with such containers use- el alarm clocks combined with radios, wall clocks, wrist- ful for receiving, containing, storing, and/or dispensing, watches, and pocket calculators), etc. and the like. any of the following fluent products, in any form known [0142] Figures 1A-1D illustrates various views of an in the art: engine oil, engine oil additives, fuel additives, embodiment of a stand up flexible container 100. Figure brake fluids, transmission fluids, engine coolants, power 50 1A illustrates a front view of the container 100. The con- steering fluids, windshield wiper fluids, products for ve- tainer 100 is standing upright on a horizontal support sur- hicle care (e.g. for body, tires, wheels, windows, trims, face 101. upholsteries, etc.), as well as other fluids configured to [0143] In Figure 1A, a coordinate system 110, provides clean, penetrate, degrease, lubricate, and/or protect one lines of reference for referring to directions in the figure. or more parts of any and all kinds of engines, power55 The coordinate system 110 is a three-dimensional Car- equipment, and/or transportation vehicles. tesian coordinate system with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a [0141] Any embodiment of flexible containers, as de- Z-axis, wherein each axis is perpendicular to the other scribed herein, can also be used for receiving, containing, axes, and any two of the axes define a plane. The X-axis

22 43 EP 3 066 021 B1 44 and the Z-axis are parallel with the horizontal support [0149] These terms for direction, orientation, measure- surface 101 and the Y-axis is perpendicular to the hori- ment, and disposition, as described above, are used for zontal support surface 101. all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, whether [0144] Figure 1A also includes other lines of reference, or not a support surface, reference line, or coordinate for referring to directions and locations with respect to 5 system is shown in a figure. the container 100. A lateral centerline 111 runs parallel [0150] The container 100 includes a top 104, a middle to the X-axis. An XY plane at the lateral centerline 111 106, and a bottom 108, the front 102-1, the back 102-2, separates the container 100 into a front half and a back and left and right sides 109. The top 104 is separated half. An XZ plane at the lateral centerline 111 separates from the middle 106 by a reference plane 105, which is the container 100 into an upper half and a lower half. A 10 parallel to the XZ plane. The middle 106 is separated longitudinal centerline 114 runs parallel to the Y-axis. A from the bottom 108 by a reference plane 107, which is YZ plane at the longitudinal centerline 114 separates the also parallel to the XZ plane. The container 100 has an container 100 into a left half and a right half. A third cen- overall height of 100-oh. In the embodiment of Figure 1A, terline 117 runs parallel to the Z-axis. The lateral center- the front 102-1 and the back 102-2 of the container are line 111, the longitudinal centerline 114, and the third 15 joined together at a seal 129, which extends around the centerline 117 all intersect at a center of the container outer periphery of the container 100, across the top 104, 100. down the side 109, and then, at the bottom of each side [0145] A disposition with respect to the lateral center- 109, splits outward to follow the front and back portions line 111 defines what is longitudinally inboard 112 and of the base 190, around their outer extents. longitudinally outboard 113. When a first location is near- 20 [0151] The container 100 includes a structural support er to the lateral centerline 111 than a second location, frame 140, a product volume 150, a dispenser 160, pan- the first location is considered to be disposed longitudi- els 180-1 and 180-2, and a base structure 190. A portion nally inboard 112 to the second location. And, the second of panel 180-1 is illustrated as broken away, in order to location is considered to be disposed longitudinally out- show the product volume 150. The product volume 150 board 113 from the first location. The term lateral refers 25 is configured to contain one or more fluent products. The to a direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel dispenser 160 allows the container 100 to dispense these to the lateral centerline 111. A lateral orientation may fluent product(s) from the product volume 150 through a also be referred to a horizontal orientation, and a lateral flow channel 159 then through the dispenser 160, to the measurement may also be referred to as a width. environment outside of the container 100. In the embod- [0146] A disposition with respect to the longitudinal 30 iment of Figures 1A-1D, the dispenser 160 is disposed centerline 114 defines what is laterally inboard 115 and in the center of the uppermost part of the top 104, how- laterally outboard 116. When a first location is nearer to ever, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser the longitudinal centerline 114 than a second location, 160 can be disposed anywhere else on the top 140, mid- the first location is considered to be disposed laterally dle 106, or bottom 108, including anywhere on either of inboard 115 to the second location. And, the second lo- 35 the sides 109, on either of the panels 180-1 and 180-2, cation is considered to be disposed laterally outboard and on any part of the base 190 of the container 100. 116 from the first location. The term longitudinal refers The structural support frame 140 supports the mass of to a direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel fluent product(s) in the product volume 150, and makes to the longitudinal centerline 114. A longitudinal orienta- the container 100 stand upright. The panels 180-1 and tion may also be referred to a vertical orientation. 40 180-2 are relatively flat surfaces, overlaying the product [0147] A longitudinal direction, orientation, or meas- volume 150, and are suitable for displaying any kind of urement may also be expressed in relation to a horizontal indicia. However, in various embodiments, part, parts, or support surface for the container 100. When a first loca- about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or near- tion is nearer to the support surface than a second loca- ly all, or all of either or both of the panels 180-1 and 180-2 tion, the first location can be considered to be disposed 45 can include one ormore curved surfaces. Thebase struc- lower than, below, beneath, or under the second location. ture 190 supports the structural support frame 140 and And, the second location can be considered to be dis- provides stability to the container 100 as it stands upright. posed higher than, above, or upward from the first loca- [0152] The structural support frame 140 is formed by tion. A longitudinal measurement may also be referred a plurality of structural support members. The structural to as a height, measured above the horizontal support 50 support frame 140 includes top structural support mem- surface 100. bers 144-1 and 144-2, middle structural support mem- [0148] A measurement that is made parallel to the third bers 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4, as well as bottom centerline 117 is referred to a thickness or depth. A dis- structural support members 148-1 and 148-2. position in the direction of the third centerline 117 and [0153] The top structural support members 144-1 and toward a front 102-1 of the container is referred to as 55 144-2 are disposed on the upper part of the top 104 of forward 118 or in front of. A disposition in the direction the container 100, with the top structural support member of the third centerline 117 and toward a back 102-2 of 144-1 disposed in the front 102-1 and the top structural the container is referred to as backward 119 or behind. support member 144-2 disposed in the back 102-2, be-

23 45 EP 3 066 021 B1 46 hind the top structural support member 144-1. The top structural support member 146-2. The middle structural structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are adja- support members 146-2 and 146-3 are adjacent to each cent to each other and can be in contact with each other other and can be in contact with each other along sub- along the laterally outboard portions of their lengths. In stantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the various embodiments, the top structural support mem- 5 middle structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 can bers 144-1 and 144-2 can be in contact with each other be in contact with each other at one or more relatively at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger or more relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or approxi- or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or mately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their nearly all, or all of their overall lengths, so long as there 10 overall lengths. The middle structural support members is a flow channel 159 between the top structural support 146-2 and 146-3 are not directly connected to each other. members 144-1 and 144-2, which allows the container However, in various alternate embodiments, the middle 100 to dispense fluent product(s) from the product vol- structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 can be di- ume 150 through the flow channel 159 then through the rectly connected and/or joined together along part, or dispenser 160. The top structural support members15 parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially 144-1 and 144-2 are not directly connected to each other. all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths. However, in various alternate embodiments, the top [0157] The middle structural support members 146-1, structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 can be di- 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 are disposed substantially lat- rectly connected and/or joined together along part, or erally outboard from the product volume 150. Overall, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially 20 each of the middle structural support members 146-1, all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths. 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 is oriented about vertically, but [0154] The top structural support members 144-1 and angled slightly, with its upper end laterally inboard to its 144-2 are disposed substantially above the product vol- lower end. And, overall each of the middle structural sup- ume 150. Overall, each of the top structural support mem- port members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 has a bers 144-1 and 144-2 is oriented about horizontally, but 25 cross-sectional area that changes along its length, in- with its ends curved slightly downward. And, overall each creasing in size from its upper end to its lower end. of the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 [0158] The bottom structural support members 148-1 has a cross-sectional area that is substantially uniform and 148-2 are disposed on the bottom 108 of the con- along its length; however the cross-sectional area at their tainer 100, with the bottom structural support member ends are slightly larger than the cross-sectional area in 30 148-1 disposed in the front 102-1 and the bottom struc- their middles. tural support member 148-2 disposed in the back 102-2, [0155] The middle structural support members 146-1, behind the top structural support member 148-1. The bot- 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 are disposed on the left and tom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are ad- right sides 109, from the top 104, through the middle 106, jacent to each other and can be in contact with each other to the bottom 108. The middle structural support member 35 along substantially all of their lengths. In various embod- 146-1 is disposed in the front 102-1, on the left side 109; iments, the bottom structural support members 148-1 the middle structural support member 146-4 is disposed and 148-2 can be in contact with each other at one or in the back 102-2, on the left side 109, behind the middle more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more structural support member 146-1. The middle structural relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, or about support members 146-1 and 146-4 are adjacent to each 40 all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, other and can be in contact with each other along sub- or all of their overall lengths. The bottom structural sup- stantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the portmembers 148-1 and 148-2 are notdirectly connected middle structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 can to each other. However, in various alternate embodi- be in contact with each other at one or more relatively ments, the bottom structural support members 148-1 and smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger 45 148-2 can be directly connected and/or joined together locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or approxi- along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or mately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths. overall lengths. The middle structural support members [0159] The bottom structural support members 148-1 146-1 and 146-4 are not directly connected to each other. and 148-2 are disposed substantially below the product However, in various alternate embodiments, the middle 50 volume 150, but substantially above the base structure structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 can be di- 190. Overall, each of the bottom structural support mem- rectly connected and/or joined together along part, or bers 148-1 and 148-2 is oriented about horizontally, but parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially with its ends curved slightly upward. And, overall each all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths. of the bottom structural support members 148-1 and [0156] The middle structural support member 146-2 is 55 148-2 has a cross-sectional area that is substantially uni- disposed in the front 102-1, on the right side 109; the form along its length. middle structural support member 146-3 is disposed in [0160] In the front portion of the structural support the back 102-2, on the right side 109, behind the middle frame 140, the left end of the top structural support mem-

24 47 EP 3 066 021 B1 48 ber 144-1 is joined to the upper end of the middle struc- first portion of the product volume 150-1b, which is dis- tural support member 146-1; the lower end of the middle posed inside of the frame 140-1, and indirectly supporting structural support member 146-1 is joined to the left end a second portion of the product volume 150-1a, which is of the bottom structural support member 148-1; the right disposed outside of the frame 140-1. In various embod- end of the bottom structural support member 148-1 is 5 iments, any stand-up flexible container of the present dis- joined to the lower end of the middle structural support closure can be modified in a similar way, such that: the member 146-2; and the upper end of the middle structural frame extends around only part or parts of the container, support member 146-2 is joined to the right end of the and/or the frame is asymmetric with respect to one or top structural support member 144-1. Similarly, in the more centerlines of the container, and/or part or parts of back portion of the structural support frame 140, the left 10 one or more product volumes of the container are dis- end of the top structural support member 144-2 is joined posed outside of the frame, and/or part or parts of one to the upper end of the middle structural support member or more product volumes of the container are indirectly 146-4; the lower end of the middle structural support supported by the frame. member 146-4 is joined to the left end of the bottom struc- [0166] Figure 1F illustrates a perspective view of a con- tural support member 148-2; the right end of the bottom 15 tainer 100-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the structural support member 148-2 is joined to the lower stand up flexible container 100 of Figure 1A, including end of the middle structural support member 146-3; and an internal structural support frame 140-2, a product vol- the upper end of the middle structural support member ume 150-2, and a dispenser 160-2. The embodiment of 146-3is joinedto theright endof the topstructural support Figure 1F is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1A with member 144-2. In the structural support frame 140, the 20 like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except ends of the structural support members, which are joined that the frame 140-2 is internal to the product volume together, are directly connected, all around the periphery 150-2. In various embodiments, any stand-up flexible of their walls. However, in various alternative embodi- container of the present disclosure can be modified in a ments, any of the structural support members 144-1, similar way, such that: part, parts, or all of the frame (in- 144-2, 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, 146-4, 148-1, and 148-2 can 25 cluding part, parts, or all of one or more of any structural be joined together in any way described herein or known support members that form the frame) are about, approx- in the art. imately, substantially, nearly, or completely enclosed by [0161] In alternative embodiments of the structural one or more product volumes. support frame 140, adjacent structural support members [0167] Figure 1G illustrates a perspective view of a can becombined into a singlestructural support member, 30 container 100-3, which is an alternative embodiment of wherein the combined structural support member can the stand up flexible container 100 of Figure 1A, including effectively substitute for the adjacent structural support an external structural support frame 140-3, a product vol- members, as their functions and connections are de- ume 150-3, and a dispenser 160-3. The embodiment of scribed herein. In other alternative embodiments of the Figure 1G is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1A with structural support frame 140, one or more additional35 like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except structural support members can be added to the struc- that the product volume 150-3 is not integrally connected tural support members in the structural support frame to the frame 140-3 (that is, not simultaneously made from 140, wherein the expanded structural support frame can the same web of flexible materials), but rather the product effectively substitute for the structural support frame 140, volume 150-3 is separately made and then joined to the as its functions and connections are described herein. 40 frame 140-3. The product volume 150-3 can be joined to Also, in some alternative embodiments, a flexible con- the frame in any convenient manner disclosed herein or tainer may not include a base structure. known in the art. In the embodiment of Figure 1G, the [0162] Figure 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up product volume 150-3 is disposed within the frame 140-3, flexible container 100 of Figure 1A. but the product volume 150-3 has a reduced size and a [0163] Figure 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up 45 somewhat different shape, when compared with the flexible container 100 of Figure 1A. product volume 150 of Figure 1A; however, these differ- [0164] Figure 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand ences are made to illustrate the relationship between the up flexible container 100 of Figure 1A. product volume 150-3 and the frame 140-3, and are not [0165] Figure1E illustratesa perspective view ofa con- required. In various embodiments, any stand-up flexible tainer 100-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the 50 container of the present disclosure can be modified in a stand up flexible container 100 of Figure 1A, including similar way, such that one or more the product volumes an asymmetric structural support frame 140-1, a first por- are not integrally connected to the frame. tion of the product volume 150-1b, a second portion of [0168] Figures 2A-8G illustrate embodiments of stand the product volume 150-1a, and a dispenser 160-1. The up flexible containers having various overall shapes. Any embodiment of Figure 1E is similar to the embodiment 55 of the embodiments of Figures 2A-8G can be configured of Figure 1A with like-numbered terms configured in the according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, same way, except that the frame 140-1 extends around including the embodiments of Figures 1A-1G. Any of the about half of the container 100-1, directly supporting a elements (e.g. structural support frames, structural sup-

25 49 EP 3 066 021 B1 50 port members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the embodi- side view of the container 200 of Figure 2A, including ments of Figures 2A-8G, can be configured according to exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser any of the embodiments disclosed herein. While each of (shown as phantom lines), any of which can apply to ei- the embodiments of Figures 2A-8G illustrates a container ther side of the container. Figure 2D illustrates an iso- with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each con- 5 metric view of the container 200 of Figure 2A. tainer can include multiple dispensers, according to any [0170] Figure2E illustrates aperspective viewof acon- embodiment described herein. Figures 2A-8G illustrate tainer 200-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the exemplary additional/alternate locations for dispenser stand up flexible container 200 of Figure 2A, including with phantom line outlines. Part, parts, or about all, or an asymmetric structural support frame 240-1, a first por- approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all 10 tion of the product volume 250-1b, a second portion of of each of the panels in the embodiments of Figures 2A- the product volume 250-1a, and a dispenser 260-1, con- 8G is suitable to display any kind of indicia. Each of the figured in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure side panels in the embodiments of Figures 2A-8G is con- 1E, except based on the container 200. Figure 2F illus- figured to be a nonstructural panel, overlaying product trates a perspective view of a container 200-2, which is volume(s) disposed within the flexible container, howev- 15 an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible con- er, in various embodiments, one or more of any kind of tainer 200 of Figure 2A, including an internal structural decorative or structural element (such as a rib, protruding support frame 240-2, a product volume 250-2, and a dis- from an outer surface) can be joined to part, parts, or penser 260-2, configured in the same manner as the em- about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or near- bodiment of Figure 1F, except based on the container ly all, or all of any of these side panels. For clarity, not all 20 200. Figure 2G illustrates a perspective view of a con- structural details of these flexible containers are shown tainer 200-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the in Figures 2A-8G, however any of the embodiments of stand up flexible container 200 of Figure 2A, including Figures 2A-8G can be configured to include any structure an external structural support frame 240-3, a non-integral or feature for flexible containers, disclosed herein. For product volume 250-3 joined to and disposed within the example, any of the embodiments of Figures 2A-8G can 25 frame 240-3, and a dispenser 260-3, configured in the be configured to include any kind of base structure dis- same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1G, except closed herein. based on the container 200. [0169] Figure 2A illustrates a front view of a stand up [0171] Figure 3A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible container 200 having a structural support frame flexible container 300 having a structural support frame 240 that has an overall shape like a frustum. In the em- 30 340 that has an overall shape like a pyramid. In the em- bodiment of Figure 2A, the frustum shape is based on a bodiment of Figure 3A, the pyramid shape is based on a four-sided pyramid, however, in various embodiments, four-sided pyramid, however, in various embodiments, the frustum shape can be based on a pyramid with a the pyramid shape can be based on a pyramid with a different number of sides, or the frustum shape can be different number of sides. The support frame 340 is based on a cone. The support frame 240 is formed by 35 formed by structural support members disposed along structural support members disposed along the edges of the edges of the pyramid shape and joined together at the frustum shape and joined together at their ends. The their ends. The structural support members define trian- structural support members define a rectangular shaped gularshaped side panels 380-1, 380-2,380-3, and 380-4, top panel 280-t, trapezoidal shaped side panels 280-1, and a square shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of 280-2, 280-3, and 280-4, and a rectangular shaped bot- 40 the side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3, and 380-4 is about tom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 280-1, flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or 280-2, 280-3, and 280-4 is about flat, however in various about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or near- embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately ly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, 45 container 300 includes a dispenser 360, which is config- nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 200 includes ured to dispense one or more fluent products from one a dispenser 260, which is configured to dispense one or or more product volumes disposed within the container more fluent products from one or more product volumes 300. In the embodiment of Figure 3A, the dispenser 360 disposed within the container 200. In the embodiment of is disposed at the apex of the pyramid shape, however, Figure 2A, the dispenser 260 is disposed in the center 50 in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 360 can of the top panel 280-t, however, in various alternate em- be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, bodiments, the dispenser 260 can be disposed anywhere of the container 300. Figure 3B illustrates a front view of else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 200, the container 300 of Figure 3A, including exemplary ad- according to any embodiment described or illustrated ditional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as herein. Figure 2B illustrates a front view of the container 55 phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side 200 of Figure 2A, including exemplary additional/alter- of the container. Figure 3C illustrates a side view of the nate locations for a dispenser, any of which can also ap- container 300 of Figure 3A. Figure 3D illustrates an iso- ply to the back of the container. Figure 2C illustrates a metric view of the container 300 of Figure 3A.

26 51 EP 3 066 021 B1 52

[0172] Figure3E illustratesa perspective view ofa con- 1E, except based on the container 400. Figure 4F illus- tainer 300-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the trates a perspective view of a container 400-2, which is stand up flexible container 300 of Figure 3A, including an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible con- an asymmetric structural support frame 340-1, a first por- tainer 400 of Figure 4A, including an internal structural tion of the product volume 350-1b, a second portion of 5 support frame 440-2, a product volume 450-2, and a dis- the product volume 350-1a, and a dispenser 360-1, con- penser 460-2, configured in the same manner as the em- figured in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure bodiment of Figure 1F, except based on the container 1E, except based on the container 300. Figure 3F illus- 400. Figure 4G illustrates a perspective view of a con- trates a perspective view of a container 300-2, which is tainer 400-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible con- 10 stand up flexible container 400 of Figure 4A, including tainer 300 of Figure 3A, including an internal structural an external structural support frame 440-3, a non-integral support frame 340-2, a product volume 350-2, and a dis- product volume 450-3 joined to and disposed within the penser 360-2, configured in the same manner as the em- frame 440-3, and a dispenser 460-3, configured in the bodiment of Figure 1F, except based on the container same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1G, except 300. Figure 3G illustrates a perspective view of a con- 15 based on the container 400. tainer 300-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the [0175] Figure 5A illustrates a front view of a stand up stand up flexible container 300 of Figure 3A, including flexible container 500 having a structural support frame an external structural support frame 340-3, a non-integral 540 that has an overall shape like a tetragonal prism. In product volume 350-3 joined to and disposed within the the embodiment of Figure 5A, the prism shape is based frame 340-3, and a dispenser 360-3, configured in the 20 on a square. The support frame 540 is formed by struc- same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1G, except tural support members disposed along the edges of the based on the container 300. prism shape and joined together at their ends. The struc- [0173] Figure 4A illustrates a front view of a stand up tural support members define a square shaped top panel flexible container 400 having a structural support frame 580-t, rectangular shaped side panels 580-1, 580-2, 440 that has an overall shape like a trigonal prism. In the 25 580-3, and 580-4, and a square shaped bottom panel embodiment of Figure 4A, the prism shape is based on (not shown). Each of the side panels 580-1, 580-2, 580-3, a triangle. The support frame 440 is formed by structural and 580-4 is about flat, however in various embodiments, support members disposed along the edges of the prism part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substan- shape and joined together at their ends. The structural tially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can support members define a triangular shaped top panel 30 be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or 480-t, rectangular shaped side panels 480-1, 480-2, and completely flat. The container 500 includes a dispenser 480-3, and a triangular shaped bottom panel (not shown). 560, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent Each of the side panels 480-1, 480-2, and 480-3 is about products from one or more product volumes disposed flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or within the container 500. In the embodiment of Figure about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or near- 35 5A, the dispenser 560 is disposed in the center of the top ly all, or all of the side panels can be approximately flat, panel 580-t, however, in various alternate embodiments, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The con- the dispenser 560 can be disposed anywhere else on tainer 400 includes a dispenser 460, which is configured the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 500. Figure 5B to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more illustrates a front view of the container 500 of Figure 5A, product volumes disposed within the container 400. In 40 including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a the embodiment of Figure 4A, the dispenser 460 is dis- dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can posed in the center of the top panel 480-t, however, in also apply to any side of the container 500. Figure 5C various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 460 can illustrates a side view of the container 500 of Figure 5A. be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, Figure 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container of the container 400. Figure 4B illustrates a front view of 45 500 of Figure 5A. the container 400 of Figure 4A, including exemplary ad- [0176] Figure5E illustrates aperspective viewof acon- ditional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as tainer 500-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side stand up flexible container 500 of Figure 5A, including of the container 400. Figure 4C illustrates a side view of an asymmetric structural support frame 540-1, a first por- the container 400 of Figure 4A. Figure 4D illustrates an 50 tion of the product volume 550-1b, a second portion of isometric view of the container 400 of Figure 4A. the product volume 550-1a, and a dispenser 560-1, con- [0174] Figure4E illustratesa perspective view ofa con- figured in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure tainer 400-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the 1E, except based on the container 500. Figure 5F illus- stand up flexible container 400 of Figure 4A, including trates a perspective view of a container 500-2, which is an asymmetric structural support frame 440-1, a first por- 55 an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible con- tion of the product volume 450-1b, a second portion of tainer 500 of Figure 5A, including an internal structural the product volume 450-1a, and a dispenser 460-1, con- support frame 540-2, a product volume 550-2, and a dis- figured in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure penser 560-2, configured in the same manner as the em-

27 53 EP 3 066 021 B1 54 bodiment of Figure 1F, except based on the container frame 640-3, and a dispenser 660-3, configured in the 500. Figure 5G illustrates a perspective view of a con- same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1G, except tainer 500-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the based on the container 600. stand up flexible container 500 of Figure 5A, including [0179] Figure 7A illustrates a front view of a stand up an external structural support frame 540-3, a non-integral 5 flexible container 700 having a structural support frame product volume 550-3 joined to and disposed within the 740 that has an overall shape like a cone. The support frame 540-3, and a dispenser 560-3, configured in the frame 740 is formed by curved structural support mem- same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1G, except bers disposedaround the base of the cone and by straight based on the container 500. structural support members extending linearly from the [0177] Figure 6A illustrates a front view of a stand up 10 base to the apex, wherein the structural support mem- flexible container 600 having a structural support frame bers are joined together at their ends. The structural sup- 640 that has an overall shape like a pentagonal prism. port members define curved somewhat triangular In the embodiment of Figure 6A, the prism shape is based shaped side panels 780-1, 780-2, and 780-3, and a cir- on a pentagon. The support frame 640 is formed by struc- cular shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side tural support members disposed along the edges of the 15 panels 780-1, 780-2, and 780-3, is curved, however in prism shape and joined together at their ends. The struc- various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approx- tural support members define a pentagon shaped top imately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any panel 680-t, rectangular shaped side panels 680-1, of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially 680-2, 680-3, 680-4, and 680-5, and a pentagon shaped flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 700 in- bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 680-1, 20 cludes a dispenser 760, which is configured to dispense 680-2, 680-3, 680-4, and 680-5 is about flat, however in one or more fluent products from one or more product various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approx- volumes disposed within the container 700. In the em- imately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any bodiment of Figure 7A, the dispenser 760 is disposed at of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially the apex of the conical shape, however, in various alter- flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 600 in- 25 nate embodiments, the dispenser 760 can be disposed cludes a dispenser 660, which is configured to dispense anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the con- one or more fluent products from one or more product tainer 700. Figure 7B illustrates a front view of the con- volumes disposed within the container 600. In the em- tainer 700 of Figure 7A. Figure 7C illustrates a side view bodiment of Figure 6A, the dispenser 660 is disposed in of the container 700 of Figure 7A, including exemplary the center of the top panel 680-t, however, in various30 additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as alternate embodiments, the dispenser 660 can be dis- phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side posed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the panel of the container 700. Figure 7D illustrates an iso- container 600. Figure 6B illustrates a front view of the metric view of the container 700 of Figure 7A. container 600 of Figure 6A, including exemplary addi- [0180] Figure7E illustrates aperspective viewof acon- tional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phan- 35 tainer 700-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the tom lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the stand up flexible container 700 of Figure 7A, including container 600. Figure 6C illustrates a side view of the an asymmetric structural support frame 740-1, a first por- container 600 of Figure 6A. Figure 6D illustrates an iso- tion of the product volume 750-1b, a second portion of metric view of the container 600 of Figure 6A. the product volume 750-1a, and a dispenser 760-1, con- [0178] Figure6E illustratesa perspective view ofa con- 40 figured in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure tainer 600-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the 1E, except based on the container 700. Figure 7F illus- stand up flexible container 600 of Figure 6A, including trates a perspective view of a container 700-2, which is an asymmetric structural support frame 640-1, a first por- an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible con- tion of the product volume 650-1b, a second portion of tainer 700 of Figure 7A, including an internal structural the product volume 650-1a, and a dispenser 660-1, con- 45 support frame 740-2, a product volume 750-2, and a dis- figured in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure penser 760-2, configured in the same manner as the em- 1E, except based on the container 600. Figure 6F illus- bodiment of Figure 1F, except based on the container trates a perspective view of a container 600-2, which is 700. Figure 7G illustrates a perspective view of a con- an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible con- tainer 700-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the tainer 600 of Figure 6A, including an internal structural 50 stand up flexible container 700 of Figure 7A, including support frame 640-2, a product volume 650-2, and a dis- an external structural support frame 740-3, a non-integral penser 660-2, configured in the same manner as the em- product volume 750-3 joined to and disposed within the bodiment of Figure 1F, except based on the container frame 740-3, and a dispenser 760-3, configured in the 600. Figure 6G illustrates a perspective view of a con- same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1G, except tainer 600-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the 55 based on the container 700. stand up flexible container 600 of Figure 6A, including [0181] Figure 8A illustrates a front view of a stand up an external structural support frame 640-3, a non-integral flexible container 800 having a structural support frame product volume 650-3 joined to and disposed within the 840 that has an overall shape like a cylinder. The support

28 55 EP 3 066 021 B1 56 frame 840 is formed by curved structural support mem- ment of a self-supporting flexible container 900, having bers disposed around the top and bottom of the cylinder an overall shape like a square. Figure 9B illustrates an and by straight structural support members extending end view of the flexible container 900 of Figure 9A. The linearly from the top to the bottom, wherein the structural container 900 is resting on a horizontal support surface support members are joined together at their ends. The 5 901. structural support members define a circular shaped top [0185] In Figure 9B, a coordinate system 910, provides panel 880-t, curved somewhat rectangular shaped side lines of reference for referring to directions in the figure. panels 880-1, 880-2, 880-3, and 880-4, and a circular The coordinate system 910 is a three-dimensional Car- shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side pan- tesian coordinate system, with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and els 880-1, 880-2, 880-3, and 880-4, is curved, however 10 a Z-axis. The X-axis and the Z-axis are parallel with the in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or ap- horizontal support surface 901 and the Y-axis is perpen- proximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of dicular to the horizontal support surface 901. any of the side panels can be approximately flat, sub- [0186] Figure 9A also includes other lines of reference, stantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container for referring to directions and locations with respect to 800 includes a dispenser 860, which is configured to dis- 15 the container 100. A lateral centerline 911 runs parallel pense one or more fluent products from one or more prod- to the X-axis. An XY plane at the lateral centerline 911 uct volumes disposed within the container 800. In the separates the container 100 into a front half and a back embodiment of Figure 8A, the dispenser 860 is disposed half. An XZ plane at the lateral centerline 911 separates in the center of the top panel 880-t, however, in various the container 100 into an upper half and a lower half. A alternate embodiments, the dispenser 860 can be dis- 20 longitudinal centerline 914 runs parallel to the Y-axis. A posed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the YZ plane at the longitudinal centerline 914 separates the container 800. Figure 8B illustrates a front view of the container 900 into a left half and a right half. A third cen- container 800 of Figure 8A, including exemplary addi- terline 917 runs parallel to the Z-axis. The lateral center- tional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phan- line 911, the longitudinal centerline 914, and the third tom lines), any of which can also apply to any side panel 25 centerline 917 all intersect at a center of the container of the container 800. Figure 8C illustrates a side view of 900. These terms for direction, orientation, measure- the container 800 of Figure 8A. Figure 8D illustrates an ment, and disposition, in the embodiment of Figures 9A- isometric view of the container 800 of Figure 8A. 9B are the same as the like-numbered terms in the em- [0182] Figure8E illustratesa perspective view ofa con- bodiment of Figures 1A-1D. tainer 800-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the 30 [0187] The container 900 includes a top 904, a middle stand up flexible container 800 of Figure 8A, including 906, and a bottom 908, the front 902-1, the back 902-2, an asymmetric structural support frame 840-1, a first por- and left and right sides 909. In the embodiment of Figures tion of the product volume 850-1b, a second portion of 9A-9B, the upper half and the lower half of the container the product volume 850-1a, and a dispenser 860-1, con- are joined together at a seal 929, which extends around figured in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 35 the outer periphery of the container 900. The bottom of 1E, except based on the container 800. Figure 8F illus- the container 900 is configured in the same way as the trates a perspective view of a container 800-2, which is top of the container 900. an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible con- [0188] The container 900 includes a structural support tainer 800 of Figure 8A, including an internal structural frame 940, a product volume 950, a dispenser 960, a top support frame 840-2, a product volume 850-2, and a dis- 40 panel 980-t and a bottom panel (not shown). A portion penser 860-2, configured in the same manner as the em- of the top panel 980-t is illustrated as broken away, in bodiment of Figure 1F, except based on the container order to show the product volume 950. The product vol- 800. Figure 8G illustrates a perspective view of a con- ume 950 is configured to contain one or more fluent prod- tainer 800-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the ucts. The dispenser 960 allows the container 900 to dis- stand up flexible container 800 of Figure 8A, including 45 pense these fluent product(s) from the product volume an external structural support frame 840-3, a non-integral 950 through a flow channel 959 then through the dis- product volume 850-3 joined to and disposed within the penser 960, to the environment outside of the container frame 840-3, and a dispenser 860-3, configured in the 900. The structural support frame 940 supports the mass same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1G, except of fluent product(s) in the product volume 950. The top based on the container 800. 50 panel 980-t and the bottom panel are relatively flat sur- [0183] In additional embodiments, any stand up flexi- faces, overlaying the product volume 950, and are suit- ble container with a structural support frame, as disclosed able for displaying any kind of indicia. herein, can be configured to have an overall shape that [0189] The structural support frame 940 is formed by corresponds with any other known three-dimensional a plurality of structural support members. The structural shape, including any kind of polyhedron, any kind of pris- 55 support frame 940 includes front structural support mem- matoid, and any kind of prism (including right prisms and bers 943-1 and 943-2, intermediate structural support uniform prisms). members 945-1, 945-2, 945-3, and 945-4, as well as back [0184] Figure 9A illustrates a top view of an embodi- structural support members 947-1 and 947-2. Overall,

29 57 EP 3 066 021 B1 58 each of the structural support members in the container [0194] Figure 9C illustrates a perspective view of a 900 is oriented horizontally. And, each of the structural container 900-1, which is an alternative embodiment of support members in the container 900 has a cross-sec- the self-supporting flexible container 900 of 9igure 1A, tional area that is substantially uniform along its length, including an asymmetric structural support frame 940-1, althoughin variousembodiments, thiscross-sectional ar- 5 a first portion of the product volume 950-1b, a second ea can vary. portion of the product volume 950-1a, and a dispenser [0190] Upper structural support members 943-1, 960-1. The embodiment of Figure 9C is similar to the 945-1, 945-2, and 947-1 are disposed in an upper part embodiment of Figure 9A with like-numbered terms con- of the middle 906 and in the top 904, while lower structural figured in the same way, except that the frame 940-1 support members 943-2, 945-4, 945-3, and 947-2 are 10 extends around about half of the container 900-1, directly disposed in a lower part of the middle 906 and in the supporting a first portion of the product volume 950-1b, bottom 908. The upper structural support members which isdisposed insideof theframe 940-1,and indirectly 943-1, 945-1, 945-2, and 947-1 are disposed above and supporting a second portion of the product volume adjacent to the lower structural support members 943-2, 950-1a, which is disposed outside of the frame 940-1. In 945-4, 945-3, and 947-2, respectively. 15 various embodiments, any self-supporting flexible con- [0191] In various embodiments, adjacent upper and tainer of the present disclosure can be modified in a sim- lower structural support members can be in contact with ilar way, such that: the frame extends around only part each other at one or more relatively smaller locations or parts of the container, and/or the frame is asymmetric and/or at one or more relatively larger locations, along with respect to one or more centerlines of the container, part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or sub- 20 and/or part or parts of one or more product volumes of stantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths, the container are disposed outside of the frame, and/or so long as there is a gap in the contact for the flow channel part or parts of one or more product volumes of the con- 959, between the structural support members 943-1 and tainer are indirectly supported by the frame. 943-2. In the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B, the upper [0195] Figure 9D illustrates a perspective view of a and lower structural support members are not directly 25 container 900-2, which is an alternative embodiment of connected to each other. However, in various alternate the self-supporting flexible container 900 of Figure 9A, embodiments, adjacent upper and lower structural sup- including an internal structural support frame 940-2, a port members can be directly connected and/or joined product volume 950-2, and a dispenser 960-2. The em- together along part, or parts, or about all, or approximate- bodiment of Figure 9D is similar to the embodiment of ly all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall 30 Figure 9A with like-numbered terms configured in the lengths. same way, except that the frame 940-2 is internal to the [0192] The ends of structural support members 943-1, product volume 950-2. In various embodiments, any self- 945-2, 947-1, and 945-1 are joined together to form a top supporting flexible container of the present disclosure square that is outward from and surrounding the product can be modified in a similar way, such that: part, parts, volume 950, and the ends of structural support members 35 or all of the frame (including part, parts, or all of one or 943-2, 945-3, 947-2, and 945-4 are also joined together more of any structural support members that form the to form a bottom square that is outward from and sur- frame) are about, approximately, substantially, nearly, or rounding the product volume 950. In the structural sup- completely enclosed by one or more product volumes. port frame 940, the ends of the structural support mem- [0196] Figure9E illustrates aperspective viewof acon- bers, which are joined together, are directly connected, 40 tainer 900-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the all around theperiphery of their walls. However, in various stand up flexible container 900 of Figure 9A, including alternative embodiments, any of the structural support an external structural support frame 940-3, a product vol- members of the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B can be ume 950-3, and a dispenser 960-3. The embodiment of joined together in any way described herein or known in Figure 9E is similar to the embodiment of Figure 9A with the art. 45 like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except [0193] In alternative embodiments of the structural that the product volume 950-3 is not integrally connected support frame 940, adjacent structural support members to the frame 940-3 (that is, not simultaneously made from can becombined into a singlestructural support member, the same web of flexible materials), but rather the product wherein the combined structural support member can volume 950-3 is separately made and then joined to the effectively substitute for the adjacent structural support 50 frame 940-3. The product volume 950-3 can be joined to members, as their functions and connections are de- the frame in any convenient manner disclosed herein or scribed herein. In other alternative embodiments of the known in the art. In the embodiment of Figure 9E, the structural support frame 940, one or more additional product volume 950-3 is disposed within the frame 940-3, structural support members can be added to the struc- but the product volume 950-3 has a reduced size and a tural support members in the structural support frame 55 somewhat different shape, when compared with the 940, wherein the expanded structural support frame can product volume 950 of Figure 9A; however, these differ- effectively substitute for the structural support frame 940, ences are made to illustrate the relationship between the as its functions and connections are described herein. product volume 950-3 and the frame 940-3, and are not

30 59 EP 3 066 021 B1 60 required. In various embodiments, any self-supporting includes exemplary additional/alternate locations for a flexible container of the present disclosure can be mod- dispenser (shown as phantom lines). Figure 10B illus- ified in a similar way, such that one or more the product trates an end view of the flexible container 1000 of Figure volumes are not integrally connected to the frame. 10B, resting on a horizontal support surface 1001. [0197] Figures 10A-11E illustrate embodiments of self- 5 [0199] Figure 10C illustrates a perspective view of a supporting flexible containers (that are not stand up con- container 1000-1, which is an alternative embodiment of tainers) having various overall shapes. Any of the em- the self-supporting flexible container 1000 of Figure 10A, bodiments of Figures 10A-11E can be configured accord- including an asymmetric structural support frame 1040-1, ing to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including a first portion of the product volume 1050-1b, a second the embodiments of Figures 9A-9E. Any of the elements 10 portion of the product volume 1050-1a, and a dispenser (e.g. structural support frames, structural support mem- 1060-1, configured in the same manner as the embodi- bers, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of ment of Figure 9C, except based on the container 1000. Figures 10A-11E, can be configured according to any of Figure 10D illustrates a perspective view of a container the embodimentsdisclosed herein. Whileeach of the em- 1000-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the self- bodiments of Figures 10A-11E illustrates a container with 15 supporting flexible container 1000 of Figure 10A, includ- one dispenser, in various embodiments, each container ing an internal structural support frame 1040-2, a product can include multiple dispensers, according to any em- volume 1050-2, and a dispenser 1060-2, configured in bodiment described herein. Part, parts, or about all, or the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 9D, ex- approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all cept based on the container 1000. Figure 10E illustrates of each of the panels in the embodiments of Figures 10A- 20 a perspective view of a container 1000-3, which is an 11E is suitable to display any kind of indicia. Each of the alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible top and bottom panels in the embodiments of Figures container 1000 of Figure 10A, including an external struc- 10A-11E is configured to be a nonstructural panel, over- tural support frame 1040-3, a non-integral product vol- laying product volume(s) disposed within the flexible con- ume 1050-3 joined to and disposed within the frame tainer, however, in various embodiments, one or more 25 1040-3, and a dispenser 1060-3, configured in the same of any kind of decorative or structural element (such as manner as the embodiment of Figure 9E, except based a rib, protruding from an outer surface) can be joined to on the container 1000. part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substan- [0200] Figure 11A illustrates a top view of an embod- tially all, or nearly all, or all of any of these panels. For iment of a self-supporting flexible container 1100 (that is clarity, notall structural details of these flexible containers 30 not a stand up flexible container) having a product volume are shown in Figures 10A-11E, however any of the em- 1150 and an overall shape like a circle. The support frame bodiments of Figures 10A-11E can be configured to in- 1140 is formed by structural support members disposed clude any structure or feature for flexible containers, dis- around the circumference of the circular shape and joined closed herein. together at their ends. The structural support members [0198] Figure 10A illustrates a top view of an embod- 35 define a circular shaped top panel 1180-t, and a circular iment of a self-supporting flexible container 1000 (that is shaped bottom panel (not shown). The top panel 1180- not a standup flexible container) having a product volume t and the bottom panel are about flat, however in various 1050 and an overall shape like a triangle. However, in embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately various embodiments, a self-supporting flexible contain- all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the er can have an overall shape like a polygon having any 40 side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, number of sides. The support frame 1040 is formed by nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 1100 in- structural support members disposed along the edges of cludes a dispenser 1160, which is configured to dispense the triangular shape and joined together at their ends. one or more fluent products from one or more product The structural support members define a triangular volumes disposed within the container 1100. In the em- shaped top panel 1080-t, and a triangular shaped bottom 45 bodiment of Figure 11A, the dispenser 1160 is disposed panel (not shown). The top panel 1080-t and the bottom in the center of the front, however, in various alternate panel are about flat, however in various embodiments, embodiments, the dispenser 1160 can be disposed an- part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substan- ywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container tially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can 1100. Figure 11A includes exemplary additional/alter- be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or50 nate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines). completely flat. The container 1000 includes a dispenser Figure 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container 1060, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent 1100 of Figure 10B, resting on a horizontal support sur- products from one or more product volumes disposed face 1101. within the container 1000. In the embodiment of Figure [0201] Figure 11C illustrates a perspective view of a 10A, the dispenser 1060 is disposed in the center of the 55 container 1100-1, which is an alternative embodiment of front, however, in various alternate embodiments, the the self-supporting flexible container 1100 of Figure 11A, dispenser 1060 can be disposed anywhere else on the including an asymmetric structural support frame 1140-1, top, sides, or bottom, of the container 1000. Figure 10A a first portion of the product volume 1150-1b, a second

31 61 EP 3 066 021 B1 62 portion of the product volume 1150-1a, and a dispenser 2010. The folding process for forming the flexible con- 1160-1, configured in the same manner as the embodi- tainer configuration 2002 can optionally include one or ment of Figure 9C, except based on the container 1100. more sealing steps. The method can also include a head- Figure 11D illustrates a perspective view of a container space reduction step 2008 for controlling the headspace 1100-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the self- 5 and pressure of the product volume upon expansion of supporting flexible container 1100 of Figure 11A, includ- the structural support volume and a final sealing step ing an internal structural support frame 1140-2, a product 2012 in which one or more ports used to fill the product volume 1150-2, and a dispenser 1160-2, configured in volume and expand the structural support volumes are the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 9D, ex- sealed. Additional steps can be included in the method, cept based on the container 1100. Figure 11E illustrates 10 including, but not limited to, a sealing step for forming an a perspective view of a container 1100-3, which is an inner boundary of the at least one structural support vol- alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible umes, a product volume fill port formation step, a struc- container 1100 of Figure 11A, including an external struc- tural supportvolume expansion port formationstep, valve tural support frame 1140-3, a non-integral product vol- and venting formation steps, and gusset forming, folding, ume 1150-3 joined to and disposed within the frame15 and sealing steps. The gusset forming, folding, and seal- 1140-3, and a dispenser 1160-3, configured in the same ing steps can be performed, for example, as part of the manner as the embodiment of Figure 9E, except based folding of the web or sheet into the flexible container con- on the container 1100. figuration. [0202] In additional embodiments, any self-supporting [0205] Cut sealing in a single unit operation as de- container with a structural support frame, as disclosed 20 scribed herein can occur for any or all of the following herein, can be configured to have an overall shape that steps: forming the outer seams of the container (along corresponds with any other known three-dimensional the sides, top or bottom or in the middle region, top region shape. For example, any self-supporting container with or bottom region of the container), forming a gusset, form- a structural support frame, as disclosed herein, can be ing the a valve of the container, forming a filling port(s) configuredto have an overallshape (whenobserved from 25 for product and or expansion material, and/or sealing the a top view) that corresponds with a rectangle, a polygon filling port(s) for product and or expansion materials. (having any number of sides), an oval, an ellipse, a star, [0206] As a result of the folding process for forming the or any other shape, or combinations of any of these. flexible containers in accordance with embodiments of [0203] Figures 12A-14C illustrate various exemplary the disclosure, a seam region of the container can include dispensers, which can be used with the flexible contain- 30 a plurality of layers that need to be sealed and cut to form ers disclosed herein. Figure 12A illustrates an isometric the seam of the container. Additionally, folding can result view of push-pull type dispenser 1260-a. Figure 12B il- in zones of the seam region having different numbers of lustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a flip-top layers that need to be sealed in a single unit operation. cap 1260-b. Figure 12C illustrates an isometric view of The flexible material and resulting numbers of layers can dispenser with a screw-on cap 1260-c. Figure 12D illus- 35 present a relatively thick region to seal, as well. As dis- trates an isometric view of rotatable type dispenser 1260- cussed above, each of the one or more flexible materials d. Figure 12E illustrates an isometric view of nozzle type can have a thickness of about 5 mm to 500 mm, for ex- dispenser with a cap 1260-d. Figure 13A illustrates an ample 50 mm to 150 mm. As a result of folding, multiple, isometric view of straw dispenser 1360-a. Figure 13B for example at least four, layers can be present in the illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser with a lid 40 seal region, each having a thickness of about 5m m to 1360-b. Figure 13C illustrates an isometric view of flip up 500 mm, for example 50 mm to 150 mm. Such multi-layer straw dispenser 1360-c. Figure 13D illustrates an iso- and/or different number of layer sealing can be difficult metric view of straw dispenser with bite valve 1360-d. and rate prohibitive, if not impossible, with conventional Figure 14A illustrates an isometric view of pump type processes, particularly when the layers are relatively dispenser 1460-a, which can, in various embodiments 45 thick. For example, while conventional process may be be a foaming pump type dispenser. Figure 14B illustrates able to seal relatively thick layers if given extended pe- an isometric view of pump spray type dispenser 1460-b. riods of time for sealing, such a sealing process is im- Figure 14C illustrates an isometric view of trigger spray practicalwhen forming flexible containers, which aregen- type dispenser 1460-c. erally formed at a rapid rate to produce sufficient quan- [0204] Referring to Figure 15, flexible containers in ac- 50 tities to meet packaging quantity needs and to provide a cordance with embodiments of the disclosure can be cost effective container. Moreover, such conventional formed by a series of unit operations, including, for ex- operations suffer from the ability to seal and cut the seam ample, folding one or more webs or sheets that includes region in a single unit operation. As discussed above, at least two layers of flexible material into the flexible the sealing and cutting can be performed at simultane- container configuration 2002, sealing and cutting the flex- 55 ously, substantially the same time, or sequentially. The ible materials to define the seams of the flexible container web or sheet, however, remains in registration with a 2004, filling the product volume with product 2006, and single toolduring theentirety of the unit operation (sealing expanding the at least one structural support volume and cutting).

32 63 EP 3 066 021 B1 64

[0207] The methods of sealing and cutting the seam and cutting process, which can be advantageous in re- region of a flexible container in accordance with embod- ducing or even preventing disadvantageous effects of iments of the disclosure advantageously provides a flexible material shrinkage that can occur during sealing method that can seal and cut, in a single unit operation, when the flexible materials are under high tension. a seam region having relatively thick layers, a large5 [0209] Control over the seal width is also controllable number of layers, and/or zones having different numbers with the sealing and cutting method in accordance with of layers. For example, the sealing and cutting operations embodiments of the disclosure. For example, referring can be performed by a single tool. Additionally, the seal- to Figure 16, the sealing apparatus 3000 can include a ing and cutting methods of the disclosure, which allow sealing surface3001 having first and second taperedsur- for sealing and cutting in a single unit operation, can allow 10 faces 3002, 3004 that terminate at a tip 3006. The sealing for fine control over the seam widths, thereby providing surface 3001 contacts the web or sheet of flexible mate- containers having small seam widths. For example, as a rial to apply a sealing force and seal and cut the web or result of performing the sealing and cutting in a single sheet in the seam region in a single unit operation. The unit operation, registration of the flexible material can be degree of taper can be controlled, for example, to control maintained during the entire sealing and cutting opera- 15 the seal width. For example, a smaller angleθ of the tion. That is, an apparatus, for example, the sealing ap- tapered portion can be used for increase seal widths, as paratus, engages the web or sheet of flexible material more of the sealing surface 3001 is in closer contact with and maintains the engaged position during both the seal- the seam region during sealing. Additionally, the first and ing and cutting operations. In various embodiments, the second tapered regions may have the same or different sealing apparatus can include a sealing surface that both 20 degree of taper. The taper may be a straight line, or a seals and cuts the web or sheet (i.e., a single tool). In curved line either concave or convex. The tip 3008 may other embodiments, the sealing apparatus can include a be a point, a radius feature, or any defined shape, for sealing surface and a separate cutting surface (i.e., mul- example, a trapezoid or a line. tiple tools). In each of the foregoing embodiments, the [0210] In various embodiments, the first and/or second web or sheet remains in registration in the sealing appa- 25 tapered surfaces 3002, 3004 can be tapered at an angle ratus with a single tool. In conventional processes, which θ, α respectively of about 2° to about 75°, or about 5° to utilize a sealing then a separate cutting tool without main- about 20° relative to a plane perpendicular to the tip, de- taining single registration of the web or sheet, registration pendingon materialthickness. It was unexpectedlyfound of the web or sheet can be lost, leaving less control over that utilizing a sealing surface 3001 having a tapered the seal width and/or requiring a slower process to per- 30 surface tapered at an angle of about 2° to about 75° pro- form the operation. Other types of cut sealing that are vided good control over the seal width, good dispersion known include hot wire cut sealing and laser cutting/seal- of the sealing energy to reduce the seal setting time, and ing. These methods can suffer from creating rough seam provided good wear properties of the sealing surface edges and/or requiring higher tension on the regions ad- 3001, with the tip 3006 demonstrating resistant to wear jacent to the seal. Additionally, these methods suffer from 35 with repeated use. In an embodiment, where the layers poor seam width control. Improved seam width control, of flexible material to be sealed have a total thickness of such as provided by the methods of the disclosure, can about 70 mm to about 170 mm, the angle of taper can be enable wide process windows for improved sealing and about 5° to about 20°. As the total thickness of the layers cutting operations. to be sealed and cut increases, it may be advantageous [0208] Sealing and cutting the web or sheet of flexible 40 to increase the angle of the taper. Other suitable degrees material in a single operation is advantageous, particu- of taper include about 5° to about 15°, about 10° to about larly when it is desired to form seams having very low 20°, about 12° to about 16°, and about 15° to about 20°. seam widths, as described in detail below. As noted The first and second surfaces can be tapered, for exam- above, serial sealing then cutting operations, which re- ple, about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, quire that the different tooling and registrations for the 45 19, 20°, and any ranged formed by any of the preceding sealing and cutting operations, suffer from problems with values. The first and second tapered surfaces can be maintaining registration with the flexible material and cut- tapered at the same or different angles. For example, in ting tool after sealing. Maintaining such registration in some embodiments, the first taper surface can be con- serial operations can be difficult as web or sheet of flex- figured such that it forms the portion of the seal that de- ible material will tend to stretch and lose registration dur- 50 fines the seam portion of the flexible container and the ing the sealing process. The methods of the disclosure second taper portion defines a portion of the seal that is can avoid such problems by sealing and cutting the flex- cut and scrapped. In such embodiments, the angle θ of ible materials in a single unit operation while achieving the first taper can be in a range of about 2° to about 75°, a high seal strength. In various embodiments, such prob- or about 5° to about 20° relative to a plane perpendicular lems can be overcome by using a single tool in the unit 55 to the tip, depending on material thickness, while the an- operation. Additionally, methods in accordance with em- gle α of the second taper can be 180° - θ. bodimentsof the disclosurecan utilize systems that apply [0211] The tip has a radius of curvature of less than less tension on the flexible materials during the sealing about 1, less than about 0.8 mm, less than about 0.5 mm,

33 65 EP 3 066 021 B1 66 and less than about 0.3 mm. For example, the tip can [0215] For example, the sealing surface 3001 and/or have a radius of curvature of about 0.05 mm to less than the opposed, sealing or anvil surface 3008 can be heated about 1, about 0.1 mm to about 0.9 mm, about 0.1 mm to a temperature in a range of 60 °C to 500 °C depending to about 0.5 mm, about 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm, about on the materials to be sealed, the thickness of the mate- 0.5 mm to about 0.7 mm, and about 0.3 to about 0.8 mm. 5 rial, and the desired rate of sealing and cooling. For ex- Other suitable radius of curvatures include, for example, ample, if the sealable laminate layers of the flexible ma- 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0. 2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, terial comprise low density polyethylene, the sealing sur- 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95, 0.98, 0.99 and any range formed by face and/or the anvil can be heated to a temperature in any of the preceding values. a range of 100 °C to 350 °C. Other suitable heating tem- [0212] The sealing surface 3001 can have any suitable 10 peratures include, for example, about 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, shape depending on the shape of the seal to be formed. 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 225, For example, in an embodiment in which a curved seal 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500 is formed, the sealing surface can have a complimentary °C and any range formed by any of the preceding values. curved sealing surface, for example, the sealing surface [0216] The sealing apparatus 3000 can utilize other can have both linear and non-linear portions. For exam- 15 sealing techniques, including, but not limited to, impulse ple, the sealing surface can have a shape substantially sealing, induction sealing, and ultrasonic sealing. corresponding to a shape of the seal to be formed. In [0217] The sealing surface 3001 and/or the opposed various embodiments, the sealing surface can have a surface 30008 can be coated with a release aid to aid in shape substantially corresponding to at least a portion releasing the flexible material from the sealing surface of the perimeter shape of the flexible container. Referring 20 and anvil after sealing and cutting. Suitable release aid to Figure 16, the sealing apparatus can be in the form of are known in the art, and include, for example, actuating arms, with the sealing surface being disposed plasma coatings, silicone coatings, Teflon coatings, and onone arm and an opposed anvilor sealing surface being other known release coatings and combinations thereof. the second arm. One or both of the sealing surface arm [0218] The sealing apparatus 3000 and methods of and the opposed anvil or sealing arm can actuate to apply 25 sealing in accordance with embodiments of the disclo- pressure to the web or sheet during the sealing and cut- sure advantageously allow for the sealing energy to be ting operation. transferred effectively through the layers. Without intend- [0213] Referring to Figure 17, in other embodiments, ing to be bound by theory, it is believe that the taper of for example, a plurality of sealing surfaces can be pro- the sealing surface allows for transfer of the sealing en- vided on a rotary die 3009. The sealing apparatus 3000 30 ergy, for example heat, both perpendicularly to the flex- can further include an opposed rotary anvil or secondary ible materials and from the sides through the compres- rotary sealing surface 3011. The method can include sive sealing force to more effectively apply the sealing feeding the web or sheet through a gap disposed be- energy to the layers and form a define seal. Additionally, tween the rotary die 3009 and the opposed die 3011. The in the case of heat sealing, it is believed that the tapered rotary die and rotary anvil 3011 rotate towards one an- 35 sealing surface 30001 and resulting energy transfer also other to provide the sealing force. The sealing surface allows for rapid cooling of the seam region, thereby rap- 3001 can have a shape that corresponds to the shape idly setting the seal. For example, a seal can be set to of the seal to be formed with the rotary motion. For ex- its full seal strength in about 0.01 seconds to about 10 ample, as illustrated in Figure 17, the sealing surface can seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 0.1 seconds, have a first sealing surface portion and two second seal- 40 about 0.5seconds to about3 seconds, about 0.1seconds ing surface portion branching from the first sealing sur- to about 3 seconds, about 0.5 seconds to about 2 sec- face portion to form a Y-shaped sealing surface. onds, about 0.1 seconds to about 1 second, about 1 sec- [0214] In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus is a ond to about 3 seconds, about 1 second to about 10 . In such an embodiment, the sealing surface seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, about 0.8 3001 and/orthe anvilsurface 3008 canbe heated to apply 45 seconds to about 2.5 seconds, or about 0.25 seconds to the necessary heat to form the heat seal. For example, about 0.7 seconds. Other suitable seal setting times in- in one embodiment, the sealing surface can be heated clude about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, while the opposed, for example, anvil, surface remains 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, unheated. In another embodiment, the opposed sealing 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, or anvil surface 3008 can be heated while the sealing 50 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, seconds, and any range formed surface 3001 remains unheated. In yet another embod- by any of the preceding values. iment, both the sealing surface 3001 and the opposed [0219] The method of sealing and cutting the flexible surface 3008 can be heated. The sealing surface 3001 material can include feeding a web or sheet of at least and/or the opposed surface 3008 can be heated, for ex- two layers flexible materials into the sealing apparatus ample, at uniform temperature along the length of the 55 and contacting a region of the flexible material(s) where surface. A heater can be incorporated into any portion of it is desired to form a seam (referred to herein as a "seam the sealing apparatus 3000 to heat the sealing surface region") with the sealing surface to seal and cut the web 3001 and/or the opposed surface 3008. or sheet in a single unit operation. The seam region can

34 67 EP 3 066 021 B1 68 be formed, for example, by folding a web or sheet of a clude first and second zones, with the first zone having single flexible material such that at least two layers are at least four layers and the second zone having at least present in the seam region. The seam region can also twelve layers. While Figures 18-21 illustrate an embod- be formed by feeding a web or sheet that includes two iment having two zone 3010a, 3010b, it should be un- or more flexible materials, portions of which can be op- 5 derstood that the seam region 3010 can include any suit- tionally folded. In one embodiment, the method includes able number of zones having any number of layers in feeding a web that includes two flexible materials. In an- each zone depending on the folding operations for form- other embodiment, the method includes feeding two ing the flexible container. Further, while Figures 18-21 sheets of flexible material. In yet another embodiment, illustrate embodiments in which the layers of flexible ma- the method includes feeding a web of a single flexible 10 terial comprise a three-laminate layer structure, any material and one or more sheets of flexible material dis- number of laminate layers or alternatively a single non- posed on the web. The seal formed by the sealing and laminate flexible material are also contemplated. cutting operation can be used to define one or both of at [0223] Referring to Figure 18A, the folding operation least a portion of a boundary of the product volume and can include a step of folding the first and second lami- at least a portion of a boundary of the at least one struc- 15 nates such that, the first region 3032-1 of the first laminate tural support volume, as well as define seam of the flex- 3014 faces the second region 3032-2 of the first laminate ible container. 3014, such that respective portions of the first sealable [0220] As discussed above, the sealing and cutting laminate layer 3018a, 3018b, are in contact. Referring to method of the disclosure can allow for sealing of a Figures 18A and 18B, in such a configuration, the seam number of relatively thick layers of material. As a results 20 region can include a first zone 3010a having four layers of folding operations, the web or sheet of flexible material of flexible material-two layers provided by the first lami- can be folded such that at least four layers of material nate 3014 and two layers provided by the second lami- are present in the seam region 3010 at a first zone 3010a. nate 3016. Sealing can include joining at least a portion The method includes sealing contacting surfaces of the of the second sealable laminate layer 3020 of the first layers to one another and cutting the seal to form a seal. 25 laminate 3014 to a portion of the third sealable laminate [0221] Figures 18A-19C illustrate the seam region, layer3024, in eachof thefirst and second regions3032-1, showing exaggerated spacing between the layers to il- 3032-2 of the first laminate 3014, thereby defining at least lustrate the layers in the seam region how the layers are a portion of a boundary 3030 of the at least one structural joined when the seam region is contacted with the sealing support volume 3036 (as shown in Figure 20). Alterna- surface. In Figures 18B, 18C, 19B, and 19C, the black 30 tively or additionally, the sealing operation further seals circles represent seals. a portion of the first sealable laminate layer 3018a in the [0222] Referring to Figure 18A, for example, the web first region 3032 of the first laminate to at least a portion or sheet can include first and second flexible materials of the first sealable laminate layer 3018b in the second 3014, 3016, which can each be laminates and can each region 3034 of the first laminate 3014, thereby defining have first and second regions 3032-1, 3032-2, 3034-1, 35 at least a portion of a boundary 3028 of the product vol- 3034-2. The first flexible laminate 3014 can include a first ume 3038 (as shown in Figure 20). In one embodiment gas barrier laminate layer (not shown) disposed between the boundary 3030 of the at least on structural support first and second sealable laminate layers 3018, 3020. volume 3036 is defined by the same seal as the boundary The second flexible laminate 3016 can include a third 3028 of the product volume 3038. sealable laminate layer 3024 and an outer laminate layer 40 [0224] Referring to Figures 18A and 18C, the folding 3040. The second laminate 3016 can include a second operation can also result in a second zone 3010b of the gas barrier laminate layer 3026 disposed between the seam region 3012 having at least six layers. For example, third sealable laminate layer 3024 and the outer laminate in one embodiment, the second zone can include ten to layer 3040. The first and second laminates can include twelve layers. An embodiment having twelve layers is any additional layers, such as tie laminate layers, adhe- 45 illustrated in Figures 21a and 21b. The met hod in accord- sive laminate layers, and print laminate layers. As a result ance with embodiments of the disclosure can advanta- of one or more folding operations the seam region can geously allow a single sealing and cutting unit operation include any number of zones with each zone having a to be performed to seal and cut both the first and second different number of layers for sealing. For example, the zones 3010a, 3010b of the seam region 3012. The sec- seam region 3010 can include first and second zones 50 ond zone 3010b can include, for example, four layers 3010a, 3010b with the first zone 3010a having at least provided by the first laminate 3014 and four layers pro- four layers and the second zone 3010b having at least vided by the second laminate 3016. In the second zone six or at least eight layers. In another exemplary embod- 3010b, sealing can include for example, joining at least iment, the seam region 3010 can include first, second, a portion of the second sealable laminate layer 3020 of and third zones, with the first zone having at least four 55 the first laminate 3014 to a portion of the third sealable layers, the second zone having at least six layers, and laminate layer 3024 of the second laminate 3016 in each the third zone having at least eight layers. In yet another of the first and second regions 3032-1, 3032-2, 3034-1, exemplary embodiment, the seam region 3010 can in- 3034-2, thereby defining at least a portion of a boundary

35 69 EP 3 066 021 B1 70

3030 of the at least one structural support volume. Seal- about 29,528 N/m to about 78,740 N/m. Other suitable ing in the second zone 3010b further includes joining forces include about 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, contacting portions of the first sealable laminate layer 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 3018a, 3018b in the first and second regions 3032-1, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 3032-2, respectively. While the first and second regions 5 8000, 9000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000 14,000, are illustrated as being delimitated by a center line of the 15,000, 16,000, 17,000, 18,000, 19,000, 20,000, 21,000, container, particularly with respect to the bottom of the 22,000, 23,000, 24,000, 25,000, 26,000, 27,000, 28,000, container, it is also contemplated that the first and second 29,000, 30,000, 31,000, 32,000, 33,000, 34,000, 35,000, regions can be defined as extending across any portion 36,000, 37,000, 38,000, 39,000, 40,000, 41,000, 42,000, of the container. For example, Figure 18A illustrates a 10 43,000, 44,000, 45,000, 46,000, 47,000, 48,000, 49,000, package having two bottom folds 4002, 4004 and the first 50,000, 51,000, 52,000, 53,000, 54,000, 55,000, 56,000, and second portions extending to the center fold 4006 57,000, 58,000 59,000 60,000, 61,000, 62,000, 63,000, between the two bottom folds 4002, 4004 (as illustrated 64,000, 65,000, 66,000, 67,000, 68,000, 69,000, 70,000, in Figure 18C). It is also contemplated, however, that the 71,000, 72,000, 73,000, 74,000, 75,000, 76,000, 77,000, second region can extend to the first bottom fold 4002 or 15 78,000 79,000, 80,000, 81,000, 82,000, 83,000, 84,000, that the first region can extend to the second bottom fold 85,000, 86,000, 87,000, 88,000, 89,000, 90,000, 91,000, 4004 or any region in between. 92,000, 93,000, 94,000, 95,000, 96,000, 97,000, 98,000, [0225] The second zone 3016 can further include con- 99,000, 100,000, 110,000, 120,000, 130,000, 140,000, tacting portions of the outer laminate layer 3040 of the 150,000, 160,000, 170,000, 180,000, 190,000, 200,000, second laminate 3016. In various embodiments, for ex- 20 210,000, 220,000, 230,000, and any range formed by ample, as shown in Figure 18, the second laminate can any of the preceding values. include an aperture 3042 in the second zone 3010b such [0228] As described above, the seal is cut in the same thatcontacting portions ofthe firstsealable laminate layer unit operation as sealing in the seam region to form at 3018a, 3018b are joined in the second zone 3010b least a portion of a seam of the flexible container. In var- through the aperture 3042 in the second laminate 3016. 25 ious embodiments, the sealing and cutting can occur at In alternative embodiments, for example, as shown in substantially the same time. In other embodiments, the Figures 19A-19C, the second zone 3016 can include at cut can occur after the sealing. For example, in one em- least eight layers and sealed as described in the preced- bodiment, a single tool can be used for sealing and cutting ing paragraph, except, contacting portions of an outer the web. The tool can apply a first sealing force for sealing layer 3040a, 3040b of the second laminate 3016 are30 the web or sheet and then apply a second force for cutting joined by the seal. the web or sheet. The method of the disclosure advan- [0226] The sealing and cutting operation can include tageously provides for cutting and sealing in a single unit contacting the web or sheet with the sealing surface of operation to allow for improved control over the seam the sealing apparatus for about 0.01 seconds to about width. In various embodiments, it can be advantageous 10 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 0.1 seconds, 35 to have a flexible container with small seam width, such about 0.5 seconds to about 3 seconds, about 0.1 seconds that the user’s hand does not interact or contact the seam to about 3 seconds, about 0.5 seconds to about 2 sec- when gripping the container. The sealing and cutting onds, about 0.1 seconds to about 1 second, about 1 sec- method in accordance with embodiments of the disclo- ond to about 3 seconds, about 1 second to about 10 sure can advantageously provide a seam having a width seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, about 0.8 40 of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, about 0.5 mm to about seconds to about 2.5 seconds, or about 0.25 seconds to 4 mm, about 1 mm to about 3 mm, about 2 mm to about about 0.7 seconds. Other suitable contacting times in- 4 mm, about 1 mm to about 5 mm, about 2 mm to about clude about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 10 mm, about 3 mm to about 7 mm, about 5 mm to about 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 10 mm, and about 0.7 mm to about 7 mm.. Other seam 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 45 widths include, for example, about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, seconds, and any range formed 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, by any of the preceding values. During the contact time, 3, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, both the sealing and cutting operations are performed. 5.8, 6, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6, 6.8, 7, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, 7.8, 8, 8.2, 8.4, [0227] The sealing and cutting operation can include 8.6, 8.8, 9, 9.2, 9.4, 9.6, 9.8, 10 mm, and any range application to the web or sheet a force per linear section 50 formed by any of the preceding values. of about 100 N/m to about 230,000 N/m, about 1900 N/m [0229] In accordance with embodiments of the disclo- to about 230,000 N/m, about 3000 N/M to about 200,000 sure, the method of sealing and cutting can be performed N/m, about 4000 N/m to about 150,00 N/m, about 6000 in a continuous web operation, wherein a web of flexible N/m to about 100,000 N/m, about 8000 N/m to about material is fed through the sealing apparatus at a contin- 50,000 N/m, about 10,000 N/m to about 40,000 N/m,55 uous rate, without any stopping or starting. In a continu- about 20,000 N/m to about 30,000 N/m, about 30,000 ous operation, the web can be fed through the sealing N/m to about 80,000 N/m. In an embodiment, the force apparatus at a web speed of about 1 ft/min to about 2000 per linear section applied by the sealing apparatus of ft/min, about 1 ft/min to about 100 ft/min, about 20 ft/m

36 71 EP 3 066 021 B1 72 to about 50 ft/min, about 50 ft/m to 200 ft/min, about 100 features for flexible containers, as well as any and all ft/min to about 1000 ft/min, about 500 ft/min to about 2000 methods of making and/or using such flexible containers, ft/min, about 1200 ft/min to about 1800 ft/min. Other suit- as disclosed in the following patent applications: (1) US able rates include about 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, non-provisional application 13/888,679 filed May 7, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 5 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers" and published as 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, US20130292353 (applicant’s case 12464M); (2) US non- 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, and provisional application 13/888,721 filed May 7, 2013, en- 2000 ft/min and any range provided by any of the pre- titled "Flexible Containers" and published as ceding values. US20130292395 (applicant’s case 12464M2); (3) US [0230] In accordance with other embodiments of the 10 non-provisional application 13/888,963 filed May 7, disclosure, the method of sealing and cutting can be per- 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers" published as formed in an indexed operation, in which a web or sheet US20130292415 (applicant’s case 12465M); (4) US non- stops for a period of time during the process. For exam- provisional application 13/888,756 May 7, 2013, entitled ple, the web or sheet can be stopped for about 0.01 to "Flexible Containers Having a Decoration Panel" pub- about 10 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 0.1 sec- 15 lished as US20130292287 (applicant’s case 12559M); onds, about 0.5 seconds to about 3 seconds, about 0.1 (5) US non-provisional application 13/957,158 filed Au- seconds to about 3 seconds, about 0.5 seconds to about gust 1, 2013, entitled "Methods of Making Flexible Con- 2 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 1 second, about tainers" published as US20140033654 (applicant’s case 1 second to about 3 seconds, about 1 second to about 12559M); and (6) US non-provisional application 10 seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, about 20 13/957,187 filed August 1, 2013, entitled "Methods of 0.8 seconds to about 2.5 seconds, or about 0.25 seconds Making Flexible Containers" published as to about 0.7 seconds. Other suitable stopping times in- US20140033655 (applicant’s case 12579M2); (7) US clude about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, non-provisional application 13/889,000 filed May 7, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers with Multiple Product 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 25 Volumes" published as US20130292413 (applicant’s 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, seconds, and any range formed case 12785M); (8) US non-provisional application by any of the preceding values. 13/889,061 filed May 7, 2013, entitled "Flexible Materials [0231] In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, for Flexible Containers" published as US20130337244 the method of sealing and cutting can be performed in a (applicant’s case 12786M); (9) US non-provisional appli- festooned operation in which a web is fed at a constant 30 cation 13/889,090 filed May 7, 2013, entitled "Flexible rate, but indexed during the sealing and cutting appara- Materials for Flexible Containers" published as tus. In such an embodiment, festoon accumulators, for US20130294711 (applicant’s case 12786M2); (10) US example, rollers, can be included upstream and down- provisional application 61/861,100 filed August 1, 2013, stream of the sealing apparatus to uptake the excess entitled "Disposable Flexible Containers having Surface length of the web resulting from the indexing during seal- 35 Elements" (applicant’s case 13016P); (11) US provision- ing and cutting, yet constant feed rate of the web. Festoon al application 61/861,106 filed August 1, 2013, entitled arrangements are known in the art and any such known "Flexible Containers having Improved Seam and Meth- arrangements can be used. ods of Making the Same" (applicant’s case 13017P); (12) [0232] In yet another embodiment, the method of seal- US provisional application 61/861,118 filed August 1, ing and cutting can be performed in a noncontinuous40 2013, entitled "Methods of Forming a Flexible Container" process using sheets or roll stock to form a discrete (applicant’s case 13018P); (13) US provisional applica- number of containers. Such noncontinuous process can tion 61/861,129 filed August 1, 2013, entitled "Enhance- include, for example, forming the containers by hand or ments to Tactile Interaction with Film Walled Packaging slower machinery. For example, the sheet or roll stock Having Air Filled Structural Support Volumes" (appli- can be fed through the sealing apparatus by hand and/or 45 cant’s case 13019P); (14) Chinese patent application transferring the web or stock between the apparatus for CN2013/085045 filed October 11, 2013, entitled "Flexible performing the unit operations can require manual trans- Containers Having a Squeeze Panel" (applicant’s case port rather than mechanical transport along a production 13036);(15) Chinese patentapplication CN2013/085065 line as in an indexed, festooned, and continuous process. filed October 11, 2013, entitled "Stable Flexible Contain- [0233] In any of the foregoing embodiments, the web 50 ers" (applicant’s case 13037); (16) US provisional appli- or sheet can be preheated before the sealing and cutting cation 61/900,450 filed November 6, 2013, entitled "Flex- processes are performed. ible Containers and Methods of Forming the Same" (ap- [0234] Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments plicant’s case 13126P); (17) US provisional application disclosed herein can be combined with part, parts, or all 61/900,488 filed November 6, 2013, entitled "Easy to of other embodiments known in the art of flexible con- 55 Empty Flexible Containers" (applicant’s case 13127P); tainers, including those described below. (18) US provisional application 61/900,501 filed Novem- [0235] Embodiments of the present disclosure can use ber 6, 2013, entitled "Containers Having a Product Vol- any and all embodiments of materials, structures, and/or ume and a Stand-Off Structure Coupled Thereto" (appli-

37 73 EP 3 066 021 B1 74 cant’s case 13128P); (19) US provisional application of Shinya (applicant Toppan Printing), laid open as pub- 61/900,508 filed November 6, 2013, entitled "Flexible lication JP2009184690; US patent application Containers Having Flexible Valves" (applicant’s case 10/312,176 filed April 19, 2002, entitled "Container" in 13129P); (20) US provisional application 61/900,514 the name of Rosen, published as US20040035865; US filedNovember 6, 2013, entitled "FlexibleContainers with 5 patent 7,585,528 filed December 16, 2002, entitled Vent Systems" (applicant’s case 13130P); (21) US pro- "Package having an inflated frame" in the name of Ferri, visional application 61/900,765 filed November 6, 2013, et al., granted on September 8, 2009; US patent appli- entitled "Flexible Containers for use with Short Shelf-Life cation 12/794286 filed June 4, 2010, entitled "Flexible to Products and Methods for Accelerating Distribution of Rigid Packaging Article and Method of Use and Manu- Flexible Containers" (applicant’s case 13131P); (22) US 10 facture" in the name of Helou (applicant, published as provisional application 61/900,794 filed November 6, US20100308062; US patent 8,540,094 filed June 21, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers and Methods of Form- 2010, entitled "Collapsible Bottle, Method Of Manufac- ing the Same" (applicant’s case 13132P); (23) US pro- turing a Blank For Such Bottle and Beverage-Filled Bottle visional application 61/900,805 filed November 6, 2013, Dispensing System" in the name of Reidl, granted on entitled "Flexible Containers and Methods of Making the 15 September 24, 2013; and PCT international patent ap- Same" (applicant’s case 13133P); (24) US provisional plication WO 2013/124201 filed February 14, 2013, pub- application 61/900,810 filed November 6, 2013, entitled lished August 29, 2013, entitled "Pouch and Method of "Flexible Containers and Methods of Making the Same" Manufacturing the Same" in the name of Rizzi (applicant (applicant’s case 13134P). Embodiments of the present Cryovac, Inc.); each of which is hereby incorporated by disclosure can use any and all embodiments of materials, 20 reference. structures, and/or features for flexible containers, as well [0236] Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments as any and all methods of making and/or using such flex- disclosed herein also can be combined with part, parts, ible containers, as disclosed in the following patent doc- or all of other embodiments known in the art of containers uments: US patent 5,137,154, filed October 29, 1991, for fluent products, so long as those embodiments can entitled "Food structure having pressurized compart- 25 be applied to flexible containers, as disclosed herein. For ments" in the name of Cohen, granted August 11, 1992; example, in various embodiments, a flexible container PCT international patent application WO 96/01775 filed can include a vertically oriented transparent strip, dis- July 5, 1995, published January 26, 1995, entitled "Pack- posed on a portion of the container that overlays the prod- aging Pouch with Stiffening Air Channels" in the name uct volume, and configured to show the level of the fluent of Prats (applicant Danapak Holding A/S); PCT interna- 30 product in the product volume. tional patent application WO 98/01354 filed July 8, 1997, [0237] The dimensions and values disclosed herein published January 15, 1998, entitled "A Packaging Con- are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the tainer and a Method of its Manufacture" in the name of exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless other- Naslund; US patent 5,960,975 filed March 19, 1997, en- wise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean titled "Packaging material web for a self-supporting pack- 35 both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range aging container wall, and packaging containers made surrounding that value. For example, a dimension dis- from the web" in the name of Lennartsson (applicant Tet- closed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm". ra Laval), granted October 5, 1999; US patent 6,244,466 The citation of any document is not an admission that it filed July 8, 1997, entitled "Packaging Container and a is prior art with respect to any document disclosed or Method of its Manufacture" in the name of Naslund, grant- 40 claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with ed June 12, 2001; PCT international patent application any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or WO 02/085729 filed April 19, 2002, published October discloses any such embodiment. 31, 2002, entitled "Container" in the name of Rosen (ap- [0238] While particular embodiments have been illus- plicant Eco Lean Research and Development A/S); Jap- trated and described herein, it should be understood that anese patent JP4736364 filed July 20, 2004, published 45 various other changes and modifications may be made July 27, 2011, entitled "Independent Sack" in the name without departing from the scope of the claimed subject of Masaki (applicant Toppan Printing); PCT international matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the patent application WO2005/063589 filed November 3, claimed subject matter have been described herein, such 2004, published 14 July 2005, entitled "Container of Flex- aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore ible Material" in the name of Figols Gamiz (applicant Vol- 50 intended that the appended claims cover all such chang- pak, S.A.); German patent application DE202005016704 es and modifications that are within the scope of the U1 filed January 17, 2005, entitled "Closed bag for re- claimed subject matter. ceiving liquids, bulk material or objects comprises a bag wall with taut filled cushions or bulges which reinforce the wall to stabilize it" in the name of Heukamp (applicant 55 Claims Menshen), laid open as publication DE102005002301; Japanese patent application 2008JP-0024845 filed Feb- 1. A method for sealing and cutting of a web or sheet ruary 5, 2008, entitled "Self-standing Bag" in the name of flexible material for forming a flexible container

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comprising a product volume and at least one struc- in at least the second zone of the seam region, the tural support volume that at least partially extends seal joins: into the product volume, characterized in that the method comprises: (i) in each of the first and second regions of the 5 web or sheet at least a portion of the second feeding the web or sheet comprising at least two sealable laminate layer of the first laminate to a layers of flexible material into a sealing appara- portion of the third sealable laminate layer of the tus comprising a sealing surface and opposed second laminate; surface, the at least two layers of flexible mate- (ii) at least a portion of the contacting portions rial comprising a first flexible material laminate 10 of the first sealable laminate layers to each oth- and a second flexible material laminate; and er; contacting a seam region of the web or sheet with the sealing surface to form a seal in the 3. The method of claim 2, wherein in at least the second seam region and cut the seal to form a seam in zone of the seam region, the seal further joins (iii) at a single unit operation using the sealing surface 15 least a portion of the contacting portions of the outer to both seal the seam region and cut the seal, laminate layer of the second laminate. wherein: 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the outer laminate the first laminate comprises a first gas bar- layer of the second laminate comprises an aperture rier laminate layer disposed between first 20 in the second zone of the web or sheet such that and second sealable laminate layers, portions of the second sealable laminate layer con- the second laminate comprises a third seal- tact each other through the aperture, and in at least able laminate layer, an outer laminate layer, the second zone of the seam region, the seal further and a second gas barrier laminate layer dis- joins (iii) at least a portion of the contacting portions posed between the third sealable laminate 25 of the second sealable laminate layer. layer and the outer laminate layer, the web or sheet is fed into the sealing ap- 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first laminate has paratus such that a first region of the web a thickness of about 50 mm to about 150 mm. or sheet faces a second region of the web or sheet and a portion of the first sealable 30 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the web or sheet laminate layer in the first region is in contact comprises a structural support volume seal defining with a portion of the first sealable laminate at least a portion an inner boundary of the at least layer in the second region, one structural support volume, the structural support in a first zone of the seam region, the seal volume seal joins a portion of the second sealable joins one or more of: 35 laminate layer of the first laminate to the third seal- able laminate layer of the second laminate. (i) in each of the first and second re- gions of the web or sheet at least a por- 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the web or sheet is tion of the second sealable laminate contacted with the sealing surface for about layer of the first laminate to a portion of 40 0.01second to about 10 seconds. the third sealable laminate layer of the second laminate to define a at least a 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the seam has a width portion of a boundary of the at least one of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. structural support volume, and (ii) at least a portion of the first sealable 45 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the sealing surface laminate layer in the first region of the is a heated surface for heat sealing the layers of flex- web or sheet to at least a portion of the ible material in the seam region, and the sealing sur- first sealable laminate layer in the sec- face is heated to a temperature of about 100°C to ond region of the flexible material to de- about 350°C. fine at least a portion of a boundary of 50 the product volume. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the opposed surface is an anvil surface and the anvil surface is a heated 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the seam region surface for heat sealing the layers of flexible material comprises a second zone in which the web or sheet in the seam region, and the anvil surface is heated is folded such that portions of the first sealable lam- 55 to a temperature of about 100 °C to about 350 °C. inate layerare incontact with eachother and portions of the outer laminate layer of the second laminate 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the sealing appara- are in contact with each other; and tus comprises a rotary die comprising a plurality of

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sealing surfaces and an anvil die, the method further siegelung zu schneiden, comprising feeding the web or sheet between the wobei: rotary die and the anvil die while rotating the rotary die and the anvil die, wherein upon rotation, one of das erste Laminat eine erste Gassperre-La- the plurality of sealing surfaces contacts the seam 5 minatschicht umfasst, die zwischen ersten region of the web or sheet to apply a sealing force und zweiten siegelbaren Laminatschichten and form the seal in the seam region and cut the seal angeordnet ist, to form the seam in the single unit operation. das zweite Laminat eine dritte siegelbare Laminatschicht, eine äußere Laminat- 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the web or sheet is 10 schicht und eine zweite Gassperre-Lami- fed at a rate of about 25 ft/min to about 2000 ft/min. natschicht umfasst, die zwischen der dritten siegelbaren Laminatschicht und der äuße- 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the sealing appara- ren Laminatschicht angeordnet ist, tus comprises opposed first and second arms sep- die Bahn oder die Lage derart dem arated by a gap, the first arm comprising the sealing 15 Heißversiegelungsapparat zugeführt wird, surface and the second arm comprising the opposed dass ein erster Bereich der Bahn oder der surface, the method further comprising feeding the Lage einem zweiten Bereich der Bahn oder web or sheet between the first and second arms and der Lage zugewandt ist und ein Abschnitt actuating one or both of the first and second arms der ersten siegelbaren Laminatschicht im to apply a sealing force to the web or sheet to form 20 ersten Bereich mit einem Abschnitt der ers- the seal in the seam region and cut the seal to form ten siegelbaren Laminatschicht im zweiten the seam in the single unit operation. Bereich in Kontakt steht, in einem ersten Bereich des Nahtbereichs 14. The method of claim 1, wherein contacting the seam die Versiegelung eine oder mehrere der fol- region with the sealing surface comprises applying 25 genden Verbindungen herstellt: a sealing force per linear section of about 25,000 N/m to about 80,000 N/m. (i) in jedem der ersten und zweiten Be- reiche der Bahn oder der Lage mindes- 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the sealing surface tens einen Abschnitt der zweiten sie- comprises first and second tapered portions termi- 30 gelbaren Laminatschicht des ersten nating in a tip. Laminats mit einem Abschnitt der drit- ten siegelbaren Laminatschicht des zweiten Laminats, um mindestens ei- Patentansprüche nen Abschnitt einer Begrenzung des 35 mindestens einen Strukturstützvolu- 1. Verfahren zum Versiegeln und Schneiden einer mens zu definieren, und Bahn oder einer Lage aus flexiblem Material zum (ii) mindestens einen Abschnitt der ers- Bilden eines flexiblen Behälters, der ein Produktvo- ten siegelbaren Laminatschicht im ers- lumen und mindestens ein Strukturstützvolumen ten Bereich der Bahn oder der Lage mit umfasst, das sich zumindest teilweise in das Pro- 40 mindestens einem Abschnitt der ersten duktvolumen hinein erstreckt,dadurch gekenn- siegelbaren Laminatschicht im zweiten zeichnet, dass das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst: Bereich des flexiblen Materials, um mindestens einen Abschnitt einer Be- Zuführen der mindestens zwei Schichten der fle- grenzung des Produktvolumens zu de- xibles Material umfassenden Bahn oder Lage in 45 finieren. einen Heißversiegelungsapparat, welcher eine Siegeloberfläche und eine gegenüberliegende 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Nahtbereich Oberfläche umfasst, wobei die mindestens zwei einen zweiten Bereich umfasst, in der die Bahn oder Schichten des flexiblen Materials ein erstes fle- die Lage so gefaltet ist, dass Abschnitte der ersten xibles Material-Laminat und zweites flexibles 50 siegelbaren Laminatschicht miteinander in Kontakt Material-Laminat umfassen; und stehen und die Abschnitte der äußeren Laminat- Inkontaktbringen eines Nahtbereichs der Bahn schicht des zweiten Laminats miteinander in Kontakt oder der Lage mit der Siegeloberfläche zur Bil- stehen; und dung einer Versiegelung im Nahtbereich und in mindestens dem zweiten Bereich des Nahtbe- zum Schneiden der Versiegelung zur Bildung 55 reichs die Versiegelung folgende Verbindungen her- einer Naht in einem einzigen Arbeitsgang unter stellt: Verwendung der Siegeloberfläche, um sowohl den Nahtbereich zu versiegeln als auch die Ver- (i) in jedem der ersten und zweiten Bereiche der

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Bahn oder der Lage mindestens einen Abschnitt Temperatur von etwa 100 °C bis etwa 350 °C erhitzt der zweiten siegelbaren Laminatschicht des wird. ersten Laminats mit einem Abschnitt der dritten siegelbaren Laminatschicht des zweiten Lami- 11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Heißversie- nats; 5 gelungsapparat eine Rotationsmatrize umfasst, die (ii) mindestens einen Abschnitt der Kontaktab- eine Vielzahl von Siegeloberflächen und eine Am- schnitte der ersten siegelbaren Laminatschich- bossmatrize umfasst, wobei das Verfahren ferner ten miteinander. das Zuführen der Bahn oder der Lage zwischen der Rotationsmatrize und der Ambossmatrize während 3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei in mindestens 10 der Rotation der Rotationsmatrize und der Amboss- dem zweiten Bereich des Nahtbereichs, die Versie- platte umfasst, wobei bei der Rotation eine der Viel- gelung ferner (iii) mindestens einen Abschnitt der zahl von Siegeloberflächen mit dem Nahtbereich der Kontaktierungsabschnitte der äußeren Laminat- Bahn oder der Lage in Kontakt kommt, um eine Ver- schicht des zweiten Laminats verbindet. schlusskraft auszuüben und die Versiegelung im 15 Nahtbereich zu bilden und die Versiegelung zu 4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei die äußere La- schneiden, um die Naht in einem einzigen Arbeits- minatschicht des zweiten Laminats eine Öffnung in gang zu bilden. dem zweiten Bereich der Bahn oder der Lage um- fasst, so dass Abschnitte der zweiten siegelbaren 12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Bahn oder Laminatschicht einander durch die Öffnung kontak- 20 die Lage mit einer Geschwindigkeit von etwa 0,13 tieren, und in mindestens dem zweiten Bereich des m/s bis etwa 10 m/s (etwa 25 ft/min bis etwa 2000 Nahtbereichs die Versiegelung ferner (iii) mindes- ft/min) zugeführt wird. tens einen Abschnitt der Kontaktierungsabschnitte der zweiten siegelbaren Laminatschicht verbindet. 13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Heißversie- 25 gelungsapparat gegenüberliegende erste und zwei- 5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das erste Lami- te Arme umfasst, die durch eine Lücke getrennt sind, nat eine Dicke von etwa 50m m bis etwa 150 mm wobei der erste Arm die Siegeloberfläche umfasst aufweist. und der zweite Arm die gegenüberliegende Oberflä- che umfasst, wobei das Verfahren ferner das Zufüh- 6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Bahn oder 30 ren der Bahn oder der Lage zwischen dem ersten die Lage eine Strukturstützvolumen-Versiegelung und dem zweiten Arm und das Betätigen eines oder umfasst, die mindestens einen Abschnitt einer inne- beider der ersten und zweiten Arme umfasst, um ei- ren Begrenzung mindestens eines Strukturstützvo- ne Verschlusskraft auf die Bahn oder die Lage aus- lumens definiert, die Strukturstützvolumen-Versie- zuüben, um im Nahtbereich die Versiegelung zu bil- gelung einen Abschnitt der zweiten siegelbaren La- 35 den und die Versiegelung zu schneiden, um die Naht minatschicht des ersten Laminats mit der dritten sie- in einem einzigen Arbeitsgang zu bilden. gelbaren Laminatschicht des zweiten Laminats ver- bindet. 14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Inkontakt- bringen des Nahtbereichs mit der Siegeloberfläche 7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Bahn oder 40 das Aufbringen einer Verschlusskraft pro Linearab- die Lage mit der Siegeloberfläche für etwa 0,01 Se- schnitt von etwa 25.000 N/m bis etwa 80.000 N/m kunden bis etwa 10 Sekunden in Kontakt gebracht umfasst. wird. 15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Siegelober- 8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Naht eine 45 fläche erste und zweite, sich verjüngende Abschnitte Breite von etwa 0,1 mm bis etwa 10 mm aufweist. umfasst, die in einer Spitze enden.

9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Siegelober- fläche eine erhitzte Oberfläche zum Heißsiegeln der Revendications Schichten flexiblen Materials im Nahtbereich ist und 50 die Siegeloberfläche auf eine Temperatur von etwa 1. Procédé pour sceller et couper une nappe ou feuille 100 °C bis etwa 350 °C erhitzt wird. de matériau souple pour former un récipient souple comprenant un volume de produit et au moins un 10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die gegenüber- volume de support structural qui s’étend au moins liegende Oberfläche eine Ambossoberfläche ist und 55 partiellement dans le volume de produit, caractérisé die Ambossoberfläche eine erhitzte Oberfläche zum en ce que le procédé comprend : Heißsiegeln der Schichten flexiblen Materials im Nahtbereich ist, und die Ambossoberfläche auf eine l’alimentation de la nappe ou feuille comprenant

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au moins deux couches de matériau souple laquelle la nappe ou feuille est pliée de telle sorte dans un appareil de scellage comprenant une que des parties de la première couche stratifiée scel- surface de scellage et une surface opposée, les- lable sont en contact entre elles et que des parties dites au moins deux couches de matériau sou- de la couche stratifiée externe du deuxième stratifié ple comprenant un premier stratifié de matériau 5 sont en contact entre elles ; et souple et un deuxième stratifié de matériau dans au moins la deuxième zone de la région de souple ; et jointure, le joint raccorde : la mise en contact d’une région de jointure de la nappe ou feuille avec la surface de scellage (i) dans chacune des première et deuxième ré- pour former un joint dans la région de jointure 10 gions de la nappe ou feuille, au moins une partie et la découpe du joint pour former une jointure de la deuxième couche stratifiée scellable du dans une opération à unité unique en utilisant premier stratifié à une partie de la troisième cou- la surface de scellage à la fois pour sceller la che stratifiée scellable du deuxième stratifié ; région de jointure et couper le joint, (ii) au moins une partie des parties en contact dans lequel : 15 des premières couches stratifiées scellables les unes aux autres ; le premier stratifié comprend une première couche stratifiée de barrière aux gaz dispo- 3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel, dans sée entre les première et deuxième cou- au moins la deuxième zone de la région de jointure, ches stratifiées scellables, 20 le joint raccorde en outre (iii) au moins une partie le deuxième stratifié comprend une troisiè- des parties en contact de la couche stratifiée externe me couche stratifiée scellable, une couche du deuxième stratifié. stratifiée externe et une deuxième couche stratifiée debarrière auxgaz disposée entre 4. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la cou- la troisième couche stratifiée scellable et la 25 che stratifiée externe du deuxième stratifié com- couche stratifiée externe, prend une ouverture dans la deuxième zone de la la nappe ou feuille est alimentée dans l’ap- nappe ou feuille de telle sorte que des parties de la pareil de scellage de telle sorte qu’une pre- deuxième couche stratifiée scellable viennent en mière région de la nappe ou feuille fait face contact les unes avec les autres à travers l’ouverture à une deuxième région de la nappe ou30 et, dans au moins la deuxième zone de la région de feuille et qu’une partie de la première cou- jointure, le joint raccorde en outre (iii) au moins une che stratifiée scellable dans la première ré- partie des parties en contact de la deuxième couche gion est en contact avec une partie de la stratifiée scellable. première couche stratifiée scellable dans la deuxième région, 35 5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le pre- dansune première zone de larégion de join- mier stratifié a une épaisseur d’environ 50 mm à en- ture,le joint raccorde un ou plusieurs parmi : viron 150 mm.

(i) dans chacune des première et 6. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la nap- deuxième régions de la nappe ou40 pe ou feuille comprend un joint de volume de support feuille, au moins une partie de la structural définissant au moins une partie d’une limi- deuxième couche stratifiée scellable te interne dudit au moins un volume de support struc- du premier stratifié à une partie de la tural, le joint de volume de support structural raccor- troisième couche stratifiée scellable du de une partie de la deuxième couche stratifiée scel- deuxième stratifié pour définir au moins 45 lable du premier stratifié à la troisième couche stra- une partie d’une limite dudit au moins tifiée scellable du deuxième stratifié. un volume de support structural, et (ii) au moins une partie de la première 7. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la nap- couche stratifiée scellable dans la pre- pe ou feuille est mise en contact avec la surface de mière région de la nappe ou feuille à au 50 scellage pendant environ 0,01 seconde à environ 10 moins une partie de la première couche secondes. stratifiéescellable dans ladeuxième ré- gion du matériau souple pour définir au 8. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la join- moins une partie d’une limite du volume ture a une largeur d’environ 0,1 mm à environ 10 mm. de produit. 55 9. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la sur- 2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la ré- face de scellage est une surface chauffée pour ther- gion de jointure comprend une deuxième zone dans mosceller les couches de matériau souple dans la

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régionde jointure,et la surface descellage estchauf- fée à une température d’environ 100 °C à environ 350 °C.

10. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la sur- 5 face opposée est une surface d’enclume et la surfa- ce d’enclume est une surface chauffée pour ther- mosceller les couches de matériau souple dans la région de jointure, et la surface d’enclume est chauf- fée à une température d’environ 100 °C à environ 10 350 °C.

11. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l’ap- pareil de scellage comprend une matrice rotative comprenant une pluralité de surfaces de scellage et 15 une matrice d’enclume, le procédé comprenant en outre l’alimentation de la nappe ou feuille entre la matrice rotative et la matrice d’enclume tout en fai- sant tourner la matrice rotative et la matrice d’enclu- me, dans lequel, lors de la rotation, l’une de la plu- 20 ralité de surfaces de scellage vient en contact avec la région de jointure de la nappe ou feuille pour ap- pliquer une force de scellage et former le joint dans la région de jointure et couper le joint pour former la jointure dans l’opération à unité unique. 25

12. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la nap- pe ou feuille est alimentée à une vitesse d’environ 0,13 m/s à environ 10 m/s (environ 25 pieds/min à environ 2000 pieds/min). 30

13. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l’ap- pareil de scellage comprend des premier et deuxiè- me bras opposés séparés par un espace, le premier bras comprenant la surface de scellage et le deuxiè- 35 me bras comprenant la surface opposée, le procédé comprenant en outre l’alimentation de la nappe ou feuille entre les premier et deuxième bras et l’action- nement de l’un et/ou l’autre des premier et deuxième bras pour appliquer une force de scellage à la nappe 40 ou feuille pour former le joint dans la région de join- ture et couper le joint pour former la jointure dans l’opération à unité unique.

14. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la mise 45 en contact de la région de jointure avec la surface de scellage comprend l’application d’une force de scellage par section linéaire d’environ 25 000 N/m à environ 80 000 N/m. 50 15. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la sur- face de scellage comprend des première et deuxiè- me parties effilées se terminant en une pointe.

55

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

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