Abstract: A container including a fitment providing a closure and a plurality of panels of plastic film. Each of the panels has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges with each edge joined to a longitudinal edge of an adjacent panel to form an outwardly extending seam. The panels collectively form a tube-like structure. A first end of the tube-like structure is sealed to the fitment. An opposing second end of the tube-like structure is closed by seams joining adjacent panels. A first portion of each of the panels adjacent the second end of the tube-like structure is expanded such that the first portion of each of the panels is not flat. A second portion of each of the panels between the first end and the second end is left substantially unexpanded such that the second portion of each of the panels is substantially flat.

Abstract: A triangularly shaped flexible bottle having a gusseted body section, and a neck section comprised of narrowed portions of the side panels and gusset of the body section, with a fitment in the neck section. The bottle has a flat bottom that may be created by tapering the webs forming the bottom at about 30 degrees. The body has a triangular cross section when filled, but may be contoured in the vertical direction. A process for fabricating the bottle is also disclosed which involves feeding webs, including a side gusset, creating perimeter seals around only the top portion of the bottle, inserting the fitment from the input end of the machine in the direction of web travel, forming the remainder of the perimeter seams, detaching the nascent bottle from the web, and sealing the neck section of the bottle to the fitment by clamping the neck section with a heated clamp, and preferably repeating the seal operation at a different radial angle.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fitmented flexible bottle is disclosed which involves feeding webs including one or more gussets, creating perimeter seals around only the top portion of the bottle, inserting the fitment from the input end of the machine in the direction of web travel, forming the remainder of the perimeter seams, detaching the nascent bottle from the web, and sealing the neck section of the bottle to the fitment by clamping the neck section with a heated clamp, and preferably repeating the seal operation at a different radial angle. Sealing the fitment by application of ultrasonic energy is also disclosed. In another embodiment, the fitment is sealed to the neck section of the bottle by utilizing heated wheels against the neck and rotating the bottle to create a seal all around the neck.

Abstract: A fitting for relieving hydrostatic pressure under a swimming pool includes a sleeve and an associated removable plug, both of which have planar upper surfaces. Fittings in accordance with the invention are installed in the shallow end of a swimming pool and the plug is manually removed to relieve hydrostatic pressure.