POUCH WITH ABSORBENT LINER AND METHOD OF FORMING

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a flexible pouch including a front panel and a back panel. An absorbent material is disposed on an interior of the flexible pouch between the front panel and the back panel. Liquid that is deposited in the flexible pouch is absorbed by the absorbent material and prevented from egress from the flexible pouch. A method to manufacture the flexible pouch with absorbent material is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/892,297 filed on Oct. 17, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to container products. Specifically, to flexible pouches designed to hold and retain liquid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, flexible laminate pouches are known in the art. Such pouches traditionally have sealed sides and bottom and a sealed top which can either have a tear off portion or a specialized fitment with a cap which is attached via a threaded or snap mechanism. Traditionally these pouches have been designed to hold consumer products such as granular solids or liquid materials, the pouch and fitment being operable to hold the material until the consumer desires to access the product wherein the consumer can remove the product through the fitment, the fitment being resealable.

The flexible pouch is traditionally made from a flexible material, preferably a laminate composed of sheets of plastic or alumina or the like. This material is usually available in a rolled form which is then unrolled and formed into the pouch. An outer layer of the material may be preprinted with information such as a logo or the like and may provide the consumer with information regarding the contents of the pouch.

A problem exists in that these pouches traditionally are made to have product removed but not refilled and if product is refilled it is usually freely removable. This can create a problem wherein the consumer desires to put a liquid product into the pouch and have it be restrained from exiting the pouch. One example of such product to be put into a pouch to be restrained could be tobacco spit. Thus, there is a need in the art for a flexible pouch with a sealable cap that retains liquid product regardless of the state of the cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The claims of the present disclosure are directed to a flexible pouch including a front panel and a back panel. An absorbent material is disposed on an interior of the flexible pouch between the front panel and the back panel. Liquid that is deposited in the flexible pouch is absorbed by the absorbent material and prevented from egress from the flexible pouch.

To manufacture a flexible pouch with an absorbent material, a sheet of material laminate material and an absorbent material are provided. The absorbent material is secured to the sheet of laminate material. After the absorbent material is secured, the laminate material is formed into a flexible pouch such that the absorbent material is disposed on an interior of the flexible pouch.

An alternate way to manufacture a flexible pouch with an absorbent material includes first providing a flexible pouch with an opening. An absorbent material is also provided. The absorbent material is inserted into an interior of the flexible pouch through the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a flexible pouch with an absorbent material;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a flexible pouch with an illustrative cut away to show an absorbent material;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a flexible pouch with an illustrative cut away to show an absorbent material;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a flexible pouch with an illustrative cut away to show an absorbent material;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view of a flexible pouch with an absorbent material;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of a flexible pouch with an absorbent material;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of a flexible pouch with an absorbent material;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view of a flexible pouch with an absorbent material;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view illustrating a laminate material secured to an adhesive material;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of making a flexible pouch with an absorbent material; and

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating another method of making a flexible pouch with an absorbent material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the figures, a flexible pouch 15 to retain liquid, such a tobacco spit, within an interior 17 of the flexible pouch 15 utilizes an absorbent material 20 located in the interior 17 of the flexible pouch 15 between a front panel 22 22 of the flexible pouch 15 and a back panel 24 of the flexible pouch 15, as shown in FIGS. 1-9.

The front panel 22 and back panel 24 of the flexible pouch 15 can be made of flexible laminate material 26 having a layer of PET 27, NYLON 28 and LLDPE 29. The laminate material 26 can include a layer of absorbent material 20, as further discussed below. The front panel 22 and the back panel 24 of the flexible pouch 15 can be formed from multiple sheets of flexible material 26, for example, by overlaying a pair of laminate material 26 sheets and sealing along the side edges 31. Alternatively, a single sheet of laminate material can be folded over and sealed along a single side edge (not shown).

The absorbent material 20 may be a sponge, wicking paper, or any other flexible material known to absorb moisture known in the art. The absorbent material 20 may be disposed within the flexible pouch 15 in various ways. One method is to dispose an unsecured absorbent material 20 in sheet form within the pouch, as shown in FIG. 2.

Another method of disposing the absorbent material 20 within the flexible pouch 15 is by securing the absorbent material 20 in sheet form to the flexible material 26 the makes up front panel 22 or the back panel 24 of the pouch, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The absorbent material 20 can be secured to the flexible material 26 with a spray on adhesive, double sided tape or any other method known to those skilled in the art.

A third way of including the absorbent material 20 in the pouch is with a U-shaped absorbent material 20 in sheet form, as shown in FIG. 8. The U-shaped absorbent material 20 is formed from a single sheet, and runs from the front panel 22 of the pouch 15, down and across to the back panel 24 of the pouch 15. The U-shaped sheet can be secured to the front panel 22 and the back panel 24 of the pouch with spray adhesive, or any other method known to those skilled in the art.

The flexible pouch 15 can also include a bottom gusset 33 made of laminate material 26, giving the bottom of the pouch to have an expanded profile when viewed from the side thereby enabling the pouch 15 to be freestanding. The absorbent material 20 may be secured to the gusset 33, as shown in FIG. 7. It is understood and appreciated that the multiple locations within the interior 17 of the flexible pouch 15 for securing the absorbent material 20 are not mutually exclusive. For example and illustrative purposes, multiple sheets of absorbent material 20 can be used and secured at the various locations within the flexible pouch 15 described above.

To provide an appealing sent, and to mask any odor from contents maintained in the flexible pouch 15, the absorbent material 20 and the adhesive securing the absorbent material 20 to the interior 17 of the pouch 15 can be scented, for example, the adhesive can included scented oils.

The flexible pouch 15 also includes a fitment 35 with a tube spout 37 and a canoe portion 39. The fitment 35 is installed along a top sealed edge of the flexible pouch 15, with the canoe portion 39 sealed to the front panel 22 and the back panel 24. The tube spout 37 and canoe portion 39 have a through hole 42 which runs axially to the tube spout 37. The through hole 42 allows for ingress and egress of liquid into flexible pouch 15. The through hole 42 of the fitment 35 is closed with a cap 44.

The cap 44 used to close the through hole 42 of the fitment 35 includes a scented insert 46. The scented insert 46 is secured on the underside of the cap 44, and provided with a scent that would be enjoyable to the user, for example to mask or overcome the scent of tobacco spit deposited within the pouch.

When the user deposits liquid material such as tobacco spit into the flexible pouch 15 through the through hole 42 of the fitment 35, the liquid is absorbed by the absorbent material 20. Once absorbed, the liquid is restrained from exiting the flexible pouch 15 regardless of whether the cap 44 is installed on the fitment 35. It is understood and appreciated that while the cap 44 shown in the disclosed embodiment is a threaded screw on type cap 44, other cap types would be suitable. For example, a flip-top cap that is hingedly attached to the fitment, or any design known to those skilled in the art suitable for covering an opening for liquid deposit and capable of having a scented insert.

Alternatively, the top of pouch 15 may be designed such a user can access the inside without the use of a fitment. For example, a tear away top portion (not shown) can be used where the user tear off the sealed top portion at a specific point, such as a perforation. Resealable means can be included in the top portion, such a press together zip lock type design, or be providing a “sticky” texture on the top portion of the flexible pouch 15 (similar to press and seal plastic wrap).

Additionally, the flexible pouch 15 features a hang hole 48. The hang hole 48 can be located in a corner of the flexible pouch 15 where the side sealed edge and the top sealed edge meet. The hang hole can be used to support the flexible pouch 15 in numerous situations, for example when the flexible pouch 15 is displayed for purchase, to attach to on a user's belt or backpack or golf bag or any other location desired by the to provide easy access to the flexible pouch 15.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a flow chart illustrating a method to make a flexible pouch with an absorbent material begins with providing a flexible laminate material and an absorbent material, step S101. Laminate material is typically provided in roll from and unspooled as pouches are formed. Formation of the pouches may be assisted by a vertical or horizontal form and fill machine.

The absorbent material is secured to the laminate material, step S102. To secure the absorbent material, spray on adhesive, brush on adhesive, double sided tape, or any other means known to those skilled in the art may be used. When an adhesive is used, it may be provided with a scented oil to enhance the perceived smell.

The laminate material secured to the absorbent material is formed into a front panel and a back panel. Formation of the front panel and back panel is done by overlaying another sheet of laminate material onto the laminate material secured to the absorbent material, step S103, or by folding the flexible material secured to the absorbent material over onto itself, step S104.

Once the front panel and back panel have been formed, the sides are sealed, step S105. Sealing the sides is typically done with ultrasonic welding, although or forms of sealing know to those skilled in the art would work as well.

After sides have been sealed, the front and back panel with side seals is cut into pouch shape, step S106. Cutting is done with a knife, in particular with a heated blade to increase efficiency in making the cuts.

A bottom gusset is inserted, step S107, and sealed into place, step S108. A fitment is inserted, step S109, and sealed into place, step S110.

Alternately, the front, back and gusset areas can be formed from a single sheet. This sheet is first folded to form the front and back. Next, the bottom is folded in to form the gusset area. The sides are then sealed. The absorbent material can be installed on the flexible sheet before the pouch is formed in an area that would end be being the front, back or gusset area, or inserted through the top as discussed below.

A flow chart illustrating an alternate method make a flexible pouch with an absorbent material is illustrated is FIG. 11. The method begins by providing a pouch and absorbent material, step S201. The absorbent material should be flexible in nature to allow folding/bending without a brittle material failure, and have enough elasticity to partial return to its original form. For example, heavy cotton batting type material. The material may be provided in a desired size, or cut to the desired size.

The absorbent material is folded, step S202. The fold is typically done along the center or midline of the absorbent material. The fold is intended to alter the shape of the absorbent material, and allow insertion into the pouch. Accordingly, the absorbent may be folded additional times, and/or in various locations to create an acceptable profile.

After the absorbent material has be folded, adhesive is applied, step S203. The adhesive is applied to portions of the folded absorbent material anticipated to abut a front panel, back panel, and/or gusset of the pouch when the absorbent material relaxes and at least partially returns to its original form. Alternatively, the adhesive may be applied to the interior surfaces of the pouch before the absorbent material is inserted. It is understood and appreciated that when the later application is used, it is not necessary to fold the absorbent material before the adhesive is applied to the interior of the pouch.

Finally, the front panel and back panel of the pouch are pressed together to urge the interior surface of the panel against the absorbent material to help promote a secure adhesive bond, step S205.

It is understood and appreciated that the above steps are illustrative of but one way to form the present invention. The step may be modified or performed in various orders. The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. A flexible pouch comprising:

a front panel secured to a back panel;

an absorbent material disposed on an interior of the flexible pouch between the front panel and back panel; and

a scented material disposed within the pouch;

wherein liquid material deposited into the flexible pouch is absorbed by the absorbent material and restricted from egress from the flexible pouch.

2. The flexible pouch of claim 1 wherein the absorbent material is secured to the front panel or the back panel, the securing material including a scent, the securing material being the scented material disposed within the pouch.

3. The flexible pouch of claim 2 wherein the securing material is a scented adhesive.

4. The flexible pouch of claim 1 further comprising:

a fitment with disposed between the front panel and back panel at an edge of the pouch;

a cap secured to the fitment; and

a scented pad secured to the cap, the scented pad being the scented material.

5. A method of manufacturing a flexible pouch with absorbent material comprising:

providing a sheet of flexible laminate material;

proving an absorbent material;

securing the absorbent material to the sheet of flexible laminate material;

forming the laminate material into a flexible pouch after the absorbent material has been secured such that the absorbent material is disposed on an interior of the flexible pouch.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein forming the laminate material into a flexible pouch includes:

overlaying another sheet of laminate material over the absorbent material secured to the flexible laminate material;

sealing the sides of the flexible pouch.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

inserting a gusset between the sheets of laminate material; and

sealing the fitment to the laminate material.

8. The method of claims 5 wherein forming the laminate material into a flexible pouch includes:

folding the laminate material secured to the absorbent material over onto itself; and

sealing the side of the fitment.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

inserting a gusset between the folded laminate material; and

sealing the fitment to the laminate material.

10. A method of manufacturing a flexible pouch with absorbent material comprising:

providing a flexible pouch with an opening;

providing an absorbent material;

inserting the absorbent material into an interior the flexible pouch through the opening.

11. The method of manufacturing a flexible pouch with absorbent material of claim 10 wherein the flexible pouch includes a fitment, and the opening of the flexible pouch is an open in the fitment.

12. The method of manufacturing a flexible pouch with absorbent material comprising of claim 10 further comprising:

providing a fitment;

installing the fitment into the opening of the flexible pouch after the absorbent material has been inserted.