Flexible materials for flexible containers

A flexible material for a flexible package may include a first sheet and a second sheet attached to at least a portion of the first sheet by at least one seal. The first sheet may include a first gas barrier layer disposed between the first and second sealable layers, wherein the first and second sealable layers define opposite outer layers of the first sheet. The second sheet may include a third sealable layer which defines an outer layer of the second sheet and a second gas barrier layer. At least one seal attaches a portion of the third sealable layer to at least a portion of the second sealable layer.

<img file="AR092829A1_D0001.tif" />

115

In case of ^ · Modification, indicate the N °

24682

INPl

Exp .:

20130101574

FOR

Procedure: 13073064 PATENTS Amount: $ 3300. Date / Time: 07/05/2013 14: 49: 26,863 Agent: OBLIGADO &amp; CIA LDA.SA

<img file="AR092829A1_D0002.tif" />

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY NATIONAL PATENT ADMINISTRATION

INVENTION PATENT APPLICATION

ARGENTINIAN REPUBLIC

SOUCITUD OF UTILITY MODEL

<img file="AR092829A1_D0003.tif" />

Sheet

I. APPLICANT (S)

AMOUNT OF APPLICANTS

The Procter &amp; Gamble Company

CUIT / CUIL

/ CDI:

: Enter Name and Surname or Company Name (of the rest in ANNEX)

Physical persons;

Marital status:

ID

Nuptials

Spouse's first and last name:

ID

One Procter &amp; Gamble Plaza

<td colspan="2"></td><td colspan="4"></td>

<td>Location</td><td>Cincinnati, OH 45202</td><td>CP N °</td><td></td><td>Country of Residence</td><td>US</td>

PARAGUAY 610 Floor 17

C1057AAH

Legal Address · Street · N ° - Town · Province

Email address:

admin@obügado.com.ar

Phone

4114-1100

II, OBJECT

Title of the Invention

FLEXIBLE MATERIALS FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS

<td colspan="3">Patent Character / Utility Model</td><td colspan="8">INDEPENDENT</td>

<td>In adition to:</td><td colspan="6">Patent No.</td><td>Division of the</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td colspan="6">Application No.</td><td>Application No.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td colspan="5">PRIORITY (ACT 17,011)</td><td></td><td colspan="5">DEPOSIT OF MICROORGANISMS</td>

<td>country</td><td></td><td colspan="2">Number</td><td>Date</td><td></td><td colspan="3">DEPOSIT DATE</td><td colspan="2"></td>

<td>US</td><td></td><td></td><td> 61/643,813</td><td> 07/05/2012</td><td></td><td colspan="3">DEPOSIT ACCESS N °</td><td colspan="2"></td>

<td></td><td></td><td colspan="2">LOOK AT ANNEX 1</td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="5"></td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="5">Name of the Deposited Institution</td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="4"></td><td></td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="3">Institution Address</td><td>country</td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="5"></td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="5">Depositor Data</td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="5"></td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="5">Origin of Biological and Genetic Material</td>

........ _________ | Continued on attached sheet:

JPPi 'f Administra - .. ¡, National Patent Office | CONTROL .COMMISSION and intimidation C yes

III. SOCIEOAOES

COMPANY REPRESENTED BY OBLIGADO &amp; CIA. LDA SA

WHO

DECLARES UNDER OATH THAT INVISES THE CHARACTER OF BUSINESS MANAGER

THAT YOUR

MANDATE IS IN FORCE AND THE COMPANY IS ENROLLED IN

GENERAL INSPECTION OF JUSTICE (IGJ)

<td colspan="5"></td>

<td rowspan="2">Registration data in RPC / IGJ</td><td> / /</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Date</td><td>Number</td><td>No. Folio</td><td>I take</td>

IV. MANDATE

Power registered in the INPI under the number;

THIS ACT IS AUTHORIZED TO: (Last Name and First Name and ID Number

OBLIGADO &amp; CIA. LDA SA; Aulmann, Federico A. DNI No. 21,953,583; Aulmann, Juan M. DNI No. 23,973,673; Aulmann, Miguel A. LE N ° 8,464,509; Reyes, Marisol V. DNI No. 23,847,701; Loyato, Fabian P. DNI No. 17,363,196 and Pereira, Richard DNI No. 18,821,494

For all those procedures of mere processing such as practicing breakdowns, withdrawing testimonies, certificates, titles, copies and notifications in the file.

Answer views, cancel request, make requests (only when the Authorized is an Industrial Property Agent)

POWER ACCOMPANYS

<td>NO</td><td></td><td>AGENT N °</td><td> 194</td>

V. DECLARATION OF PRIOR DISCLOSURE

For the purposes of what is indicated in Art. 5 of Law 24,481, it states that the present invention has been previously disclosed: NO (YES / NO) If yes on date: | / /

SAW. OBSERVATIONS

The business manager character is invoked. Soon the management will be ratified by the applicant.

We request that the substantive examination provided for in the terms of Art. 27 of Law 24,481 be carried out.

We accompany 24 sheets of formal figures and labels.

Likewise, we accompany ANNEX I (Claim of Priorities) with the 11 that the present application claims.

It is recorded that the data provided in this form are considered as sworn statements; any falsehood inserted in it will carry the corresponding legal consequences.

NOTE: Payment of the corresponding fee must be specified at the time of submission or during, hours of

<img file="AR092829A1_D0004.tif" />

presentation, attention of the subsequent business day. If the payment does not occur within that period, it shall be fully entitled to | because it will not have any effect.

Signature of the authorized person (s)

Signature of the applicant or his or her legal representative

INTERNAL USE

THE PRESENTATION CONSISTS OF

FOJAS

CHANGE OF ADDRESS / EMAIL / PHONE

DATE

<td colspan="5"></td><td colspan="2"></td>

<td colspan="5">Royal Address - Street</td><td colspan="2">N «</td>

<td>Location</td><td></td><td>CP N °</td><td></td><td colspan="2">Country of Residence</td><td></td>

<td colspan="7"></td>

Damtoto Legal ♦ Caite * N ”♦ Location - Province

Postal Code

Email address:

CHANGE OF POWERFUL! AUTHORIZED:

New Representative or Authorized:

Phone

DATE

TRANSFER OR CHANGE OF RUBRO:

ANNEX I (Priority Claim)

<td>COUNTRY</td><td>PRIORITY N °</td><td>PRIORITY DATE</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/643,813</td><td> 07/05/2012</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/643,823</td><td> 07/05/2012</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/676,042</td><td> 26/07/2012</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/680,045</td><td> 06/08/2012</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/727,961</td><td> 19/11/2012</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/780,039</td><td> 13/03/2013</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/782,219</td><td> 14/03/2013</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/782,757</td><td> 14/03/2013</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/782,859</td><td> 14/03/2013</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/782,951</td><td> 14/03/2013</td>

<td>US / United States of America</td><td> 61/789,135</td><td>03/15/2013 x</td>

<img file="AR092829A1_D0005.tif" />

I

<img file="AR092829A1_D0006.tif" />

Case No. 24682

Descriptive Report of the request for

Invention Patent

Relative to:

FLEXIBLE MATERIALS FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS

In favor of:

THE PROCTER &amp; GAMBLE COMPANY

Assignee of:

Scott Kendyl Stanley, Jun You, Emíly Charlotte Boswell and Lee Matthew Arent

24682

FLEXIBLE MATERIALS FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGES FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present description generally refers to containers and, particularly, to containers made of flexible material.

BACKGROUND

Fluid products include liquid products and / or pourable solid products. In various embodiments, a package can be used to receive, contain and dispense one or more fluid products. And, in various embodiments, a package can be used to receive, contain and / or dispense individual items or portions packaged separately from a product. A package may include one or more product volumes. A product volume can be configured to fill with one or more fluid products. A container receives a fluid product when its product volume is filled. Once it is filled to a desired volume, a package can be configured to contain a fluid product in its product volume, until the fluid product is dispensed. A container contains a fluid product by providing a barrier around a fluid product. The barrier prevents the fluid product from escaping the product volume. The barrier can also protect the fluid product from the environment outside the container. A volume of filled product is typically closed by a lid or a seal. A package can be configured to dispense one or more fluid products contained in its product volume (s). Once dispensed, an end user may consume, apply or otherwise use the fluid product (s), as appropriate. In various embodiments, a package can be configured to be refilled and reused or a package can be configured to be disposed of after a single load or even after a single use. A package must be configured with sufficient structural integrity, so that it can receive, contain and dispense the fluid product (s), as planned, without any failure.

A container for fluid product (s) can be handled, displayed for sale and put into use. A container can be handled in many different ways depending on its manufacture, filling, decoration, packaging, transport and unpacking. A container can experience a wide variety of external forces and environmental conditions as it is handled by machines and people, transported by equipment and vehicles and in contact with other containers and various packaging materials. A container for fluid product (s) should be configured with sufficient structural integrity, so that it can be handled in any of these ways, or any other way known in the art, as planned, without any failure.

A package can also be displayed for sale in many different forms while being offered for purchase. A package may be offered for sale as an Individual item of sale or packaging with one or more packages or products, which together form a sale item. A package may be offered for sale as a primary package with or without a secondary package. A package can be decorated to display characters, graphics, brands and / or other visual elements when the package is displayed for sale. A package can be configured to be displayed for sale while in a vertical or horizontal position on a store shelf, while presenting in a marketing promotion, while hanging from a merchandiser or while being displayed on a shelf or vending machine. A container for fluid product (s) should be configured with a structure that allows its display in any of these ways or in any other way known in the art, as planned, without any failure.

A package can also be used in many ways by the end user. A package may be configured to be handled and / or held by an end user, such that a package must be sized and molded, appropriately, for human hands and, for this purpose, a package may include useful structural features such as a wizard and / or a grip surface. A container may be stored while in a horizontal or vertical position on a support surface, while hanging on or from a projection such as a hook or clip, while being attached to a product holder or (for refill or refill containers) placed on a refill or refill station. A package can be configured to dispense fluid product (s) while in any of these storage positions or while the user holds it. A package can be configured to dispense fluid product (s) through the use of gravity and / or pressure and / or dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or a straw, or through the use of other types of known dispensers in the matter. Some packages can be configured to be filled and / or refilled by a seller (eg, a merchant or retailer) or by an end user. A container for fluid product (s) must be configured with a structure that allows it to be put into use in any of these ways or in any other way known in the art, according to plan, without any failure. A container can be configured to be disposed of by the end user, as waste and / or recyclable material, in various ways.

A conventional type of container for fluid products is a rigid container made of solid material (s). Examples of conventional rigid containers include molded plastic bottles, glass jars, metal cans, cardboard boxes, etc. These conventional rigid containers are well known and generally useful;

However, his designs present several notable difficulties.

First, some conventional rigid containers for fluid products can be expensive to manufacture. Some rigid containers are manufactured by a molding process of one or more solid materials. Other rigid containers are manufactured with a phase change process, where the packaging materials are heated (to soften / melt), then molded, then cooled (to harden / solidify). Both forms of manufacturing are processes of high energy consumption, which may require complex equipment.

Second, some conventional rigid containers for fluid products may require significant amounts of material. Rigid containers that are designed to be upright on a support surface require solid walls that are thick enough to support the containers when they are full. This may require significant amounts of material, which increases the cost of packaging and may contribute to problems with disposal.

Third, some conventional rigid containers for fluid products can be difficult to decorate. The sizes, shapes (eg, curved surfaces) and / or materials of some rigid containers make direct printing on their external surfaces difficult. Labeling requires additional materials and processing and limits the size or shape of the decoration. The envelope provides larger decoration areas, but also requires additional materials and processing, frequently, at a significant expense.

Fourth, some conventional rigid containers for fluid products may be prone to certain types of damage. If a rigid container is pushed against a rough surface, then the container may scratch, which may obscure the impression on the container. If a rigid container is pressed against a hard object, then the container can be dented, which can be unsightly. And if a rigid container falls, then the container can break, which can cause the loss of the fluid product.

Fifth, some fluid products in conventional rigid containers can be difficult to dispense. When an end user squeezes a rigid container to dispense the fluid product, the end user must overcome the strength of the rigid sides, to deform the container. Some users may lack the manual force to easily overcome resistance; These users can dispense an amount less than desired from the fluid product. Other users may need to apply so much manual force that they cannot easily control how much they deform the container; These users can dispense a larger than desired amount of the fluid product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This description describes various types of packaging made of flexible material. Because these containers are made of flexible material, these containers may be less expensive to manufacture, may use less material and may be easier to decorate, compared to conventional rigid containers. First, these packages can be less expensive to manufacture, because the conversion of flexible materials (sheet-shaped to well-finished) generally requires less energy and complexity than the formation of rigid materials (bulk-shaped to well-finished ). Second, these containers may use less material, because they are configured with new support structures that do not require the use of thick solid walls used in conventional rigid containers. Third, these flexible packages can be easier to print and / or decorate, because they are made of flexible materials and the flexible materials can be printed and / or decorated as conformable patterns, before they are formed into containers. Fourth, these flexible containers may be less prone to scratches, dents and breakages, because flexible materials allow their outer surface to deform when in contact with surfaces and objects and then be restored. Fifth, the fluid products in these flexible packages can be dispensed more easily and with greater care, because the sides of the flexible packages can be tightened, more easily and with greater control, by human hands. Although the packages of the present description are made of flexible material, they can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they can receive, contain and dispense fluid product (s), as intended, without any failure. In addition, these packages can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they can withstand external forces and environmental handling conditions, without any failure. In addition, these packages can be configured with structures that allow their display and use, as planned, without any failure.

According to one embodiment of the description, a flexible material for a flexible package may include a first sheet and a second sheet attached to at least a portion of the first sheet by at least one seal. The first sheet may include a first gas barrier layer disposed between the first and second sealing layers, wherein the first and second sealable layers define

<img file="AR092829A1_D0007.tif" />

opposite outer layers of the first laminate. The second sheet may include a third sealable layer that defines an outer layer of the second sheet and a second gas barrier layer. At least one seal attaches a portion of the third sealable layer to at least a portion of the second sealable layer. At least one seal has a seal strength of about 20 N / m at about 10,000 N / m, the layers of the first sheet have a rolling resistance between each adjacent layer of about 2 N / m at about 10,000 N / m, and The layers of the second sheet have a rolling resistance between each adjacent layer of approximately 2 N / m to approximately 10 000 N / m.

According to another embodiment of the description, a flexible material for a flexible package may include a first sheet and a second sheet attached to at least a portion of the first sheet by at least one seal. The first laminate may include a first gas barrier layer disposed between the first and second sealing layers, wherein the first and second sealable layers define opposite outer layers of the first laminate. The second sheet may include a third sealable layer that defines an outer layer of the second sheet and a second gas barrier layer. At least one seal attaches a portion of the third sealable layer to at least a portion of the second sealable layer. The flexible material has a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.02 W / mK at approximately 300 W / mK measured at 27 ° C (300 K), and the first, second and third sealable layers each have a melting temperature of approximately 65 ° C to approximately 350 ° C.

According to another embodiment of the description, a flexible material for a flexible package may include a first sheet and a second sheet attached to at least a portion of the first sheet by means of at least one seal. The first sheet may include a first gas barrier layer disposed between the first and second sealable layers, wherein the first and second sealable layers define opposite outer layers of the first sheet. The second sheet may include a third sealable layer that defines an outer layer of the second sheet and a second gas barrier layer. At least one seal joins a portion of the third sealable layer to at least a portion of the second sealable layer to define at least one limit of the structural support volume, the structural support volume that is disposed between the first and second laminators, and in at least one region that forms a volume of structural support; The flexible material has a gas transmission rate of approximately 0.5 cc / m²-day-MPa at approximately 180 cc / m²day-MPa (0.05 cc / m²-day-atm at approximately 18 cc / m²-day-atm).

According to another embodiment of the description, a flexible material for a flexible package may include a first sheet and a second sheet attached to at least a portion of the first sheet by means of at least a first seal. The first sheet may include a first gas barrier layer disposed between the first and second sealable layers, wherein the first and second sealable layers define opposite outer layers of the first sheet. The second sheet may include a third sealable layer that defines an outer layer of the second sheet and a second gas barrier layer. At least one first seal joins a portion of the third sealable layer to at least a portion of the second sealable layer. The second sheet has a different construction than the first sheet, and at least one first seal joins a portion of the third sealable layer to at least a portion of the second sealable layer to define at least a limit of the structural support volume, the volume of structural support that is arranged between the first and second laminar. The second sheet may include, for example, only a sealable layer as an outer layer.

According to another embodiment, a package may include a flexible material. The flexible can include a first laminar and a second laminar. The first laminate may include a first gas barrier layer disposed between the first and second sealable layers, wherein the first and second sealable layers define opposite outer layers of the first laminate. The second sheet may include a third sealable layer that defines an outer layer of the second sheet and a second gas barrier layer. The package also includes at least one first seal that joins a portion of the third sealable layer to at least a portion of the second sealable layer and defines at least one limit of the volume of structural support. The volume of structural support is arranged between the first and the second laminar. The package may further include at least a second seal that joins a portion of the first sealable layer in a first region of the flexible material to a portion of the first sealable layer in a second region of the flexible material, at least a second seal defines at least one additional limit of the structure support volume and at least partially defines a product volume. The volume of product is provided between the first sealable layer in the first region and the first sealable layer in the second region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a flexible container in an upright position.

Figure 1B illustrates a side view of the flexible container in vertical position of Figure 1A.

Figure 1C illustrates a top view of the flexible container in vertical position of Figure 1A.

Figure 1D illustrates a view of the base of the flexible container in vertical position of Figure 1A.

Figure 2A illustrates a top view of a flexible container in an upright position that has a structural support frame that has a general shape like a log.

Figure 2B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 2A.

Figure 2C illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 2A.

Figure 2D illustrates an isometric view of the container of Figure 2A.

Figure 3A illustrates a top view of a flexible container in an upright position that has a structural support frame that has a general shape like a pyramid.

Figure 3B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 3A.

Figure 3C illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 3A.

Figure 3D illustrates an isometric view of the container of Figure 3A.

Figure 4A illustrates a top view of a flexible container in an upright position that has a structural support frame that has a general shape similar to a trigonal prism.

Figure 4B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 4A.

Figure 4C illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 4A.

Figure 4D illustrates an isometric view of the container of Figure 4A.

Figure 5A illustrates a top view of a flexible container in an upright position having a structural support frame that has a general shape similar to a tetragonal prism.

Figure 5B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 5A.

Figure 5C illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 5A.

Figure 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container of Figure 5A.

Figure 6A illustrates a top view of a flexible container in an upright position having a structural support frame that has a general shape similar to a pentagonal prism.

Figure 6B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 6A.

Figure 6C illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 6A.

Figure 6D illustrates an isometric view of the container of Figure 6A.

Figure 7A illustrates a top view of a flexible container in an upright position having a structural support frame that has a general cone-like shape.

Figure 7B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 7A.

Figure 7C illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 7A.

Figure 7D illustrates an isometric view of the container of Figure 7A.

Figure 8A illustrates a top view of a flexible container in an upright position having a structural support frame that has a general shape similar to a cylinder.

Figure 8B illustrates a front view of the container of Figure 8A.

Figure 8C illustrates a side view of the container of Figure 8A.

Figure 8D illustrates an isometric view of the container of Figure 8A.

Figure 9A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a self-sustaining flexible container, which has a general shape similar to a square.

Figure 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of Figure 9A.

Figure 10A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a self-sustaining flexible container, which has a triangle-like shape.

Figure 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of Figure 10A.

Figure 11A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a self-sustaining flexible container, which has a general shape similar to a circle.

Figure 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of Figure 11 A.

Figure 12A illustrates an isometric view of a pull-push type dispenser. Figure 12B illustrates an isometric view of the dispenser with a draw-off lid.

Figure 12C illustrates an isometric view of the dispenser with a screw cap. Figure 12D illustrates an isometric view of rotary type dispenser.

Figure 12E illustrates an isometric view of a nozzle dispenser with a lid.

Figure 13A illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser.

Figure 13B illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser with cover. Figure 13C illustrates an isometric view of a folding straw dispenser.

Figure 13D illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser with grip valve.

Figure 14A illustrates an isometric view of pump dispenser.

Figure 14B illustrates an isometric view of a spray pump type dispenser.

Figure 14C illustrates an isometric view of gun spray type dispenser. Figure 15A illustrates a schematic view of a flexible material having a first and a second laminar.

Figure 15B illustrates a schematic view of a first and second laminar of a flexible material.

Figure 16 illustrates a schematic view of a flexible material having a first and second regions each with first seals.

Figure 17 illustrates a schematic view of a flexible material having a first and second regions with a second seal extending between the first and second regions.

Figure 18 illustrates a schematic view of a flexible material having a first and second regions each with a first and second seals.

Figure 19 illustrates a schematic view of two sheets of flexible material, each sheet has a first and a second laminar and a first and a second seal.

Figure 20 illustrates a perspective view of a folded flexible material to form a container preform.

Figure 21 illustrates a perspective view of two materials joined to form a container preform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This description describes various types of packaging made of flexible material. Because these containers are made of flexible material, these containers may be less expensive to manufacture, may use less material and may be easier to decorate, compared to conventional rigid containers. First, these packages can be less expensive to manufacture, because the conversion of flexible materials (sheet-shaped to well-finished) generally requires less energy and complexity than the formation of rigid materials (bulk-shaped to well-finished ). Second, these containers may use less material, because they are configured with new support structures that do not require the use of thick solid walls used in conventional rigid containers. Third, these flexible containers may be easier to decorate, because their flexible materials can be easily printed before they are formed in containers. Fourth, these flexible containers may be less prone to scratches, dents and breakages, because flexible materials allow their outer surface to deform when in contact with surfaces and objects and then be restored. Fifth, the fluid products in these flexible packages can be dispensed more easily and with greater care, because the sides of the flexible packages can be tightened, more easily and with greater control, by human hands.

Although the packages of the present description are made of flexible material, they can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they can receive, contain and dispense fluid product (s), as intended, without any failure. In addition, these packages can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they can withstand external forces and environmental handling conditions, without any failure. In addition, these packages can be configured with structures that allow their display for sale and put into use, as planned, without any failure.

As used in the present description, the term "approximately" modifies a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus twenty percent (+/- 20%). For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, any description of a particular value can, in various alternative modalities, be understood, moreover, as a description of a range equal to approximately that particular value (i.e., + / twenty %).

As used herein, the term "ambient conditions" refers to a temperature in the range of 15 to 35 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity in the range of 35 to 75%.

As used in the present description, the term "approximately" modifies a particular value, when referring to an interval equal to the particular value, plus or minus fifteen percent (+/- 15%). For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, any description of a particular value can, in various alternative modalities, be understood, moreover, as a description of a range equal to approximately that particular value (i.e., + / fifteen%).

As used herein, when referring to a sheet of material, the term "basis weight" refers to a measurement of mass per area, in units of grams per square meter (gm²). For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, in various modalities, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a basis weight of 10 to 1000 gm², or any integer value for gm² from 10 to 1000, or at any interval formed by any of these values, such as from 20 to 800 gm², from 30 to 600 gm², from 40 to 400 gm² or from 50 to 200, etc.

As used herein, the term "biocontent" refers to an amount of carbon from a renewable source in a material as a percentage of the mass of total organic carbon in the material, as determined by the ASTM standard. D6866-10, method B; Any carbon from inorganic sources such as calcium carbonate is not included in the determination of the biologically based content of the material. In various embodiments, materials comprising biocontainment may be suitable for use as flexible materials, for example, as described in the published application of US Pat. UU. no. 2012288693, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "bottom" refers to the portion of the container that is located at the lowest part 30% of the total height of the container, that is, of 0 to 30% of the total height of the container. As used in the present description, the term lower part can be further limited by modifying the lower part term with a particular percentage value, which is less than 30%. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, a reference to the lower part of the package may, in various modalities, refer to 25% of the lower part (ie, 0 to 25% of the total height ), 20% of the lower part (that is, 0 to 20% of the total height), 15% of the lower part (that is, 0 to 15% of the total height), 10% of the lower part (that is, from 0 to 10% of the total height), or 5% of the bottom (that is, 0 to 5% of the total height), or any integer value percent between 0% and 30%.

As used in the present description, the term "brand" refers to a visual element for the purpose of distinguishing a product from other products. Examples of brands include one or more of any of the following: trade name, distinctive appearance, logos, icons and the like. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described herein, in various modalities, any surface of the flexible packaging may include one or more brands of any size, shape or configuration, described in the present description or known in the art, in any combination

As used in the present description, the term "character" refers to a visual element that is intended to provide information. Character examples include one or more of any of the following: letters, numbers, symbols and the like. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, in various modalities, any surface of the flexible packaging may include one or more characters of any size, shape or configuration, described in the present description or known in the art, in any combination

As used in the present description, the term "closed" refers to a state of a product volume, where fluid products in the product volume are prevented from escaping the product volume (eg, by means of one or more materials to form a barrier and a lid), but the volume of the product is not necessarily sealed. For example, a closed container may include a vent, which allows an empty space in the container to be in continuous communication with the air in the environment outside the package.

As used in the present description, the term "directly connected" refers to a configuration where the elements are joined to each other without any intermediate element between them, except by any means of attachment (eg, adhesive).

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "dispenser" refers to a structure configured to dispense fluid product (s) from a product volume and / or from a mixture volume to the environment outside the container. For any of the flexible packages described in the present description, any dispenser can be configured in any manner described in the present description or known in the art, which includes any suitable size, shape and flow rate. For example, a dispenser may be a pull-push type dispenser, a draw-up lid dispenser, a screw cap dispenser, a swivel-type dispenser, a cap dispenser, a pump-type dispenser, a pump-type dispenser spray, a spray gun dispenser, a straw dispenser, a folding straw dispenser, a straw dispenser with a grip valve, a dispenser, etc. A dispenser can be a parallel dispenser, which provides multiple flow channels in continuous communication with multiple product volumes, wherein those flow channels remain separate until the time of dispensation; in this way, fluid products of multiple product volumes are allowed to be supplied as separate fluid products, supplied at the same time. A dispenser may be a mixing dispenser, which provides one or more flow channels in continuous communication with multiple product volumes, with multiple flow channels combined before the time of dispensing; in this way, fluid products of multiple product volumes are allowed to be supplied as the fluid products mixed together. As another example, a dispenser can be formed by a fragile opening. As additional examples, a dispenser may use one or more valves and / or delivery mechanisms described in the art, such as those described in: published US patent application.

UU. no. 2003/0096068, entitled "One-way valve for inflatable package", US Pat. UU. no. 4,988,016 entitled "Self-sealing container" and US Pat. UU. no. 7,207,717, entitled "Package having a fluid actuated closure", each of which is incorporated into the present invention by reference. Moreover, any of the dispensers described in the present description can be incorporated in a flexible container directly, or in conjunction with one or more other materials or structures (such as an accessory), or in any other form known in the art. In some alternate embodiments, the dispensers described in the present description can be configured for dispensing and filling, to allow filling of the product volume (s) through one or more dispensers. In other alternate embodiments, a product volume may include one or more of the filling structure (s) (e.g., to add water to a mixing volume) additionally to or instead of one or more dispensers. Any place for a dispenser, described in the present description, can alternatively be used as a place for a filling structure.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "disposable" refers to a package that, after supplying a product to an end user, is not configured to be filled with an additional quantity of the product, but it is configured to be discarded (i.e. as waste, as fertilizer and / or recyclable material). One part, some parts or all the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, can be configured to be disposable.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "durable" refers to a package that is more reusable than non-durable containers.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "effective base contact area" refers to a particular area defined by a portion of the bottom of the package, when the package (with all its (s) volume (s) of product 100% filled with water) is placed vertically and its lower part rests on a horizontal support surface. The effective base contact area lies in a plane defined by the horizontal support surface. The effective base contact area is a continuous area limited on all sides by an outer periphery.

The outer periphery is formed from a real contact area and a series of projected areas from defined cross sections taken at the bottom of the container. The actual contact area is one or more of the portions of the lower part of the container that is in contact with the horizontal support surface, when the effective base contact area is defined. The effective base contact area includes all real contact areas. However, in some embodiments, the effective base contact area may extend beyond the actual contact area.

The series of projected areas are formed from five horizontal cross sections, taken at the bottom of the flexible container. These cross sections are taken at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% of the total height. The external extent of each of the cross sections is projected vertically downward on the horizontal support surface to form five projected (overlapping) areas that, together with the actual contact area, form a unique combined area. This is not a sum of the values ​​for these areas, but it is the formation of a single combined area that includes all these areas (projected and real), in overlapping each other, where any overlapping portion makes only a contribution to the combined area only.

The outer periphery of the effective base contact area is formed as described below. In the following description, the terms convex, prominent, concave and grooved are understood from the perspective of points outside the combined area. The outer periphery is formed by a combination of the outer extension of the combined area and any rope, which are straight linear ends constructed as described below.

For each continuous portion of the combined area that has an outer perimeter with a shape that is concave or grooved, a rope is constructed along that portion. This string is the shortest straight linear segment that can be drawn tangent to the combined area on both sides of the concave / grooved portion.

For a combined area that is discontinuous (formed by two or more separate portions), one or more ropes are constructed around the outer perimeter of the combined area, along the one or more discontinuities (free spaces placed between the portions). These strings are straight linear segments drawn tangent to the separate outer portions of the combined area. These strings are drawn to create the largest possible effective base contact area.

Thus, the outer periphery is formed by a combination of the external extension of the combined area and any rope, constructed as described above, that all together enclose the effective base area. Any rope that is limited by the combined area and / or one or more different strings, are not part of the outer periphery and could be ignored.

Any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present invention, can be configured to have an effective base contact area of ​​1 to 50,000 square centimeters (cm²) or any integer value for cm² between 1 and 50,000 cm², or in any interval formed by any of the above values, such as from 2 to 25,000 cm², from 3 to 10,000 cm², from 4 to 5000 cm², from 5 to 2500 cm², from 10 to 1000 cm², from 20 to 500 cm², from 30 to 300 cm², from 40 to 200 cm², or 50 to 100 cm², etc.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "expanded" refers to the state of one or more flexible materials that are configured to conform to a structural support volume, after the structural support volume. harden by one or more expansion materials. An expanded structural support volume has a total width that is significantly greater than the combined thickness of its one or more flexible materials, before the structural support volume is filled with the one or more expansion materials. Examples of expansion materials include liquids (e.g., water), gases (e.g. e.g., compressed air), fluid products, foams (which can expand after being added to a volume of structural support), co-reactive materials (which produce gas), or phase change materials (which can be added in solid or liquid form, but which are converted into a gas; for example, liquid nitrogen or dry ice), or other suitable materials known in the art, or combinations of any of these (eg, fluid product and liquid nitrogen). In various embodiments, the expansion materials can be added at atmospheric pressure, or added under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, or added to provide a material change that will increase the pressure to some point greater than atmospheric pressure. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, one or more flexible materials can be expanded at various points in time, in relation to their manufacture, sale and use, including, for example, before or after their ( s) volume (s) of product is filled with fluid product (s), before or after the flexible package is sent to a seller and before or after the flexible package is purchased by an end user.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a flexible package, the term "filling" refers to the state when the product volume contains a quantity of fluid product (s) that is equal. at a full capacity for the product volume, with a volume for empty space, in ambient conditions. As used in the present description, the term "filling" can be modified by using the term "filling" with a particular percentage value, where 100% filling represents the maximum capacity of the product volume.

As used herein, the term "flat" refers to a surface that is without significant bumps or depressions.

As used herein, the term "flexible package" refers to a package configured to have a volume of product, wherein one or more flexible materials form 50 to 100% of the total surface area of ​​the one or more materials that define the three-dimensional space of the product volume. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, in various embodiments, the flexible packaging can be configured to have a product volume, wherein one or more flexible materials form a particular percentage of the total area of ​​one or more materials that define the three-dimensional space and the particular percentage is any integer value for percentages between 50% and 100%, or within any interval formed by any of these values, such as: from 60 to 100%, or from 70 to 100%, or from 80 to 100%, or from 90 to 100%, etc. One type of flexible package is a film-based package, which is a flexible package made of one or more flexible materials, which include a film.

For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, in various modalities, half of the flexible packaging (apart from any fluid product) can be configured to have a total average mass, where one or more flexible materials form a percentage particular of the total average mass and the particular percentage is any integer value for percentage between 50% and 100%, or any interval formed by any of the above values, such as: from 60 to 100%, or from 70 to 100%, or from 80 to 100%, or from 90 to 100%, etc.

For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, in various modalities, the entire flexible packaging (apart from any fluid product) can be configured to have a total mass, wherein one or more flexible materials form a particular percentage of The total mass and the particular percentage is any integer value for percentage between 50% and 100%, or any interval formed by any of the above values, such as: 60 to 100%, or 70 to 100%, or 80 to 100%, or 90 to 100%, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "flexible material" refers to an easily stretchable sheet-like material with a flexibility factor in the range of 1000 to 2,500,000 N / m. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, in various modalities, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a flexibility factor of 1000 to 2500,000 N / m, or any integer value for a flexibility factor of 1000 at 2,500,000 N / m, or at any interval formed by any of these values, such as from 1000 to 1,500,000 N / m, from 1500 to 1,000,000 N / m, from 2500 to 800,000 N / m, from 5000 to 700,000 N / m, from 10,000 to 600,000 N / m, from 15,000 to 500,000 N / m, from 20,000 to 400,000 N / m, from 25,000 to 300,000 N / m, from 30,000 to 200,000 N / m, from 35,000 to 100,000 N / m, from 40,000 at 90,000 N / m, or from 45,000 to 85,000 N / m, etc. Throughout the present description, the terms "flexible material", "flexible sheet", "sheet" and "sheet-like material" are used interchangeably, and are intended to have the same meaning. Examples of materials that may be flexible materials include one or more of any of the following: films (such as plastic films), elastomers, foam sheets, aluminum sheets, fabrics (including woven and non-woven), biological source materials and papers, in any configuration, as separate material (s), or as a layer (s) of a sheet, or as part (s) of a composite material, in a microstratified or nanostratified structure, and in any combination as described in the present description or as is known in the art. In various embodiments, part, parts, or all of a flexible material can be coated or uncoated, treated or untreated, processed or unprocessed, in any manner known in the art. In various embodiments, part, parts, or approximately all, or practically all, or almost all or all of a flexible material can be made of sustainable material, from a biological source, recycled, recyclable and / or biodegradable. The part, parts, or approximately all, or practically all, or almost all, or all of any of the flexible materials described in the present description may be, partially or completely, translucent, partially or completely transparent, or partially or completely opaque. The flexible materials used to make the containers described in the present description can be formed in any manner known in the art, and can be joined together by the use of any type of joint or sealing method known in the art including, for example, heat sealer (eg, conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, corrugated, cohesive, bonded and the like, and combinations of any of these.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "flexibility factor" refers to a material parameter for a sheet-like material, easily stretchable and thin, where the parameter is measured in Newtons per meter and the flexibility factor is equal to the product of the value

<img file="AR092829A1_D0008.tif" />

for Young's module of the material (measured in Paséales) and the value for the total thickness of the material (measured in meters).

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "fluid product" refers to one or more liquids and / or pourable solids and combinations thereof. Examples of fluid products include one or more of any of the following: snacks, pinches, creams, flakes, pieces, crumbs, crystals, emulsions, scales, gels, grains, granules, jellies, dried grains, liquid solutions, liquid suspensions, lotions, pieces, ointments, particles, particulates, pastes, pieces, pills, powders, balms, strips, dragees and the like, individually or in any combination. Throughout the present description the terms "fluid product" and "self-dispersible product" are used interchangeably, and are intended to have the same meaning. Any of the product volumes described in the present description can be configured to include one or more of any fluid product described in the present description, or known in the art, in any combination.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "formed" refers to the state of one or materials that are configured to form in a product volume, after the product volume is provided with its three-dimensional space defined.

As used herein, the term "gas barrier layer" refers to a layer of a sheet of a flexible material, the gas barrier layer that is a coated material or material that resists permeation of a gas. Through the layer. The gas barrier layer imparts at least partial resistance to gas permeation through the flexible material. The flexible material may include one or more gas barrier layers. The gas barrier layer may have a gas transmission rate, for example, of about 0.1 cc / m²MPa day at approximately 100,000 cc / m²MPa day, approximately 0.1 cc / m²MPa day at approximately 30,000 cc / m²MPa day, approximately 0.1 cc / m²MPa day at approximately 200 cc / m²day MPa, approximately 0.5 cc / m²MPa day at approximately 180 cc / m²day MPa, approximately 0.5 cc / m²MPa day at approximately 30 cc / m²MPa day, approximately 0.5 cc / m²MPa day at approximately 10 cc / m²MPa day, approximately 250 cc / m²MPa day at approximately 1000 cc / m²MPa day, approximately 500 cc / m²day -MPa at approximately 5000 cc / m² MPa day, approximately 10,000 cc / m² MPa day at approximately 50,000 cc / m² MPa day, approximately 50,000 cc / m² MPa day at approximately 100,000 cc / m²MPa day (approximately 0.01 cc / m² atm day at approximately 10,000 cc / m²dayatm, approximately 0.01 cc / m²day at approximately 3000 cc / m²dayatm, approximately 0.01 cc / m²day at approximately 20 cc / m²dayatm, approximately 0.05 cc / m²day at approximately 18 cc / m²dayatm, approximately 0.05 cc / m²day at about 3 cc / m²dayatm, approximately 0.05 cc / m²day at about 1

<td>cc / m²day,</td><td>from</td><td>approximately</td><td> 25</td><td>cc / m²dayatm</td><td>to</td><td>approximately</td><td> 100</td>

<td>cc / m²day,</td><td>from</td><td>approximately</td><td> 50</td><td>cc / m²atm-day</td><td>to</td><td>approximately</td><td> 500</td>

<td>cc / m²day,</td><td>from</td><td>approximately</td><td> 1000</td><td>cc / m²dayatm</td><td>to</td><td>approximately</td><td> 5000</td>

cc / m²atm day, approximately 5000 cc / m²day at approximately 10,000 cc / m²atm day). Other gas transmission rates include, for example, approximately 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5.10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, 60,000, 70,000, 80,000, 90,000 and 100,000 cc / m²MPa-day (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000 and 10 000 cc / m² day-atm), and any interval formed by a combination of these values. For example, the gas barrier layer may have gas transmission rates for nitrogen. Unless otherwise specified, the gas transmission rate is measured by ASTM D 1434-82 at 50% relative humidity and 25 ° C with the use of Procedure V with partial pressures of 0.1 MPa (1 atm) of purity test gas on the high pressure side and 0.1 MPa (1 atm) of clean atmospheric air on the low pressure side.

An illustrative gas barrier layer is ethylene-vinyl alcohol. The EVOH gas transmission rate can be measured by varying the thickness and mole% of ethylene content in the layer. The EVOH gas barrier layer may include from about 24 mol% to about 48 mol% of ethylene with the lower ethylene content resulting in a gas barrier layer with a lower gas transmission rate. In addition, the transmission speed of the gas barrier layer can be reduced by providing a thicker layer. For example, the transmission rate of an EVOH gas barrier layer can be measured by changing the mole% of ethylene in the barrier material and / or the thickness of the gas barrier layer. Generally, an increase in the mole% of EVOH will increase the rate of gas transmission, the increase in thickness of the gas barrier layer will increase the rate of gas transmission. For example, a flexible material that has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen of approximately 0.5 cc / m²day MPa (0.05 cc / m²dayatm), may include a gas barrier layer formed of EVOH with 32 mol% ethylene and / or the gas barrier may be approximately 9 microns thick or greater. For example, a flexible material that has an increased gas transmission rate for nitrogen such as a speed of approximately 180 cc / m²MPa day (18 cc / m² atm day), the ethylene content may be increased to more than 32 mol% and / or less than about 9 microns thick. Other suitable gas barrier layer materials may include, for example, nylonons, polyamides, nylon 6, polyamide 6, nylon MXD6, PVOH, PVC, PVDC, PCTFE, sol-gel materials, liquid crystal polymers, coated substrates, PAN3, PA 6 oriented, PGA, PHA, PLA, cellulosic esters, TPS, PBS, flexible materials coated with metal oxide or vacuum metals (e.g. eg, Al, SiOx, AlOx), flexible materials coated with nano-clay, sheet metal and mixtures, combinations, laminations, microstratified, nanostratified and coextrusions of these. These materials can be biologically based, petroleum based and / or recycled or reconstituted materials.

As used in the present description, the term "graphic" refers to a visual element that is intended to provide a decoration or communicate information. Examples of graphics include one or more of the following: colors, patterns, designs, images and the like. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described herein, in various modalities, any surface of the flexible packaging may include one or more graphics of any size, shape or configuration, described in the present description or known in the art, in any combination

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "height area index" refers to an index for the container, with units per centimeter (cm '¹), which is equal to the value for the total height of the container (with all its volume (s) of product 100% filled with water and with the total height measured in centimeters) divided by the value for the contact area effective base of the container (with all its volume (s) of product 100% filled with water and with the effective base contact area measured in square centimeters). For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described herein, in various modalities, any of the flexible packaging can be configured to have a height area index of 0.3 to 3.0 per centimeter, or any value in increments 0.05 cm '¹ between 0.3 and 3.0 per centimeter, or in

<img file="AR092829A1_D0009.tif" />

any interval formed by any of the above values, such as: from 0.35 to 2.0 cm '¹, from 0.4 to 1.5 cm '¹, from 0.4 to 1.2 cm '¹ or from 0.45 to 0.9 cm '¹, etc.

As used in the present description, the term "distinctive marks" refers to one or more characters, graphics, brand or other visual elements, in any combination. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described herein, in various modalities, any surface of the flexible packaging may include one or more distinctive marks of any size, shape or configuration, described in the present description or known in the art, in any combination.

As used in the present description, the term "indirectly connected" refers to a configuration where the elements are joined together with one or more intermediate elements between them.

As used herein, the term "attached" refers to a configuration where the elements are directly connected or indirectly connected.

As used herein, the term "rolling resistance" refers to the strength of the bonding connection between adjacent layers of a sheet. The laminations according to the description can have a rolling resistance between each of the layers of the sheet of about 2 N / m to about 10,000 N / m, about 4 N / m to about 9000 N / m, about 17 N / m at about 3150 N / m and about 34 N / m at about 2450 N / m. Other rolling resistance include approximately 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35 , 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 , 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 1000, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, 7000, 7500, 8000, 8500 , 9000 and 10000 N / m, and any interval formed by a combination of these values. Unless otherwise specified, the rolling resistance described in the present description is measured by ASTM F904-98 with the use of a drawing speed of 280 mm / min and with a portion not separated from the It shows that it is left loose to move freely. The rolling resistance can be measured by selecting the layers in direct contact which includes the use of bonding layers and adhesives. For example, when a laminate having a lower rolling resistance in the range described above is suitable for a given application, the laminate may be formed without bonding layers and / or with bonding layers between some or all of the laminate layers and / or with very thin bonding layers of approximately 1 miera or less. High rolling resistance can be achieved by directly connecting layers that are chemically similar or have coreactivity. For example, nylon and EVOH have a strong reactivity and can generally be coextruded to produce a high rolling resistance without the need for added joints or adhesive layers. The polyethylene layers have a chemical similarity with other layers containing polyethylene and, in some embodiments, can be connected directly without the need for a bonding or adhesive layer to provide sufficient laminar strength (i.e., in a range of 2 N / m to 10,000 N / m).

The rolling resistance of the laminate can be increased with the use of a bonding or adhesive layer. The rolling resistance can be measured by selecting the type of bonding layer, as well as the thickness of the bonding layer. For example, a bonding layer consisting of an adhesive with a water-based adhesive chemistry and / or a thickness less than 2 microns can be used when rolling resistance is desired at a lower end of the range described above. When higher sheet strengths are desired, the bonding layer may have an increased thickness, for example, about 2 microns to about 5 microns can be used with solvent-based two-part adhesives. In addition, the tie layer may include polymer tie layers. The bonding layers having an anhydride content greater, for example, greater than 150 ppm, in the polymeric layer can also be used to increase the rolling resistance between two layers of a sheet. Flexible packages that have larger structural support volumes may require a flexible material that has laminates with a higher sheet strength to avoid delamination of the flexible material when formed in a flexible package with expanded structural support volumes.

Illustrative tie layers include, but are not limited to, ethylene acrylates with maleic acid or anhydride modification, EVA with or without maleic anhydride modification (MAH), LDPE with maleic anhydride modification, LLDPE with modification of maleic anhydride, HDPE with modification of maleic anhydride, polypropylene with modification of maleic anhydride, ethylene-acrylic acid, ionomers, terpolymers, adhesives that include solvent, without solvent, based on water and two-part adhesives, and mixtures, combinations, laminations, microstratified, nanostratified and coextrusions of these. These materials can be biologically based, petroleum based and / or recycled or reconstituted materials.

As used in the present description, the term "lateral" refers to a direction, orientation or measurement that is parallel to a lateral center line of a container, when the package is placed vertically on a horizontal support surface, such as It is described in this description. A lateral orientation can also be mentioned as a "horizontal" orientation and a lateral measurement can also be mentioned as a "width".

As used in the present description, the term "of similar numbering" refers to similar alphanumeric labels for corresponding elements, as described below. Similar numbering elements have labels with the last two equal digits; for example, an element ending in digits 20 and another element with a tag ending in digits 20 are similarly numbered. Similar numbering elements may have labels with a different first digit, where that first digit corresponds to the numbering for that figure; as an example, an element of Figure 3 labeled 320 and an element of Figure 4 labeled 420 are of similar numbering. Similar numbering elements may have labels with a suffix (that is, the portion of the label that follows the hyphen) that is the same or possibly different (e.g. eg, corresponding to a particular modality); for example, a first modality of an element in Figure 3A labeled 320-a and a second modality of an element in Figure 3B labeled 320-b, are of similar numbering.

As used herein, the term "liquid barrier layer" refers to a layer of a sheet of a flexible material, wherein the liquid barrier layer is a material (coated or uncoated) that is configured to provide a reduced permeation of moisture and / or moisture vapor, and when present in the laminate provides the primary contribution for the reduced permeation of moisture and / or moisture vapor when laminating. In some embodiments, the liquid barrier layer can be virtually impervious to liquids. The liquid barrier layer may have a moisture vapor transmission rate of approximately 0.05 g / m²day at approximately 12 g / m²day, about 0.07 g / m²day at approximately 6 g / m² day, or about 0.1 g / m² day at approximately 4 g / m²-day. Other suitable moisture vapor transmission rates include, for example, about 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 , 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 g / m²day, any interval formed by a combination of these values. The liquid barrier layer may include a material or coating selected from the group consisting of metal sheets, substrates coated with metal oxides or vacuum metals, (e.g., Al, SiOx, AlOx) biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP, by their acronym in English), HDPE, cyclic copolymer olefins,

PP, LDPE, LLDPE, onomers, PET and mixtures, combinations, laminar, microstratified, nanostratified and coextrusions thereof. These materials can be biologically based, petroleum based and / or recycled or reconstituted materials.

As used in the present description, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction, orientation or measurement that is parallel to a longitudinal centerline of a container, when the package is vertically on a horizontal support surface, such as It is described in this description. A longitudinal orientation can also be mentioned in a "vertical" orientation. When expressed in relation to a horizontal support surface for a container, a longitudinal measurement can also be mentioned as a "height", measured on the horizontal support surface.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "half" refers to the portion of the package that is located between the top of the package and the Bottom of the package. As used in the present description, the term half can be modified by describing the term in relation to a particular percentage value for the upper part and / or a particular percentage value for the lower part. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, a reference to the middle of the package may, in various modalities, refer to the portion of the package that is located between any particular percentage value for the top, described in the present description, and / or any percentage value for the lower part, described in the present description, in any combination.

As used herein, the term "mixing volume" refers to a type of product volume that is configured to receive one or more fluid products of one or more product volumes and / or the environment outside the package.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term "multiple dose" refers to a product volume that is the size to contain a particular amount of product that is approximately equal to two or more units. typical consumption, application or use by an end user. Any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, can be configured to have one or more multi-dose product volumes. A package with only one volume of product, which is a volume of multiple dose product, is referred to herein as a "multiple dose container".

As used in the present description, the term "approximately" modifies a particular value, by referring to an interval equal to the particular value, plus or minus five percent (+/- 5%). For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, any description of a particular value can, in various alternative modalities, be understood, moreover, as a description of a range equal to approximately that particular value (i.e., + / 5 %).

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "non-durable" refers to a package that is temporarily reusable, or disposable, or for single use.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "total height" refers to a distance that is measured while the package is placed vertically on a horizontal support surface, the distance measured vertically from the upper side of the support surface to a point on the upper part of the container, which is further from the upper side of the support surface. Any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, can be configured to have a total height of 2.0 cm to 100.0 cm, or any value in 0.1 cm increments between 2.0 and 100.0 cm, or in any interval formed by any of the above values, such as: 4.0 to 90.0 cm, 5.0 to 80.0 cm, 6.0 to 70.0 cm, 7, 0 to 60.0 cm, 8.0 to 50.0 cm, 9.0 to 40.0 cm, or 10.0 to 30.0, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a sheet of flexible material, the term "total thickness" refers to a linear dimension measured perpendicular to the larger outer surfaces of the sheet, when the sheet is flat. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, in various modalities, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a total thickness of 5 to 500 micrometers (pm), or any integer value for micrometers of 5 to 500 , or at any interval formed by any of these values, such as from 10 to 500 pm, from 20 to 400 pm, from 30 to 300 pm, from 40 to 200 pm, or from 50 to 100 pm, etc.

As used herein, the term "product volume" refers to an encapsulated three-dimensional space that is configured to receive and contain, directly, one or more fluid products, where that space is defined by one or more materials that they form a barrier that prevents the fluid product (s) from escaping the volume of product. By directly containing one or more fluid products, the fluid products come into contact with the materials that form the encapsulated three-dimensional space; There is no intermediate material or container that prevents such contact. Throughout the present description, the terms "product volume and" product reception volume "are used interchangeably, and are intended to have the same meaning. Any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, can be configured to have any number of product volumes that include a product volume, two product volumes, three product volumes, four product volumes, five product volumes , six product volumes, or even more product volumes. In some embodiments, one or more product volumes may be contained in another product volume. Any of the product volumes described in the present description may have a product volume of any size that includes from 0.001 liters to 100.0 liters, or any value in increments of 0.001 liters between 0.001 liters and 3.0 liters, or any value in increments of 0.01 liters between 3.0 liters and 10.0 liters, or any value in increments of 1.0 liters between 10.0 liters and 100.0 liters, or in any interval formed by any of the values previous such as: 0.001 to 2.2 liters, 0.01 to 2.0 liters, 0.05 to 1.8 liters, 0.1 to 1.6 liters, 0.15 to 1.4 liters , from 0.2 to 1.2 liters, from 0.25 to 1.0 liters, etc. A product volume can have any shape in any orientation. A product volume can be included in a package that has a structural support frame and a product volume can be included in a package that does not have a structural support frame.

As used herein, the term "printed layer" refers to a layer of a sheet of flexible material, wherein the printed layer is a material that has at least one main surface that is configured to receive and retain a ink, which includes a material that is treated in at least one portion in order to have sufficient surface energy to receive and retain an ink. For example, a material can be treated by corona treatment, plasma treatment and / or flame oxidation. Illustrative print layer materials include, but are not limited to, paper, oriented or non-oriented polyesters, PET, copolyesters, PETG, PEF, PBT, PLA, nylonons or polyamides, cellulosic polymers or cellulosic esters, PHA, PVC, ionomers such as sodium ionomer or a zinc ionomer, thermoplastic starch, polyolefins including cyclic polyolefins, LLDPE and PP, LDPE, HDPE, MDPE manufactured with the use of Ziegler-Natta catalysts, chromium catalysts, metallocene-based catalysts, single-site catalysts and other types of catalysts such as homopolymers or copolymers. The materials listed above may be biologically based, petroleum based and recycled / reconstituted. These materials may also be combinations, mixtures, coextrusions, microstratified / nanostratified systems and laminar materials described above.

As used herein, the term "reinforcing layer" refers to a layer of a sheet of a flexible material, wherein the reinforcing layer is a material configured to provide creep resistance, and when present in the laminar it is the primary collaborator that provides resistance to creep when rolling. The reinforcing layer can also provide resistance to perforation and roughness, and when present in the sheet is the primary contributor that provides resistance to perforation and roughness when rolling. Examples of reinforcing layer materials include nylon, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, oriented polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyamides, copolyesters, PEF, PETG, cyclic polyolefins, PBT, PLA Ionomers such as sodium ionomer and zinc ionomer, cellulosic polymers or cellulosic esters, PHA, PVC, thermoplastic starch, polyolefins such as HDPE, POM, PPS, crystalline liquid layers, PEK, PEEK and homopolymers, copolymers, mixtures, combinations, laminar, microstratified, nanostratified and coextrusions thereof. The reinforcing layer may be biologically based, based on petroleum and / or recycled or reconstituted materials.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "rests on a horizontal support surface" refers to the container that rests, directly, on the horizontal support surface, without other support.

As used in the present description, the term "sealable layer" refers to a layer of a sheet of a flexible material, wherein the sealable layer is a material that is configured to be self-sealed or another sealable layer with the use of any type of sealing method known in the art including, for example, heat sealer (e.g. eg, conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, corrugated, bonding and the like, and combinations of any of these. Illustrative sealable layers include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), LLDPE copolymers with any or more of butene , hexene and octene, metallocene LLDPE (mPE) or metallocene plastomers, metallocene elastomers, high density polyethylene (HDPE), rubber modified LDPE, rubber modified LLDPE, acid copolymers, polystyrene, cyclic polyolefins, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-acrylic acid (EAA), ionomers, terpolymers, Barex, polypropylene, blmodal resins, any of which may be of homopolymers or copolymers and mixtures, combinations, laminar, microstratified, nanostratified and coextrusions thereof. Polyolefins can be manufactured using Ziegler-Natta catalysts, chromium catalysts, metallocene-based catalysts, single-site catalysts and other types of catalysts. The materials listed may be biologically based, petroleum based and recycled / reconstituted. The resins can be in foam.

As used herein, the term "sealing", when referring to a product volume, refers to a state of the product volume, where fluid products in the product volume are prevented from escaping the volume of product. product (e.g., by one or more materials that form a barrier and by a seal), and the volume of the product is sealed tightly.

As used herein, the term "seal strength" refers to the strength of the seal between adjacent laminations, between adjacent main surfaces of a flexible material, or between two or more adjacent flexible materials formed with the use of Any type of sealing method known in the art including, for example, heat sealer (e.g. eg, conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, corrugated, bonding and the like and combinations of any of these. The resistance to the seal between the first and the second laminar of a flexible material and / or a seal that a layer sealable itself according to the modalities of the description can be approximately 20 N / m to approximately 10 000 N / m, of about 85 N / m at about 3500 N / m and about 300 N / m at about 1250 N / m. Other sealing resistance includes approximately 20, 25, 35.45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95,100, 125, 150,175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 1000, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, 7000, 7500, 8000, 8500, 9000 and 10000 N / m, and any interval formed by a combination of these values. Unless otherwise specified, the seal strengths described in this description are measured by ASTM F 88 / F 88M - 09 with technique B (held at 90 degrees) executed at 200 mm / min in a machine of tension test with specimens cut to a width of 25.4 mm. The samples can be joined together in a configuration indicated as a flap closure or a hot wire closure and are sized accordingly. The resistance to the seal must be taken from the initial force stage measured while the seal begins to be removed. The widths of the seal are 10 mm and the seals are produced in conditions of temperature, pressure and residence time that provide a maximum release force for a particular method of sealing the two materials together as is known in the art. In one example, a pressure of approximately 250 kPa (2.5 bar), a residence time of approximately 0.5 seconds and a temperature of 85-135 ° C can be used to maximize a seal created by heat sealing two materials sealable together. Sealable layers that have a high content of LLDPE (Zeigler-Natta), for example, at least 90% by weight can form seals that have high sealing strengths, for example, at the upper end of the range described above for strength to seal. Other possible senator layers include metallocene LLDPE (mLLDPE), Barex, ionomers, HDPE which generally have lower sealing strength compared to LLDPE. Sealing resistance can be measured by selecting sealable layers and / or an LLDPE content in sealable layers.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "self-sustaining" refers to a package that includes a volume of product and a structural support frame, where, when the package rests on a surface of horizontal support, in at least one orientation, The structural support frame is configured to prevent the container from collapsing and to provide the container with a total height that is significantly greater than the combined thickness of the materials that form the package, even when the volume of the product is not full. Any of the flexible packaging modalities, which are described in the present description, can be configured to be self-sustaining.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "single use" refers to a closed container that, after being opened by an end user, is not configured to reseal. Any of the modalities of the flexible packages, which are described in the present description, can be configured to be of a single use.

As used herein, when referring to a volume of product, the term "a single dose" refers to a volume of product that is scaled to contain a particular amount of product that is approximately equal to one unit of consumption. , application or typical use by an end user. Any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, can be configured to have one or more product volumes of a single dose. A package with only one volume of product, which is a volume of product of a single dose, is referred to herein as a "single dose container".

As used in the present description, when referring to a flexible package, the terms "held upright", "upright" and "upright" refer to a particular orientation of a package flexible self-sustaining, when the container rests on a horizontal support surface. This vertical orientation can be determined from the structural characteristics of the package and / or distinctive marks on the package. In a first determining test, if the flexible package has a clearly defined base structure that is configured for use in the lower part of the package, then it is determined whether the container is in an upright position when this base structure rests on the horizontal support surface . If the first test cannot determine the vertical orientation, then, in a second determining test, it is determined whether the package is in an upright position when the package is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface such that the distinctive marks on The flexible container is better placed in a vertical orientation. If the second test cannot determine the vertical orientation, then, in a third determining test, it is determined whether the package is in an upright position when the package is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface such that the package has the maximum total height If the third test cannot determine the vertical orientation, then, in a fourth determining test, it is determined whether the package is in an upright position when the package is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface such that the package has the Maximum height area index. If the fourth test cannot determine the vertical orientation, then any orientation used in the fourth determining test can be considered as a vertical orientation.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "upright container refers to a self-sustaining package, where, when the package (with all its volume (s)) of product filled 100% with water) is in an upright position, the container has a height area index of 0.4 to 1.5 cm '¹. Any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, can be configured to be vertical containers.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "structural support frame" refers to a rigid structure formed of one or more structural support members, joined together, around one or more spaces. considerable voids and / or one or more non-structural panels and, generally, used as a major support for the volume (s) of product in the flexible package and in the manufacture of the self-sustaining container and / or vertical position. In each of the modalities described in the present description, when a flexible package includes a structural support frame and one or more product volumes, the structural support frame is considered as a support of the container volumes, unless indicate in any other way.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "structural support member" refers to a rigid and physical structure, which includes one or more volumes of structural support and is configured to be used in a structural support frame, to carry one or more loads (of the flexible container) through a section. A structure that does not include at least one expanded structural support volume is not considered as a structural support member, as used in the present description.

A structural support member has two defined ends, one half between the two ends and a total length from one end to its other end. A structural support member may have one or more cross-sectional areas, each of which has a total width that is less than its total length.

A structural support member can be configured in various ways. A structural support member may include one, two, three, four, five, six or more volumes of structural support, configured in various ways. For example, a structural support member can be formed by a single volume of structural support. As another example, a structural support member can be formed by a plurality of structural support volumes, located end to end, in series, where, in various embodiments, a part, some parts, or almost all, or about all, or virtually everything, or almost everything, or all of some or all of the structural support volumes can be, partially or completely, in contact with each other, partially or completely, directly connected to each other and / or, partially or completely, linked together. As a further example, a structural support member can be formed by a plurality of structural support volumes located side by side, in parallel, where, in various embodiments, a part, some parts, or near everything, or about everything, or virtually everything, or almost everything, or all of some or all of the structural support volumes can be, partially or completely, in contact with each other, partially or completely, directly connected to each other and / or, partially or completely, connected to each other.

In some embodiments, a structural support member may include a number of different types of elements. For example, a structural support member may include one or more volumes of structural support together with one or more mechanical reinforcement elements (e.g., brackets, collars, connectors, joints, grooves, etc.), which can be made of one or more rigid materials (e.g., solids).

The structural support members can have various shapes and sizes. A part, some parts, or approximately all, or practically all, or almost all, or all of a structural support member may be straight, curved, angular, segmented or other shapes or combinations of any of these shapes. A part, some parts, or approximately all, or practically all, or almost all, or all of a structural support member may have any suitable transverse shape, such as circular, oval, square, triangular, star-shaped or versions modified in these ways, or other forms, or combinations of any of these forms. A structural support member may have a general shape that is tubular, or convex, or concave, along a part, parts or near the whole, about everything, or practically everything, or almost everything of a length. A structural support member may have any suitable cross-sectional area, any suitable total width and any suitable total length. A structural support member may be practically uniform throughout a part, parts, or approximately all, or practically all, or almost all, or all of this length, or it may vary in any manner described in the present description. , along a part, parts, or near the whole, or approximately all, or practically all, or almost all, or their entire length. For example, a cross-sectional area of ​​a structural support member may increase or decrease along the part, parts or its entire length. A part, parts or all of any of the modalities of the structural support members of the present description can be configured in accordance with any of the modalities described in the present description, which includes any viable combination of structures, characteristics, materials and / or connections of any number of any of the modalities described in this description.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "structural support volume" refers to a space that can be filled made of one or more flexible materials, where the space is configured to fill, at least partially, with one or more expansion materials, which create tension in the flexible material (s) and form an expanded structural support volume. One or more expanded structural support volumes can be configured to be included in a structural support member. A volume of structural support is different from structures configured in different ways, such as: structures without a space that can be filled (e.g., an open space), structures made of non-flexible materials (e.g., solids) , structures with spaces that are not configured to be filled with an expansion material (e.g. e.g., an unbound area between adjacent layers in a multi-layer panel) and structures with flexible materials that are not configured to expand using an expansion material (e.g., a space in a structure that is configured to be a non-structural panel). Throughout the present description the terms "volume of structural support" and "expanded chamber" are used interchangeably, and are intended to have the same meaning.

In some embodiments, a structural support framework may include a plurality of structural support volumes, where some or all of the structural support volumes are in continuous communication with each other. In other embodiments, a structural support framework may include a plurality of structural support volumes, where some or none of the structural support volumes are in continuous communication with each other. Any of the structural support frameworks of the present description can be configured to have any type of continuous communication described in the present description.

As used in the present description, the term "practically" modifies a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus ten percent (+/- 10%). For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, any description of a particular value can, in various alternative modalities, be understood, moreover, as a description of a range equal to approximately that particular value (i.e., + / -10%).

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "temporarily reusable" refers to a package that, after dispensing a product to an end user, is configured to be recharged with an additional quantity of a product. , up to ten times, before the container experiences a failure that makes it unsuitable to receive, contain or dispense the product. As used in the present description, the term temporarily reusable can also be limited by modifying the number of times the container can be recharged before the container experiences such failure. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, a reference to temporarily reusable can be mentioned, in various modalities, to temporarily reusable by recharging up to eight times before failing, by recharging up to six times before fail, by recharging up to four times before failing or by recharging up to twice before failing, or any integer value for recharges between one and ten times before failing. Any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, can be configured to be temporarily reusable, by the number of refills described in the present description.

As used in the present description, the term "thickness" refers to a measurement that is parallel to a third center line of a package, when the package is in an upright position on a horizontal support surface, as described in the present description A thickness can also be mentioned as a "depth".

As used in the present description, when referring to a flexible package, the term "upper part" refers to the portion of the container that is located at 20% of the highest part of the total height of the container, ie , from 80 to 100% of the total height of the container. As used in the present description, the term "upper part" may also be limited by modifying the upper part term with a particular percentage value, which is less than 20%. For any of the flexible packaging modalities, described in the present description, a reference to the upper part of the package can be mentioned, in various modalities, at 15% of the upper part (i.e., 85 to 100% of the total height ), 10% of the upper part (that is, 90 to 100% of the total height), or 5% of the upper part (that is, 95 to 100% of the total height), or any integer value percent between 0% and 20%.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "non-expanded" refers to the state of one or more materials that are configured to form in a structural support volume, rather than the structural support volume. Harden by an expansion material.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a flexible package, the term "unfilled" refers to the state of the product volume when it does not contain a fluid product.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term "not formed" refers to the state of one or more materials that are configured to form in a product volume, before the product volume is provided. with its defined three-dimensional space. For example, an article of manufacture can be a preform of a container with a volume of unformed product, wherein the sheets of the flexible material, with portions joined together, are placed flat against each other.

Flexible packaging, as described in the present description, can be used in a variety of industries for a variety of products. For example, flexible packaging, as described in this description, can be used in the consumer products industry, which includes the following products: soft surface cleaners, hard surface cleaners, glass cleaners, ceramic cleaners, toilet cleaners, wood cleaners, multi surface cleaners, surface disinfectants, dishwashing compositions, laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, dyes for fabrics, surface protectors, surface disinfectants, cosmetics, facial powders, body powders, hair treatment products (e.g. eg, shaping foam, lacquer, styling gels), shampoo, hair conditioner (to leave without rinsing or rinsing), rinse cream, hair dye, hair coloring product, hair shine product, serum for hair, product against static hair, products for the repair of split ends of hair, permanent waving solution, anti-dandruff formulation, bath gels, shower gels, liquid body soap, facial cleansers, skin care products (e.g. e.g. sunscreen, sunscreen lotions, lip balm, skin conditioner, cleansing creams, moisturizers), body sprays, soaps, exfoliating creams, scrubs, astringent, exfoliating lotions, depilatory products, antiperspirant compositions, deodorants, shaving products , pre-shave products, after shave products, toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc. As additional examples, flexible packages, as described herein, can be used in other industries, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, commercial products, industrial products, medical products, etc.

Figures 1A-1D illustrate various views of one embodiment of a flexible container in a vertical position 100. Figure 1A illustrates a front view of the container 100. The container 100 is in an upright position on a horizontal support surface 101.

In Figure 1A, a coordinate system 110 provides reference lines to refer to the directions in the figure. The coordinate system 110 is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system with an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis, where each axis is perpendicular to the other axes and any pair of axes defines a plane. The X axis and the Z axis are parallel to the horizontal support surface 101 and the Y axis is perpendicular to the horizontal support surface 101.

Figure 1A also includes other reference lines, to refer to the directions and places relative to the container 100. A lateral center line 111 is parallel to the X axis. An XY plane in the lateral center line 111 separates the container 100 into a front half and a back half. An XZ plane in the lateral center line 111 separates the container 100 into an upper half and a lower half. A longitudinal center line 114 is parallel to the Y axis. A plane YZ in the longitudinal center line 114 separates the container 100 into a left half and a right half. A third center line 117 is parallel to the Z axis. The lateral center line 111, the longitudinal center line

114 and the third center line 117 all intersect in a center of the container 100.

A location relative to the lateral centerline 111 defines what is longitudinally inwardly 112 and longitudinally outwardly 113. When a first place is closer to the lateral centerline 111 than a second place, the first place is considered as located longitudinally inward 112 to the second place. And, the second place is considered as located longitudinally outwardly 113 of the first place. The term lateral refers to a direction, orientation or measurement that is parallel to the lateral center line 111. A lateral orientation can also be mentioned as a horizontal orientation and a lateral measurement can also be mentioned as a width.

A location relative to the longitudinal centerline 114 defines what is laterally inwardly 115 and laterally outwardly 116. When a first place is closer to the longitudinal centerline 114 than a second place, the first place is considered as located laterally inward 115 to second place. And, the second place is considered as located laterally outward 116 from the first place. The term longitudinal refers to a direction, orientation or measurement that is parallel to the longitudinal center line 114. A longitudinal orientation can also be mentioned in a vertical orientation.

A direction, orientation or longitudinal measurement can also be expressed in relation to a horizontal support surface for the container 100. When a first place is closer to the support surface than a second place, the first place can be considered smaller than, less than, below or below the second place. And, the second place can be considered as located above, above or above the first place. A longitudinal measurement can also be mentioned as a height, measured on the horizontal support surface 100.

A measurement that is made parallel to the third center line 117 refers to a thickness or depth. A location in the direction of the third center line 117 and towards a front part 102-1 of the package is referred to as forward 118 or in front of. A location in the direction of the third center line 117 and towards a back 102-2 of the package is referred to as backward 119 or behind.

These terms for direction, orientation, measurement and location, as described above, are used for all modalities of this description, whether or not a support surface, reference line or coordinate system is shown.

The package 100 includes an upper part 104, a half 106 and a lower part 108, the front part 102-1, the back part 102-2 and the right and left sides 109. The top part 104 is separated from the middle 106 by a reference plane 105, which is parallel to the XZ plane. Half 106 is separated from the bottom 108 by a reference plane 107, which is also parallel to the XZ plane. The container 100 has a total height of 100-oh. In the embodiment of Figure 1A, the front part 102-1 and the back part 102-2 of the package are joined together in a seal 129, which extends around the outer periphery of the package 100, through the top 104, under side 109 and then, at the bottom of each side 109, is separated outwardly to follow the front and rear portions of the base 190, around its outer extensions.

The package 100 includes a structural support frame 140, a volume of product 150, a dispenser 160, panels 180-1 and 180-2, and a base structure 190. A portion of panel 180-1 is illustrated as sectioned, to show product volume 150. Product volume 150 is configured to contain one or more fluid products. The dispenser 160 allows the container 100 to dispense this fluid product (s) from the volume of product 150 through a flow channel 159, then through the dispenser 160, to the environment outside the package 100 . In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1D, the dispenser 160 is located in the center of the highest part of the upper part 104; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 160 may be located anywhere other than the upper part 140, half 106 or lower part 108, which includes any location on either side 109, on any of panels 180-1 and 180 -2 and anywhere in base 190 of container 100. The structural support frame 140 supports the mass of fluid product (s) in the volume of product 150 and places the container 100 in an upright position. Panels 180-1 and 180-2 are relatively flat surfaces, superimposed on product volume 150 and are suitable for displaying any type of distinctive markings. However, in various embodiments, a part, parts or near the whole, or practically everything, or almost everything, or all of one or both panels 180-1 and 180-2 may include one or more curved surfaces. The base structure 190 supports the structural support frame 140 and provides stability to the container 100 as it is in an upright position.

The structural support frame 140 is formed by a plurality of structural support members. The structural support frame 140 includes structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2, structural support members of the middle 146-1, 146-2, 146-3 and 146-4, as well as members of structural support of the Lower part 148-1 and 148-2.

The structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2 are located on the highest part of the upper part 104 of the container 100, with the structural support member of the upper part 144-1 located at the front 102-1 and the structural support member of the upper part 144-2 located at the rear part 102-2, behind the structural support member of the upper part 144-1. The structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2 are adjacent to each other and may be in contact with each other along the laterally outward portions of their lengths. In various embodiments, the structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2 may be in contact with each other in one or more relatively smaller places and / or in one or more relatively larger places, along a part or parts, or approximately all, or practically all, or almost all, or all of their general lengths, provided there is a flow channel 159 between the structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2 , which allows the container 100 to dispense fluid product (s) from the volume of product 150 through the flow channel 159, then through the dispenser 160. The structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144 -2 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various embodiments, the structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2 can be connected, directly, and / or joined together along a part, or parts, or near the whole, or approximately everything, or practically everything, or almost everything, or all of its total lengths.

The structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2 are located practically on the product volume 150. Generally, each of the structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2 are oriented approximately horizontally, but with the ends slightly curved down. And, generally, each of the structural support members of the upper part 144-1 and 144-2 has a cross-sectional area that is practically uniform along its length; however, the cross-sectional area at its ends is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area at its halves.

The structural support members of the middle 146-1, 146-2, 146-3 and 146-4 are located on the left and right sides 109, from the top 104, through the middle 106, to the bottom 108. The structural support member of the mid 146-1 is placed at the front 102-1, on the left side 109; the structural support member of the half 146-4 is placed at the rear 102-2, on the left side 109, behind the structural support member of the half 146-1. The structural support members of the middle 146-1 and 146-4 are adjacent to each other and can be in contact with each other along virtually all their lengths. In various embodiments, the structural support members of the middle 146-1 and 146-4 may be in contact with each other in one or more relatively smaller places and / or in one or more relatively larger places, along of a part, or parts, or about everything, or practically everything, or almost everything, or all of its total lengths. The structural support members of the middle 146-1 and 146-4 do not connect directly to each other. However, in various embodiments, the structural support members of the middle 146-1 and 146-4 can be connected, directly, and / or joined together along a part, or parts, or approximately all, or practically all , or almost everything, or all of its total lengths.

The structural support member of the middle 146-2 is placed at the front 102-1, on the right side 109; the structural support member of the half 146-3 is placed at the rear 102-2, on the right side 109, behind the structural support member of the half 146-2. The structural support members of the middle 146-2 and 146-3 are adjacent to each other and can be in contact with each other along virtually all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the structural support members of the middle 146-2 and 146-3 may be in contact with each other in one or more relatively smaller places and / or in one or more relatively larger places, along a part, or parts, or about everything, or practically everything, or almost everything, or all of its total lengths. The structural support members of the middle 146-2 and 146-3 do not connect directly to each other. However, in various embodiments, the structural support members of the middle 146-2 and 146-3 can be connected, directly, and / or joined together along a part, or parts or about all, or virtually everything, or almost everything, or all of its total lengths.

The structural support members of the middle 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 are located, practically, laterally outwardly of the product volume 150. Generally, each of the structural support members of the half 146-1, 146-2, 146-3 and 146-4 are oriented approximately vertically, but slightly inclined, with their upper end directed laterally inwards to their lower end. And, generally, each of the structural support members of half

146-1, 146-2, 146-3 and 146-4 have a transverse area that changes along its length, which increases in size from its upper end to its lower end.

The structural support members of the lower part 148-1 and 148-2 are located in the lower part 108 of the container 100, with the structural support member of the lower part 148-1 located in the front part 102-1 and the structural support member of the lower part 148-2 located at the rear 102-2, behind the structural support member of the upper part 148-1. The structural support members of the lower part 148-1 and 148-2 are adjacent to each other and can be in contact with each other along virtually all their lengths. In various embodiments, the structural support members of the lower part 148-1 and 148-2 may be in contact with each other in one or more relatively smaller places and / or in one or more relatively larger places, at along a part, or parts, or about everything, or practically everything, or almost everything, or all of its total lengths. The structural support members of the lower part 148-1 and 148-2 do not connect directly to each other. However, in various embodiments, the structural support members of the lower part 148-1 and 148-2 can be connected, directly, and / or joined together along a part, or parts, or approximately all, or practically all, or almost everything, or all of its total lengths.

The structural support members of the lower part 148-1 and 148-2 are located, practically, below the product volume 150, but, practically, above the base structure 190. Generally, each of the support members Structural part of the lower part 148-1 and 148-2 are oriented, approximately, horizontally, but with the ends slightly curved upwards. And, generally, each of the structural support members of the lower part 148-1 and 148-2 have a transverse area that is practically uniform along its length.

In the front portion of the structural support frame 140, the left end of the structural support member of the upper part 144-1 joins the upper end of the structural support member of the middle 146-1; the left end of the structural support member of the middle 146-1 joins the left end of the structural support member of the lower part 148-1; the right end of the structural support member of the lower part 148-1 joins the lower end of the structural support member of the middle 146-2; and the upper end of the structural support member of the half 146-2 joins the right end of the structural support member of the upper part 144-1. Similarly

<img file="AR092829A1_D0010.tif" />

at the rear portion of the structural support frame 140, the left end of the structural support member of the upper part 144-2 joins the upper end of the structural support member of the middle 146-4; the lower end of the structural support member of the middle 146-4 is attached to the left end of the structural support member of the lower part 148-2; the right end of the structural support member of the lower part 148-2 joins the lower end of the structural support member of the middle 146-3; and the upper end of the structural support member of the half 146-3 is attached to the right end of the structural support member of the upper part 144-2. In the structural support frame 140, the ends of the structural support members, which are joined together, are connected, directly, around the periphery of their walls. However, in several embodiments, any of the structural support members 144-1, 144-2, 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, 146-4, 148-1 and 148-2 can be joined together by in any manner described in the present description or known in the art.

In alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 140, the adjacent structural support members can be combined into a single structural support member, wherein the combined structural support member can effectively be replaced by adjacent structural support members, as their functions and connections are described in the present description. In other alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 140, one or more additional structural support members may be added to the structural support members in the structural support frame 140, where the expanded structural support frame can be effectively replaced by the structural support frame 140, as its functions and connections are described in the present description. In addition, in some alternative embodiments, a flexible package may not include a base structure.

Figure 1B illustrates a side view of the flexible container in vertical position 100 of Figure 1A.

Figure 1C illustrates a top view of the flexible container in vertical position 100 of Figure 1A.

Figure 1D illustrates a view of the base of the flexible container in vertical position 100 of Figure 1A.

Figures 2A-8D illustrate flexible packaging modalities in vertical position that have various general shapes. Any of the modalities of Figures 2A8D can be configured according to the modalities described in the present description, which include the modalities of Figures 1A-1D. Any of the elements (p. eg, structural support frames, structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the modalities of Figures 2A-8D, can be configured according to any of the modalities described in this description. While each of the modalities of Figures 2A-8D illustrates a package with a dispenser, in various modalities, each package may include multiple dispensers, according to any of the modalities described in the present description. Figures 2A-8D illustrate the additional or alternate alternate locations for a dispenser with virtual line strokes. The part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or practically everything, or almost all or all of each of the panels in the modalities of Figures 2A-8D is suitable for visualizing any distinctive mark. Each of the side panels in the embodiments of Figures 2A8D are configured to be a non-structural panel, volume (s) of overlapping product (s) located in the flexible package; however, in various embodiments, one or more of any type of decoration or structural element (such as a rib, protruding from an external surface) can be attached to a part, parts, or near the whole, or approximately all, or virtually all , or almost all or all of any of the side panels. For clarity, not all structural details of these flexible packages are shown in Figures 2A-8D; however, any of the embodiments of Figures 2A-8D can be configured to include any structure or feature for flexible packages, described in the present description. For example, any of the modalities of Figures 2A-8D can be configured to include any type of base structure described in the present description.

Figure 2A illustrates a front view of a flexible container in an upright position 200 that has a structural support frame 240 that has a general shape like a log. In the embodiment of Figure 2A, the trunk shape is based on a four-sided pyramid; however, in various embodiments, the trunk shape can be based on a pyramid with a different number of sides or the trunk shape can be based on a cone. The support frame 240 is formed by structural support members located along the edges of the trunk shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a 280-t rectangular top panel, 280-1, 280-2, 280-3 and 280-4 trapezoidal side panels, and a rectangular bottom bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 280-1, 280-2, 280-3 and 280-4 is approximately flat; however, in various modalities, a part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or practically everything, or almost everything or in

<img file="AR092829A1_D0011.tif" />

all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, almost flat, almost flat or completely flat. The container 200 includes a dispenser 260, which is configured to dispense one or more fluid products of one or more product volumes located in the container 200. In the embodiment of Figure 2A, the dispenser 260 is located in the center of the upper panel 280-t; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 260 may be located in any different manner on the top, sides or bottom of the container 200, in accordance with any modality described or illustrated in the present description. Figure 2B illustrates a front view of the container 200 of Figure 2A, which includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser, any of which can also be applied to the back of the package. Figure 2C illustrates a side view of the container 200 of Figure 2A, which includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines), any of which can be applied to either side of the package. Figure 2D illustrates an isometric view of the container 200 of Figure 2A.

Figure 3A illustrates a front view of a flexible container in vertical position 300 having a structural support frame 340 that has a general shape like a pyramid. In the embodiment of Figure 3A, the pyramid shape is based on a four-sided pyramid; however, in various modalities, the pyramid shape can be based on a pyramid with a different number of sides. The support frame 340 is formed by structural support members located along the edges of the pyramid shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define triangular shaped side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3 and 380-4, and a lower square shaped panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3 and 380-4 is approximately flat; however, in various embodiments, a part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or virtually everything, or almost all or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, virtually flat, almost flat, or completely flat. The container 300 includes a dispenser 360, which is configured to dispense one or more fluid products of one or more product volumes located in the container 300. In the embodiment of Figure 3A, the dispenser 360 is located at the top of the shape. of pyramid; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 360 can be located in any different way on the top, sides or bottom of the container 300. Figure 3B illustrates a front view of the container 300 of Figure 3A, which includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines), any of which can also be applied to either side of the package. Figure 3C illustrates a side view of the container 300 of Figure 3A. Figure 3D illustrates an isometric view of the container 300 of Figure 3A.

Figure 4A illustrates a front view of a flexible container in an upright position 400 that has a structural support frame 440 that has a general shape like a trigonal prism. In the embodiment of Figure 4A, the prism shape is based on a triangle. The support frame 440 is formed by structural support members located along the edges of the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a 480-t triangular top panel, 480-1, 480-2 and 480-3 rectangular side panels, and a triangular bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 480-1, 480-2 and 480-3 is approximately flat; however, in various embodiments, a part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or practically everything, or almost all or all of the side panels can be approximately flat, virtually flat, almost flat or completely flat. The container 400 includes a dispenser 460, which is configured to dispense one or more of the fluid products of one or more product volumes located in the container 400. In the embodiment of Figure 4A, the dispenser 460 is located in the center of the 480-t top panel; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 460 can be located in any way different from the top, sides or bottom of the container 400. Figure 4B illustrates a front view of the container 400 of Figure 4A, which includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines), any of which may also apply to either side of the container 400. Figure 4C illustrates a side view of the container 400 of Figure 4A. Figure 4D illustrates an Isometric view of the container 400 of Figure 4A.

Figure 5A illustrates a front view of a flexible container in vertical position 500 that has a structural support frame 540 that has a general shape like a tetragonal prism. In the embodiment of Figure 5A, the prism shape is based on a square. The support frame 540 is formed by structural support members located along the edges of the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a 580-t square top panel, 580-1, 580-2, 580-3 and 580-4 rectangular side panels, and a square square bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 580-1, 580-2, 580-3 and 580-4 is approximately flat; however, in various embodiments, a part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or virtually everything, or almost all or all of any of the side panels may be approximately flat, virtually flat, almost flat or completely flat . The package 500 includes a dispenser 560, which is configured to dispense one or more fluid products of one or more product volumes located in the container 500. In the embodiment of Figure 5A, the dispenser 560 is located in the center of the upper panel 580-t; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 560 can be located in any other way on the top, sides or bottom of the container 500. Figure 5B illustrates a front view of the container 500 of Figure 5A, which includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines), any of which can also be applied to either side of the package 500. Figure 5C illustrates a side view of the container 500 of Figure 5A. Figure 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container 500 of Figure 5A.

Figure 6A illustrates a front view of a flexible container in vertical position 600 having a structural support frame 640 that has a general shape as a pentagonal prism. In the embodiment of Figure 6A, the prism shape is based on a pentagon. The support frame 640 is formed by structural support members located along the edges of the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a 680-t pentagon-shaped top panel, 680-1, 680-2, 6803, 680-4, and 680-5 rectangular-shaped side panels and a pentagonal-shaped bottom panel (no it shows). Each of the 680-1, 680-2, 680-3, 680-4 and 680-5 side panels is approximately flat; however, in various embodiments, a part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or virtually everything, or almost all or all of any of the side panels may be approximately flat, virtually flat, almost flat or completely flat . The container 600 includes a dispenser 660, which is configured to dispense one or more fluid products of one or more product volumes located in the container 600. In the embodiment of Figure 6A, the dispenser 660 is placed in the center of the upper panel 680-t; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 660 can be located in any different way on the top, sides or bottom of the container 600. Figure 6B illustrates a front view of the container 600 of Figure 6A, which includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines), any of which may also apply to either side of the container 600. Figure 6C illustrates a side view of the container 600 of Figure 6A. Figure 6D illustrates an isometric view of the container 600 of Figure 6A.

Figure 7A illustrates a front view of a flexible container in an upright position

700 which has a structural support frame 740 that has a general shape like a cone. The support frame 740 is formed by curved structural support members located around the base of the cone and by straight structural support members that extend, linearly, from the base to the top, where the structural support members join together at its ends The structural support members define curved side panels in a somewhat triangular manner 780-1, 780-2 and 780-3, and a lower panel of circular shape (not shown). Each of the side panels 780-1, 780-2 and 780-3 is curved; however, in various embodiments, a part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or practically everything, or almost all or all of the side panels can be approximately flat, virtually flat, almost flat or completely flat. Container 700 includes a dispenser 760, which is configured to dispense one or more fluid products from one or more product volumes located in container 700. In the embodiment of Figure 7A, the dispenser 760 is located at the top of the conical shape; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 760 can be located anywhere else on the top, sides or bottom of the container 700. Figure 7B illustrates a front view of the container 700 of Figure 7A. Figure 7C illustrates a side view of the container 700 of Figure 7A, which includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines), any of which may also apply to any side panel of the container 700. Figure 7D illustrates an isometric view of the container 700 of Figure 7A.

Figure 8A illustrates a front view of a flexible container in vertical position 800 having a structural support frame 840 that has a general shape similar to a cylinder. The support frame 840 is formed by curved structural support members located around the top and bottom of the cylinder and by straight structural support members that extend, linearly, from the top to the bottom, where the members Structural support are joined together at their ends. The structural support members define an 880-t circular top panel, 880-1, 880-2, 880-3 and 880-4 rectangular shaped side panels and a circular shaped bottom panel (not shows). Each of the 880-1, 880-2, 880-3 and 880-4 side panels is curved; however, in various embodiments, a part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or virtually everything, or almost all or all of any of the side panels may be approximately flat, virtually flat, almost flat or completely flat . The container 800 includes a dispenser 860, which is configured to dispense one or more fluid products from one or more product volumes located in the container 800. In the mode of Figure 8A, the dispenser 860 is located in the center of the 880-t top panel; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 860 can be located anywhere else on the top, sides or bottom of the container 800. Figure 8B illustrates a front view of the container 800 of Figure 8A, which includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines), any of which may also apply to any side panel of the container 800. The Figure 8C illustrates a side view of the container 800 of Figure 8A. Figure 8D illustrates an isometric view of the container 800 of Figure 8A.

In additional embodiments, any flexible container in an upright position with a structural support frame, as described in the present description, can be configured to have a general shape that corresponds to any other known three-dimensional shape, which includes any kind of polyhedron, and any prismatoid class and any kind of prism (which includes right prisms and uniform prisms).

Figure 9A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a flexible self-sustaining container 900, which has a general shape similar to a square. Figure 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible container 900 of Figure 9A. The container 900 rests in an upright position on a horizontal support surface 901.

In Figure 9B, a coordinate system 910, provides reference lines for addresses in the figure. The coordinate system 910 is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, with an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis. The X axis and the Z axis are parallel with the horizontal support surface 901 and the Y axis is perpendicular to the surface of horizontal support 901.

Figure 9A also includes other reference lines, to refer to places in relation to the container 100. A lateral center line 911 runs parallel to the X axis. An XY plane in the lateral central line 911 separates the container 100 into a front half. and a later half. An XZ plane in the lateral center line 911 separates the container 100 into an upper half and a lower half. A longitudinal center line 914 runs parallel to the Y axis. A YZ plane in the longitudinal center line 914 separates the container 900 into a left half and a right half. A third center line 917 runs parallel to the Z axis. The side center line 911, the longitudinal center line 914 and the third center line 917 all intersect at a center of the container 900. These terms for direction, orientation, measurement and location, in the mode of Figures 9A-9B are equal to the terms of similar numbering in the mode of Figures 1A-1D.

The container 900 includes an upper part 904, a half 906 and a lower part 908, the front part 902-1, the back part 902-2 and the right and left sides 909. In the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B, the upper half and lower half of the container are joined together to a seal 929, which extend around the outer periphery of the container 900. The lower part of the container 900 is similarly configured to the upper part of the container 900.

The container 900 includes a structural support frame 940, a product volume 950, a dispenser 960, an upper panel 980-t and a lower panel (not shown). A portion of the upper panel 980-t is illustrated as sectioned, to show the product volume 950. The product volume 950 is configured to contain one or more fluid products. The dispenser 960 allows the container 900 to dispense this fluid product (s) from the volume of product 950 through a flow channel 959, then through the dispenser 960, to the environment outside the container 900 The structural support frame 940 supports the mass of fluid product (s) in the product volume 950. The upper panel 980-t and the lower panel are relatively flat surfaces, which cover the volume of product 950 and are suitable for displaying any type of distinctive mark.

The structural support frame 940 is formed by a plurality of structural support members. The structural support frame 940 includes structural support members of the front part 943-1 and 943-2, intermediate structural support members 945-1, 945-2, 945-3 and 945-4, as well as support members Structural part of the back 947-1 and 947-2. Generally, each of the structural support members in the container 900 is oriented horizontally. And, each of the structural support members in the container 900 has a cross-sectional area that is practically uniform along its length, although in various embodiments, this cross-sectional area may vary.

The upper structural support members 943-1, 945-1, 945-2 and 947-1 are located in an upper part of the middle 906 and in the upper part 904, while lower structural support members 943-2, 945 -4, 945-3 and 947-2 are located in a lower part of the middle 906 and in the lower part 908. The upper structural support members 943-1, 945-1, 945-2 and 947-1 are located higher and adjacent to the lower structural support members 943-2, 945-4, 945-3 and 947-2, respectively.

In various embodiments, the adjacent upper and lower structural support members may be in contact with each other in one or more places and / or in one or more relatively larger places, along a part, or parts or approximately all, or practically everything, or almost everything, or all of its total lengths, provided there is a separation in the contact for the flow channel 959, between the structural support members 943-1 and 943-2. In the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B, the upper and lower structural support members do not connect directly to each other. However, in various embodiments, the adjacent upper and lower structural support members can be connected, directly, and / or joined together along a part, or parts or about everything, or virtually everything, or almost everything, or the all of its total lengths.

The ends of the structural support members 943-1, 945-2, 947-1 and 945-1 are joined together to form a square of the upper part that is external to and surrounds the product volume 950, and the ends of Structural support members 943-2, 945-3, 947-2 and 945-4 also join together to form a bottom square that is external to and surrounds product volume 950. In the structural support frame 940, the ends of the structural support members, which are joined together, are connected, directly, around the periphery of their walls. However, in various embodiments, any of the structural support members of the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B can be linked together in any manner described in the present description and known in the art.

In alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 940, adjacent structural support members may be combined into a single structural support member, wherein the combined structural support member can be effectively replaced by adjacent structural support members, as described its functions and connections in this description. In other alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 940, one or more additional structural support members may be added to the structural support members in the structural support frame 940, where the expanded structural support frame can be effectively replaced by the Structural support frame 940, as its functions and connections are described in this description.

Figures 10A-11B illustrate flexible self-sustaining packaging modalities (which are not vertical containers) that have various general shapes. Any of the modalities of Figures 10A-11B can be configured according to any of the modalities described in the present description, which include the modalities of Figures 9A-9B. Any of the elements (p. eg, structural support frames, structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the modalities of Figures 10A-11B, can be configured in accordance with any of the modalities described in this description. While each of the modalities of Figures 10A-11B illustrates a package with a dispenser, in various modalities, each package may include multiple dispensers, in accordance with any of the modalities described in this description. The part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or practically everything, or almost all or all of each of the panels in the modalities of Figures 10A-11B is suitable for visualizing any distinctive mark. Each of the panels of the top and bottom in the embodiments of Figures 10A-11B are configured to be a non-structural panel, volume (s) of overlapping product located (s) in the flexible package; however, in various embodiments, one or more of any type of decoration or structural element (such as a rib, protruding from an external surface) can be attached to a part, parts, or near the whole, or approximately all, or virtually all , or almost all or all of any of the side panels. For clarity, not all structural details of these flexible packages are shown in Figures 10A-11B; however, any of the modalities of Figures 10A-11B can be configured to include any structure or feature for flexible packages, described in the present description.

Figure 10A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a flexible self-sustaining container 1000 (which is not a flexible container in vertical position) having a product volume 1050 and a general shape similar to a triangle. However, in various embodiments, a flexible self-sustaining container can have a general shape similar to a polygon having any number of sides. The support frame 1040 is formed by structural support members located along the edges of the triangular shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a triangular shaped 1080-t top panel, and a triangular shaped bottom panel (not shown). The top 1080-t panel and the Bottom panel are approximately flat; however, in various embodiments, the part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or virtually everything, or almost all or all of any of the side panels may be approximately flat, virtually flat, almost flat or completely flat . The container 1000 includes a dispenser 1060, which is configured to dispense one or more fluid products of one or more product volumes located in the container 1000. In the embodiment of Figure 10A, the dispenser 1060 is located in the center of the part lead; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 1060 can be located in any different way on the top, sides or bottom of the container 1000. Figure 10A includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines). Figure 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible container 1000 of Figure 10B, which rests on the horizontal support surface 1001.

Figure 11A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a flexible self-sustaining container 1100 (which is not a flexible container in an upright position) having a product volume 1150 and a general shape similar to a circle. The support frame 1140 is formed by structural support members located around the circumference of the circular shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a circular 1180-t upper panel, and a circular circular lower panel (not shown). The 1180-t upper panel and the lower panel are approximately flat; however, in various embodiments, the part, parts, or near the whole, or about everything, or virtually everything, or almost all or all of any of the side panels may be approximately flat, virtually flat, almost flat or completely flat . The package 1100 includes a dispenser 1160, which is configured to dispense one or more fluid products of one or more product volumes located in the container 1100. In the embodiment of Figure 11A, the dispenser 1160 is located in the center of the part lead; however, in various embodiments, the dispenser 1160 can be located in any different way on the top, sides or bottom of the container 1100. Figure 11A includes alternate or additional illustrative locations for a dispenser (shown as virtual lines). Figure 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container 1100 of Figure 10B, which rests on a horizontal support surface 1101.

In additional embodiments, any self-sustaining package with a structural support frame, as described in the present description, can be configured to have a general shape corresponding to any known three-dimensional shape. For example, any self-sustaining container with a structural support frame, as described in the present description, can be configured to have a general shape (when viewed from a top view) that corresponds to a rectangle, a polygon (which has any number sides), an oval, an ellipse, a star or any shape or combinations of any of these.

Figures 12A-14C illustrate various illustrative dispensers, which can be used with the flexible packages described in the present description. Figure 12A illustrates an isometric view of a 1260-a pull-push dispenser. Figure 12B illustrates an isometric view of the dispenser with a 1260-b lift-off lid. The

Figure 12C illustrates an isometric view of a dispenser with a 1260-c screw cap. Figure 12D illustrates an isometric view of a 1260-d rotary dispenser. Figure 12E illustrates an isometric view of a nozzle dispenser with a cap 1260-d. Figure 13A illustrates an isometric view of a straw dispenser 1360-a. Figure 13B illustrates an isometric view of a straw dispenser with a lid 1360-b. Figure 13C illustrates an isometric view of folding straw dispenser 1360-c. Figure 13D illustrates an isometric view of a straw dispenser with a 1360-d grip valve. Figure 14A illustrates an isometric view of a pump type dispenser 1460-a, which can be, in various embodiments, a foam pump type dispenser. Figure 14B illustrates an isometric view of a 1460-b spray pump dispenser. Figure 14C illustrates an isometric view of gun spray type dispenser 1460-c.

With reference to Figure 15A, a flexible material 2000 for a flexible package may include a first and a second laminar 2010, 2012, with at least a portion of the second laminar 2012 joining at least a portion of the first laminar 2010 by means of the less a 2040 seal. As described above, a flexible package may include a structural support volume and a product volume. As illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, the flexible material 2000 for a flexible package includes a structural support volume forming region 2036 corresponding to the portion of the material to form the structural support volume of the container and a volume forming region of product 2038 corresponding to the portion of the material that forms the volume of product in the container. As described in more detail below, the volume of structural support is provided between the first and second laminations 2010, 2012, while the volume of product is provided between the sides of a sealable layer 2014-1, 2014-2 of the flexible material 2000 (as shown in Figure 20) or between the sealable layers 2014-1, 20142 of two sheets of flexible material 2000-1, 2000-2 each with a first and a second laminar (as shown in the Figure 21). In one embodiment, the flexible material 2000 includes the first and second laminar 2010, 2012 only in the structural support volume forming region. In such embodiments, the flexible material 2000 may include a flexible sheet material, for example, a single layer, a single sheet in the product volume forming region that is different than the flexible material in the region of structural support volume region . For example, the flexible sheet material of the product volume forming region may include only non-sealable layers. In other embodiments, the flexible material 2000 includes the first and second laminar 2010, 2012 in the volume-forming region of

<img file="AR092829A1_D0012.tif" />

structural support and in the region forming the volume of the product.

Again, with reference to Figure 15A, the first laminar 2010 may include a first 2020 gas barrier layer disposed between and directly or indirectly connected to the first and second sealing layers 2014 and 2016. The first and second sealing layers define opposite outer layers of the first laminar 2010.

The second laminar 2012 may include a second gas barrier layer 2022 directly or indirectly connected to a third sealing layer 2018. The third sealing layer defines an outer layer of the second laminar 2012. In various embodiments, the second laminar 2012 only includes a single Sealable layer as an outer layer. For example, as illustrated in Figure 15B, the second sheet 2012 may include the third sealable layer 2018 as an outer layer and a printed layer or other non-sealable layer as the opposite outer layer. In such embodiments, the second laminar 2012 may include one or more additional sealant layers disposed inside the second laminar 2012, such that one or more additional sealant layers are not an outer layer.

Again, with reference to Figure 15B, the first and second laminators 2010, 2012 may further include one or more additional layers such as additional sealing layers, additional gas barrier layers, reinforcing layers, bonding layers, layers printed, layers or coatings of liquid barrier and combinations thereof. For example, in one embodiment, the second laminar 2012 may include a printed layer 2028 defining an outer layer of the second laminar 2012 opposite the third sealing layer 2018. In another embodiment, one or more of the first and second laminators 2010, 2012 they include one or more reinforcement layers 2024 and / or tie layers 2026. Any of the layers of laminates can be provided as a single layer or as a layer of multiple structures having the same or different compositions in the individual layers of the layer of multiple structures that include, for example, nano and microstratified structures. The layer of multiple structures does not need, in addition, that the layers perform the same function in direct contact, other layers can be interposed between the layers of the layer of multiple structures. For example, a reinforcing layer and a gas barrier layer can be provided as a multilayer structure having the reinforcement layers interchangeably layered with the gas barrier layers.

In various embodiments, the first and / or the second laminate 2010, 2012 may include a liquid barrier layer disposed within the laminate, such that the liquid barrier layer is not an outer layer of the laminate. The first and / or the second laminar 2010, 2012 may additionally or alternatively include a liquid barrier coating arranged in one or more of the layers.

In various modalities, the first and second laminar 2010, 2012 may have a different construction. For example, the first and second laminar can have a different amount of layers and / or different types of layers. For example, in one embodiment the first laminate 2010 includes sealable layers as the opposite outer layers of the laminate, while the second 2012 laminate includes a sealable layer as just an outer layer and a non-sealable layer such as a printed layer such as the outer layer. opposite. In another example, the first laminate may comprise a liquid barrier layer to retain moisture in a fluid product while the second laminate does not have a liquid barrier layer.

The flexible materials 2000 according to the embodiments of the description have a sealing resistance and a rolling resistance that allow the flexible material 2000 and the seals to be maintained without separation or delamination when the volume of structural support of the flexible container expands . As described above, for example, the layers of the first and second laminators 2010, 2012 may be configured to have reactive or chemically similar layers in direct contact and / or may include bonding or adhesive layers with the selection of the composition of the bonding or adhesive layer, such that the rolling resistance between each of the layers of the laminate is approximately 2 N / m to approximately 10 000 N / m. Other suitable rolling resistance is described above. For example, the sealable layers are selected such that the seal between the second sealable layer 2016 and the third sealable layer 2018 has a seal strength of about 20 N / m to about 10,000 N / m. Other suitable sealing strengths are described above.

In various embodiments, the flexible material 2000 has a thermal conductivity of about 0.02 W / mK at about 300 W / mK measured at 27 ° C (300 K) and the first, second and third sealable layers 2014, 2016, 2018 have a melting point of about 90 ° C to about 350 ° C, about 0.05 W / mK at about 6 W / mK measured at 27 ° C (300 K) and the first, second and third sealable layers 2014, 2016 , 2018 they have a melting point of about 100 ° C to about 260 ° C, or about 0.1 W / mK at about 1 W / mK measured at 27 ° C (300 K) and the first, second and third sealable layers 2014 , 2016, 2018 have a melting point of approximately 110 ° C to approximately 200 ° C.

In various embodiments, flexible material 2000 has a gas transmission rate in at least the structural support volume forming region of approximately 0.5 cc / m²day MPa at approximately 180 cc / m²MPa day, approximately 0.5 cc / m²MPa day at approximately 30 cc / m²dayMPa, or about 0.5 cc / m²-day-MPa at approximately 10 cc / m² MPa day (approximately 0.05 cc / m² atm day at approximately 18 cc / m² atm day, about 0.05 cc / m² atm day at about 3 cc / m² atm day, or about 0.05 cc / m² atm day at about 1 cc / m² atm day). Other suitable gas transmission rates include approximately 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 , or 180 cc / m²MPa-day (approximately 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17 , or 18 cc / m²dayatm) any interval formed by combining these values.

The flexible materials 2000 of the description when formed in a flexible container are stable and capable of withstanding various efforts during their distribution through the supply chain and to the homes of consumers. The flexible materials 2000 of the description are capable of withstanding variations in temperature from about 0 ° C to about 35 ° C. Flexible containers remain stable against pressure variations due to shipping across different altitudes. At sea level, the atmospheric pressures are approximately 101325 Pa. At the highest shipping point in the United States, the atmospheric pressure is approximately 65,000 Pa. The differential pressure experienced by flexible containers during shipping can cause stress on the container and in the flexible material 2000. The flexible materials of the description advantageously resist deformation under an applied load. For example, flexible materials can exhibit a creep of 0% to 70% over a period of 1 month, or 0% to about 20% over a period of 1.5 years, or from about 0% to about 8% in a period of 3 years, as measured with the use of ASTM 2990-09 in which samples are cut into strips 25.4 mm wide, approximately 200 mm long, a channel length of 50.8 mm and an effort of 5 MPa is applied in approximately 1 second and the effort is maintained at 23 'C for a specified time. The sample length is monitored by clamping movement.

Again, with reference to Figure 15B, in one embodiment, the first sheet 2010 includes a first sealable layer 2014 connected to a first reinforcing layer 2024-1 by a first bonding layer 2026-1, a first gas barrier layer 2020 directly connected to the first reinforcement layer 2024-1, a second reinforcement layer 2024-2 connected directly to the first gas barrier layer 2020 and connected to a second sealable layer 2016 by a connection layer 2026-1. The first and second sealable layers 2014, 2016 may include multiple layers of sealable material. For example, the first and second sealable layers may each include a first sealable material 2014a, 2016a such as a stratified mLLDPE in a second sealable material 2014b, 2016b such as a mixture of LLDPE and LDPE. The first and second tie layers 2026-1, 2026-2 can be ΜΑ-LDPE. The first and second reinforcement layers 2016-1, 2016-2 can be nylon. The first 2020 gas barrier layer can be from EVOH.

The second laminar 2012 may include, in one embodiment, a third sealing layer 2018 connected to a first reinforcing layer 2024-1 by a first joining layer 2026-1, a second gas barrier layer 2022 directly connected to and between the first and the second reinforcing layers 2024-1, 2024-2, and a second bonding layer or adhesive layer 2026-2 connecting a printed layer 2028 to the second reinforcing layer 2024-2. For example, the third sealable layer 2018 may include a first sealable material 2018a such as a stratified mLLDPE in a second sealable material 2018b such as a mixture of LLDPE and LDPE. The second gas barrier layer 2022 may be EVOH. The first and second reinforcement layers 2024-1,2024-2 can be nylon.

The first laminar 2010 may be attached to the second laminar 2012 by at least one seal 2040. For example, at least one seal may join the first sealable layer 2014 or the second sealable layer 2016 of the first laminar 2010 and the third sealable layer 2018 of the second laminar 2012. By way of reference throughout the description, reference will be made to the joining of the second sealable layer 2016 to the third sealable layer 2018, and the first sealable layer 2014 defining an outer layer of the flexible material 2000. It should be understood that the first sealable layer 2014 or the second sealable layer 2016 can be attached to the third sealable layer 2018 by at least one seal with the other of the first sealable layer 2014 or the second sealable layer 2016 defining the outer layer of the flexible material 2000.

With reference to Figure 16, the flexible material 2000 may include at least a first seal 2040 that joins a portion of the first laminate 2010 to a portion of the second laminate 2012. At least a first seal 2040 may define at least a limit 2048 of the volume structural support of the flexible container formed from the flexible material material 2000. At least one first seal 2040 joins a portion of the first sealable layer 2014 of the first laminate 2010 to a portion of the third sealable layer 2018 of the second laminate 2012. For example, at least a first seal 2040, at least partially defines an inner boundary of a volume of structural support from the perspective of the center of the container. The volume of structural support is provided between the first and second laminar 2010, 2012.

As illustrated in Figure 16, flexible material 2000 may include a first region 2030, a second region 2032 and a bent region 2034. The first and second regions 2030, 2032 may each include at least a first seal 2040-1 , 2040.2 that defines at least partially, at least a limit 2048-1, 2048-2 of a volume of structural support that is formed in the first and second regions 2030, 2032. One or more first seals 2040 may be formed to define a limit 2048 of a structural support volume. For example, in some embodiments such as those illustrated in Figure 1, multiple structural support volumes may be included in the flexible package. In such embodiments, the first multiple seals 2040 may be formed in the flexible material 2000, and each defines at least a limit 2048 of one of the structural support volumes. In various embodiments, flexible material 2000 may include a first and second regions 2030, 2032 with a volume of structural support that is provided in only one of the first or second regions 2030, 2032.

Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment in which at least one first seal 2040 is provided in the first and second regions 2030, 2032 as reflected images and are aligned when the flexible material 2000 is folded along a line 2046 in the bent region 2034. In alternative embodiments, the first stamps 2040-1, 2040-2 of the first and second regions 2030, 2032 may be configured such that they overlap at least partially, but are not necessarily reflected images and / or are not necessarily completely aligned when flexible material 2000 bends along line 2046.

With reference to Figure 17, still in another embodiment, at least a second seal 2042 can be extended between the first and second regions 2030, 2032 to define at least an additional limit 2050 of the volume of structural support in the first and second regions 2030, 2032. While Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment in which at least a second seal 2042 is symmetric through a line 2046 between the first and second regions 2030, 2032, it is contemplated that the portion of the second seal 2042 in the first region 2030 may be asymmetric with the portion of the second seal 2042 in the second region 2032. The second seal 2042 in the first region 2030 at least partially overlaps with a portion of the second seal 2042 in the second region 2032 when the flexible material 2000 bends around a line 2046.

With reference to Figure 18, in some embodiments, flexible material 2000 may also include at least one second seal 2042 that joins a portion of the first sealable layer 2014 to a portion of the third sealable layer 2018 and defines at least one 2050 additional limit of structural support volume. For example, at least a second seal 2042 can define an outer limit of the volume of structural support, while at least a first seal 2040 can define an inner limit of the volume of structural support from the perspective of the center of the container. As described above with respect to at least one seal, flexible material 2000 may include at least one second seal 2042-1, 2042, -2 disposed in each of the first and second regions 2030, 2032 of flexible material 2000 , as illustrated in Figure 18. Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment in which the second seals 2042-1, 2042-2 in the first and second regions 2030, 2032 are reflected images and are aligned to overlap when the flexible material 2000 bends along a line 2046.

In various embodiments, a container preform can be formed from a flexible material 2000 having at least a first seal 2040 and optionally at least a second seal 2042 formed in the flexible sheet. In one embodiment, the container preform is formed from a single sheet of flexible material 2000. For example, with reference to Figure 20, the flexible material 2000 may include a first and second regions 2030, 2032 with at least one first seal 2040 formed in the first and second regions 2030, 2032. The flexible material 2000 may be folded along a line 2046, or multiple lines as illustrated in Figure 20, such that the first sealable layer 2014 of the first region 2030 is contacted with the first sealable layer 2014 of the second region 2032. At least a third seal (not shown) can be formed in flexible foil that joins the first sealable layer 2014 of the first region 2030 to the first sealable layer 2014 of the second region 2032 to define at least a limit 2052 of the product volume .

With reference to Figure 21, the container preform can be formed from two or more sheets of flexible material 2000-1, 2000-2. Figure 19 illustrates the first and second sheets of flexible material 2000-1 and 2000-2. For example, the container preform can be formed by contacting the first sealable layer 2014-1 of the first flexible material 2000-1 with the first sealable layer 2014-2 of the second flexible material 2000-1 with at least a third seal which joins the first sealable layer 2014-1 of the first flexible material 2000 to the first sealable layer 2014-2 of the second flexible material 2000-2. One or more sheets of additional flexible material 2000 or other film materials may also be included in the formation of the container preform, for example, such as forming a V-cut region. As described above, sheets of flexible material 2000-1 and 2000-2 may also include, at least, each at least one second seal 2042-1, 2042-2 which defines at least one additional limit 2050-1, 2050- 2 of the volume of structure support in each of the first and second flexible sheets 2000-1, 2000-2.

In some embodiments, for example, when the flexible material (s) 2000 has only a first seal 2040 that defines at least a limit 2048 of the volume of structural support (as shown in Figure 16 ), at least a third seal 2044 may further define at least an additional limit 2050 of the volume of structural support, as well as at least a limit of the volume of product. In other embodiments, for example, when the flexible material 2000 has a first and a second seal 2040, 2042 (as shown in Figure 18), at least a third seal 2044 can be formed for at least a portion of at least one Second seal 2042 to define at least one product volume limit. In some embodiments, at least a third seal 2044 can completely overlap with at least a second seal 2042. In some embodiments, at least a third seal 2044 does not overlap with the first or second stamps 2040, 2042.

In any of the modalities described above, the first, second and / or third seals may be formed to have a small opening or space to allow structural support volumes and / or product volume to be filled with the material of desired expansion (in the volume of structural support) or product (in the volume of product). One or more additional seals may be formed after filling the respective volumes of the container during the formation of the container.

As described above, the flexible package includes a volume of structural support that in some embodiments can be expanded and pressurized with a gas. The flexible material 2000 according to the embodiments of the description can provide a gas barrier in at least the structural support volume to ensure that sufficient pressurization is maintained in the structural support volume during shelf life of the flexible container. For example, a package can have a structural support volume pressed at a gauge pressure of about 41,300 Pa to about 55,140 Pa, and the flexible material 2000 in at least the volume of structural support can provide a sufficient gas barrier transmission of such that the volume of structural support loses less than approximately 6890 Pa to approximately 20,678 Pa in approximately one month, in approximately six months, in about a year, or in about two years.

To further improve the structural properties of the flexible material 2000, the flexible container may be treated to crosslink one or more layers of laminates of the flexible material 2000. For example, the flexible container may be exposed to electron beam radiation to crosslink a or more layers of the laminar. Examples

In the following examples, creep was measured in accordance with ASTM 2990-09. Samples were cut into strips 25.4 mm wide, approximately 200 mm long and a 50.8 mm channel length was used. An effort of 5 MPa was applied in approximately 1 second and the effort was maintained at 23 ° C for a specified time. The sample extension was monitored by clamping displacement.

The tensile properties of the material were measured in accordance with ASTM D882-12 with the use of a 25.4 mm wide film, a 50 mm gauge length and a crosshead speed of 5 mm / min.

Mocon oxygen transmission was measured with the use of MOCON equipment in accordance with ASTM F2622-08.

The composition and thickness of the layers of the laminates were measured by FTIR, fractionation by increasing elution temperature (TREF) and SEM analysis.

Example 1:

A first laminate with ordered layers was formed as shown below. The total film thickness was approximately 90 microns. The PE layers were a mixture of 90% LLDPE (ZN) with 10% LDPE as determined by fractionation by increasing elution temperature (TREF).

Composition and order of PE layers

Bonding layer Nylon EVOH Nylon

Layer thickness (microns) &lt;2 ~ 3 ~ 3

Function

Sealable layer Joint layer Reinforcement layer Gas barrier Reinforcement layer

<td>EVE</td><td> 22</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>Nylon</td><td> -3</td><td>Reinforcement layer</td>

<td>EVOH</td><td> 6</td><td>Gas barrier</td>

<td>Nylon</td><td> ~3</td><td>Reinforcement layer</td>

<td>Bonding layer</td><td> &lt;2</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>PE</td><td> 18</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

The first sheet had the following creep: 5 MPa; 23 ° C

Tension properties

OTR MOCON properties.

0.4% change in 4 hours Module: 870 MPa% creep voltage: 2.5%

Creep Effort: 20 MPa

1.61E-5 cc / cm².day (0.0104 cc / 100 in.²day)

Example 2:

A first laminate with ordered layers was formed as shown below. The total film thickness was approximately 92 microns. The PE layers were 100% LLDPE (ZN) as determined by fractionation by increasing elution temperature (TREF).

<td>Composition and order of the layers</td><td>Layer thickness</td><td>Function</td>

<td>PE</td><td>42 pm</td><td>Sealing layer</td>

<td>Bonding layer</td><td>&lt;2 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>Nylon 6</td><td>18 pm</td><td>Gas barrier / reinforcement layer</td>

<td>Bonding layer</td><td>&lt;2 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>PE</td><td>28 pm</td><td>Sealing layer</td>

<td colspan="3">The first sheet had the following properties:</td>

<td>Creep: 5 MPa; 23 ° C</td><td></td><td>1.9% change in 4 hours</td>

<td></td><td></td><td>Module: 480 MPa</td>

<td>Tension properties</td><td></td><td>% creep stress: 3%</td>

Creep Effort: 13.5 MPa

<img file="AR092829A1_D0013.tif" />

Example 3:

A first laminate with ordered layers was formed as shown below. The total film thickness was approximately 80 microns. The PE layers were mostly LDPE with a small amount of LLDPE (ZN) as determined by fractionation by increasing elution temperature (TREF).

Composition and order of layers

PE

EVOH bonding layer

PE bonding layer

Layer thickness pm &lt;2 pm 12 pm &lt;2 pm 32 pm

Function

Sealable layer Joint layer Gas barrier Joint layer Sealable layer

The first sheet had the following properties:

Creep resistance: 5 MPa; 23 ° C

Tension properties

0.7% change in 4 hours

Module: 708 MPa% creep stress: 2.5% Creep stress: 15 MPa

Example 4:

A second sheet was formed with ordered layers as shown below. The total film thickness was approximately 66 microns.

<td>Composition and order of the layers</td><td>Layer thickness</td><td>Function</td>

<td>PET</td><td>9 pm</td><td>Printed layer</td>

<td>Adhesive</td><td>~ 3 pm</td><td>Bonding / Adhesive Layer</td>

<td>vm-BOPP</td><td>18 pm</td><td>Gas and water barrier</td>

<td>Adhesive</td><td>-3 pm</td><td>Bonding / Adhesive Layer</td>

<td>LLDPE / LDPE mix</td><td>38 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

<td colspan="2">The first sheet had the following properties:</td><td></td>

<td>Creep: 5 MPa; 23 ° C</td><td colspan="2">0.4% change in 4 hours</td>

<td></td><td colspan="2">Module: 1208 MPa</td>

<td>Tension properties</td><td colspan="2">% creep stress: 2.5%</td>

Creep Effort: 25 MPa

<img file="AR092829A1_D0014.tif" />

Example 5:

A first laminate with ordered layers was formed as shown below. The total film thickness was approximately 91.4 microns. The composition and thickness of the adhesive can be adjusted to achieve the desired rolling resistance.

<td>Composition and order of the layers</td><td>Layer thickness</td><td>Function</td>

<td>LLDPE / LDPE mix</td><td>38 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

<td>Adhesive</td><td>~ 3 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>Bm-oriented vm nylon (BON)</td><td>18 pm</td><td>Gas barrier</td>

<td>Adhesive</td><td>~ 3 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>LLDPE / LDPE mix</td><td>38 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

<td colspan="2">The first sheet had the following properties:</td><td></td>

Creep: 5 MPa; 23 ° C 1.3% change in 4 hours

Module: 712 MPa

Tension properties% of creep stress: 3%

Creep Effort: 15 MPa

Example 6:

A second sheet was formed with ordered layers as shown below. The total film thickness was approximately 91.4 microns. The composition and thickness of the adhesive can be adjusted to achieve the desired rolling resistance. The Printed layer and the sealable layers were confirmed by TREF that have mostly LLDPE (ZN) with a small amount of LDPE. The printed layer became printable by a corona treatment of the layer. The corona treatment further degrades the sealability of the layer, such that the second sheet of this example would be considered to have only one sealable layer.

Composition and order of the ~ ^{K 3} Layer thickness Layers function

LLDPE (ZN) / LDPE sealant (treated with 32.85 pm Crown Printed Layer)

<td>Bonding layer</td><td>~ 3 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>Nylon</td><td>8.34 pm</td><td>Reinforcement layer</td>

<td>EVOH</td><td>40.03 pm</td><td>Gas barrier layer</td>

<td>Nylon</td><td>8.85 pm</td><td>Reinforcement layer</td>

<td>Bonding layer</td><td>~ 3 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>LLDPE (ZN) / LDPE metallocene</td><td>43 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

Example 7:

A second sheet was formed with ordered layers as shown below. The total film thickness was approximately 66 microns. The composition and thickness of the adhesive can be adjusted to achieve rolling resistance

<td colspan="3">desired.</td>

<td>Composition and order of the layers</td><td>Layer thickness</td><td>Function</td>

<td>PET</td><td>9 pm</td><td>Printed layer</td>

<td>Adhesive</td><td>~ 3 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>vm-BOPP</td><td>15 pm</td><td>Gas barrier layer and liquid barrier layer</td>

<td>Adhesive</td><td>~ 3 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>LLDPE / LDPE mix</td><td>38 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

The second sheet had the following properties:

Creep: 5 MPa; 23 ° C 0% change in 4 hours

Module: 1330 MPa

Tension properties% of creep stress: 3%

Creep Effort: 25 MPa

Example 8:

A first sheet with ordered layers as shown below has a total sheet thickness of approximately 115 microns.

Composition and order of the ~ _rar;_QC Layer thickness Function pm pm

Sealing layer Sealing layer mLLDPE

LLDPE / LDPE mix

<td>MA-LDPE</td><td>4 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>Nylon</td><td>8 pm</td><td>Reinforcement layer</td>

<td>EVOH</td><td>15 pm</td><td>Gas barrier layer</td>

<td>Nylon</td><td>8 pm</td><td>Reinforcement layer</td>

<td>MA-LDPE</td><td>4 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>LLDPE / LDPE mix</td><td>35 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

<td>mLLDPE</td><td>3 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

The second sheet with ordered layers as shown below has a total sheet thickness of approximately 126 microns.

<td>Composition and order of the layers</td><td>Layer thickness</td><td>Function</td>

<td>BOPP</td><td>20 pm</td><td>Printed layer</td>

<td>ink</td><td>~ 2 pm</td><td>ink</td>

<td>Adhesive</td><td>~ 3 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>LLDPE / LDPE mix</td><td>25 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

<td>MA-LDPE</td><td>~ 4 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>Nylon</td><td>8 pm</td><td>Reinforcement layer</td>

<td>EVOH</td><td>15 pm</td><td>Gas barrier layer</td>

<td>Nylon</td><td>8 pm</td><td>Reinforcement layer</td>

<td>MA-LDPE</td><td>~ 4 pm</td><td>Bonding layer</td>

<td>LLDPE / LDPE mix</td><td>35 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

<td>mLLDPE</td><td>3 pm</td><td>Sealable layer</td>

A part, parts or all of any of the modalities described in the present description may be combined with a part, parts or all other modalities known in the field of flexible packaging, including those described below.

The modalities of the present description may use any and all modalities of materials, structures and / or characteristics for flexible packages, as well as any and all methods for manufacturing and / or using said flexible packages, as described in the following applications for US provisional patents UU: (1) application no. 61/643813 filed on May 7, 2012, entitled “Film Based Containers” (applicant case 12464P); (2) application no. 61/643823 filed on 07

<img file="AR092829A1_D0015.tif" />

May 2012, entitled “Film Based Contalners” (applicant case 12465P); (3) application no. 61/676042 filed on July 26, 2012, entitled “Film Based Container Having a Decoration Panel” (applicant case 12559P); (4) application no. 61/727961 filed on November 19, 2012 entitled “Contalners Made from Flexible Material” (applicant case 12559P2); (5) application no. 61/680045 filed on August 6, 2012, entitled “Methods of Making Film Based Contalners” (applicant case 12579P); and (6) application no. 61/780039 filed on March 13, 2013 entitled “Flexible Contalners with Multiple Product Volumes” (applicant case 12785P); each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

A part, parts or all of the modalities described in this description can be combined, in addition, with a part, parts or all other modalities known in the field of packaging for fluid products, provided that these modalities can be applied to flexible packages , as described in the present description. For example, in various embodiments, a flexible package may include a vertically oriented transparent strip, placed in a portion of the package that covers the product volume and configured to show the level of the fluid product in the product volume.

The dimensions and values ​​set forth herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​mentioned. Instead, unless specified in any other way, each of these dimensions will mean both the mentioned value and a functionally equivalent range that includes that value. For example, a dimension described as "40 mm" refers to "approximately 40 mm".

All documents mentioned in this Invention, including any cross-reference or related patent or patent publication, are hereby incorporated in their entirety in the present Invention as a reference, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. Mention of any document does not represent an admission that it constitutes a preceding industry with respect to any document described or claimed herein or that alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, instructs, suggests or describes such modality. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document contradicts any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this document shall govern.

While particular modalities have been illustrated and described herein

<img file="AR092829A1_D0016.tif" />

description, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the claimed matter. In addition, although various aspects of the subject matter claimed in the present description have been described, such aspects need not be used in combination. It is intended, therefore, that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.