CA2712761A1 - Spout for flexible fluid reservoirs - Google Patents
Spout for flexible fluid reservoirs Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2712761A1 CA2712761A1 CA2712761A CA2712761A CA2712761A1 CA 2712761 A1 CA2712761 A1 CA 2712761A1 CA 2712761 A CA2712761 A CA 2712761A CA 2712761 A CA2712761 A CA 2712761A CA 2712761 A1 CA2712761 A1 CA 2712761A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- spout
- weld interface
- film
- neck portion
- generally flexible
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920000092 linear low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004707 linear low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004807 localization Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920010126 Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036571 hydration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006703 hydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000116 mitigating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5861—Spouts
- B65D75/5872—Non-integral spouts
- B65D75/5883—Non-integral spouts connected to the package at the sealed junction of two package walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
- B29C66/1122—Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
- B29C66/133—Fin-type joints, the parts to be joined being flexible
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/21—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being formed by a single dot or dash or by several dots or dashes, i.e. spot joining or spot welding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
- B29C66/234—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being in the form of tessellations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/24—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight
- B29C66/242—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/32—Measures for keeping the burr form under control; Avoiding burr formation; Shaping the burr
- B29C66/322—Providing cavities in the joined article to collect the burr
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/343—Making tension-free or wrinkle-free joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/532—Joining single elements to the wall of tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/5326—Joining single elements to the wall of tubular articles, hollow articles or bars said single elements being substantially flat
- B29C66/53261—Enclosing tubular articles between substantially flat elements
- B29C66/53262—Enclosing spouts between the walls of bags, e.g. of medical bags
- B29C66/53263—Enclosing spouts between the walls of bags, e.g. of medical bags said spouts comprising wings, e.g. said spouts being of ship-like or canoe-like form to avoid leaks in the corners
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/731—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/7311—Thermal properties
- B29C66/73115—Melting point
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/731—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/7311—Thermal properties
- B29C66/73115—Melting point
- B29C66/73116—Melting point of different melting point, i.e. the melting point of one of the parts to be joined being different from the melting point of the other part
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/04—Dielectric heating, e.g. high-frequency welding, i.e. radio frequency welding of plastic materials having dielectric properties, e.g. PVC
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/342—Preventing air-inclusions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2023/04—Polymers of ethylene
- B29K2023/06—PE, i.e. polyethylene
- B29K2023/0608—PE, i.e. polyethylene characterised by its density
- B29K2023/0625—LLDPE, i.e. linear low density polyethylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2023/04—Polymers of ethylene
- B29K2023/06—PE, i.e. polyethylene
- B29K2023/0608—PE, i.e. polyethylene characterised by its density
- B29K2023/065—HDPE, i.e. high density polyethylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
- B29K2995/0037—Other properties
- B29K2995/0082—Flexural strength; Flexion stiffness
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Tubes (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
Spouts, particularly for flexible fluid reservoirs, include a generally cylindrical neck portion and a pair of opposed, generally triangular portions extending laterally there from characterized as spout-film or spout weld interface(s). Invention embodiments include use of a spout material having a melting temperature that is closely matched to at least a portion of film-spout or film weld interface(s), which are part of the flexible fluid reservoir film; use of spout weld interface surface characteristics characterized as substantially flat and/or smooth, and/or characterized as negative relief surface features such as holes or depressions; use of at least one stress delocalizing feature characterized as flexible appendages, preferably at the convergence of opposing sides of a spout (the apex of the triangular portions) or at neck portions that form a portion of the spout weld interfaces, which depend beyond the spout weld interface and into the reservoir; and/or use of spout edges and/or portions of the spout weld interfaces that are flexible in comparison to the neck portion of the spout.
Description
SPOUT FOR FLEXIBLE FLUID RESERVOIRS
BACKGROUND
In the field of flexible fluid reservoirs, particularly those comprised of two opposing panels of film selectively bonded together and incorporating a closable spout there between, attention has been directed to providing a secure and durable bond between the opposing panels of film and the spout. To enhance the nature of bond between the films and the spout, various approaches have been taken, including inclusion of surface features such as ribs, lands and/or grooves in the spout. While intended to address a perceived problem, such solutions were not without deficiencies. Moreover, little.
attention has been paid to the parameters surrounding the components, namely the spout and the film, with respect to the chemical properties thereof, and how best to optimize the same'.
Turning first to issues pertaining to the physical attributes of the spout, spout rib geometries of the. prior art generally produced excessive pressure at the weld interface, causing the material of-the film subject to bonding.with the spout to be displaced rather than bond with adjacent material on the spout rib. As this material was displaced, the remaining film at this location was considerably weakened, making it particularly subject to tearing.
In addition to the foregoing, prior art spouts often included a spout geometry that resulted in stress concentration at the spout corners (in most forms, the spout corners are considered those locations where the two generally opposing side surfaces of the spout's weld interface converge) when the reservoir was filled to near capacity. This intrinsic stress was greatly amplified when the reservoir was subjected to additional loads such as those experienced during "drop-testing". In addition, conventional spout geometries, particularly in conjunction with stiff material selection, created high stress and abrasion of the film where it wrapped around the internal edge of the spout. This could result in premature failure of the film in this area.
As noted above, prior art spouts for flexible fluid reservoirs were not known to possess nor designed to possess melting temperatures that were matched to that of target films intended to be heat or radio frequency (RF) welded thereto. As a consequence, when such a spout and target film were subjected to such welding, desired bonding qualities were not always achieved. While one solution was to apply excess heat and/or pressure to accommodate these disparities, such a solution jeopardized material performance features, particularly in the more susceptible films. In certain instances, the melt temperature of the spout base material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), was 8 C higher than the base material of the film's bonding layer, such as linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), which resulted in a less than desirable final weld. As a consequence, flexible fluid reservoirs constructed from a film material that was welded to such a spout would experience preventable failures at this interface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is intended to provide a spout, particularly for flexible fluid reservoirs comprising opposing film panels such as the type broadly characterized as personal hydration reservoirs, which minimizes stresses and abrasion resulting from manufacture and/or use of such reservoirs as well as enhances the strength of the weld/bond between the films and the spout. The various invention embodiments minimize stresses to and abrasion of the film(s) comprising such reservoirs by exploiting certain spout geometries, and enhances the strength of the weld/bond between the films and the spout through material selection and spout surface characteristics, the details of which will be disclosed in the following paragraphs.
Each spout according to the invention comprises a generally cylindrical neck portion and a pair of opposed, generally triangular portions, extending laterally there from that comprise a spout-film interface (also referred to herein as a "spout weld interface"). The neck portion includes an axis that is congruent with a longitudinal direction.
Depending upon embodiments, the spout weld interface(s) may comprise one or more portions of the neck portion.
BACKGROUND
In the field of flexible fluid reservoirs, particularly those comprised of two opposing panels of film selectively bonded together and incorporating a closable spout there between, attention has been directed to providing a secure and durable bond between the opposing panels of film and the spout. To enhance the nature of bond between the films and the spout, various approaches have been taken, including inclusion of surface features such as ribs, lands and/or grooves in the spout. While intended to address a perceived problem, such solutions were not without deficiencies. Moreover, little.
attention has been paid to the parameters surrounding the components, namely the spout and the film, with respect to the chemical properties thereof, and how best to optimize the same'.
Turning first to issues pertaining to the physical attributes of the spout, spout rib geometries of the. prior art generally produced excessive pressure at the weld interface, causing the material of-the film subject to bonding.with the spout to be displaced rather than bond with adjacent material on the spout rib. As this material was displaced, the remaining film at this location was considerably weakened, making it particularly subject to tearing.
In addition to the foregoing, prior art spouts often included a spout geometry that resulted in stress concentration at the spout corners (in most forms, the spout corners are considered those locations where the two generally opposing side surfaces of the spout's weld interface converge) when the reservoir was filled to near capacity. This intrinsic stress was greatly amplified when the reservoir was subjected to additional loads such as those experienced during "drop-testing". In addition, conventional spout geometries, particularly in conjunction with stiff material selection, created high stress and abrasion of the film where it wrapped around the internal edge of the spout. This could result in premature failure of the film in this area.
As noted above, prior art spouts for flexible fluid reservoirs were not known to possess nor designed to possess melting temperatures that were matched to that of target films intended to be heat or radio frequency (RF) welded thereto. As a consequence, when such a spout and target film were subjected to such welding, desired bonding qualities were not always achieved. While one solution was to apply excess heat and/or pressure to accommodate these disparities, such a solution jeopardized material performance features, particularly in the more susceptible films. In certain instances, the melt temperature of the spout base material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), was 8 C higher than the base material of the film's bonding layer, such as linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), which resulted in a less than desirable final weld. As a consequence, flexible fluid reservoirs constructed from a film material that was welded to such a spout would experience preventable failures at this interface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is intended to provide a spout, particularly for flexible fluid reservoirs comprising opposing film panels such as the type broadly characterized as personal hydration reservoirs, which minimizes stresses and abrasion resulting from manufacture and/or use of such reservoirs as well as enhances the strength of the weld/bond between the films and the spout. The various invention embodiments minimize stresses to and abrasion of the film(s) comprising such reservoirs by exploiting certain spout geometries, and enhances the strength of the weld/bond between the films and the spout through material selection and spout surface characteristics, the details of which will be disclosed in the following paragraphs.
Each spout according to the invention comprises a generally cylindrical neck portion and a pair of opposed, generally triangular portions, extending laterally there from that comprise a spout-film interface (also referred to herein as a "spout weld interface"). The neck portion includes an axis that is congruent with a longitudinal direction.
Depending upon embodiments, the spout weld interface(s) may comprise one or more portions of the neck portion.
2 For purposes of this patent, the terms "area", "boundary", "part", "portion", "surface", "zone", and their synonyms, equivalents and plural forms, as may be used herein and by way of example, are intended to provide descriptive references or landmarks with respect to the article and/or process being described. These and similar or equivalent terms are not intended, nor should be inferred, to delimit or define per se elements of the referenced article, unless specifically stated as such or facially clear from the several drawings and/or the context in which the term(s) is/are used.
Specifically as used herein, reference to a "weld interface" also includes the plural form and vice versa, and should not be inferred as limiting the embodiments or claimed invention to one form or the other based solely upon term selection and usage.
Certain spout embodiments of the invention comprise at least one material having a melting temperature, at least at spout weld interfaces thereof, which is closely matched to at least a portion of film-spout interfaces that that are part of a flexible fluid reservoir film (also referred to herein as "film weld interface(s)"). By closely matching the melt temperatures of the contacting materials at the film/spout weld interfaces, preferably at least within 5 C and most preferably within 2 C, undesirable material displacement at the weld interfaces can be eliminated (presuming substantially homogeneous material temperatures). Research has shown that by reducing and preferably eliminating material displacement during the welding process, weld and/or material failures that might otherwise occur at the weld interface, and/or at areas of the film immediately adjacent to such interfaces, are significantly reduced. Thus, the film weld interfaces, which is usually, but not always, an inner surface of the film at such interface, comprises a material, preferably a LLDPE, that has a melting temperature closely matched to the melting temperature of the material at the spout weld interface, which is usually, but not always, an outer surface of the spout, which is also preferably a LLDPE. In such preferred compositions comprising LLDPE at the film and spout weld interfaces, a convenient means for matching melting temperature requirements is thereby provided.
Specifically as used herein, reference to a "weld interface" also includes the plural form and vice versa, and should not be inferred as limiting the embodiments or claimed invention to one form or the other based solely upon term selection and usage.
Certain spout embodiments of the invention comprise at least one material having a melting temperature, at least at spout weld interfaces thereof, which is closely matched to at least a portion of film-spout interfaces that that are part of a flexible fluid reservoir film (also referred to herein as "film weld interface(s)"). By closely matching the melt temperatures of the contacting materials at the film/spout weld interfaces, preferably at least within 5 C and most preferably within 2 C, undesirable material displacement at the weld interfaces can be eliminated (presuming substantially homogeneous material temperatures). Research has shown that by reducing and preferably eliminating material displacement during the welding process, weld and/or material failures that might otherwise occur at the weld interface, and/or at areas of the film immediately adjacent to such interfaces, are significantly reduced. Thus, the film weld interfaces, which is usually, but not always, an inner surface of the film at such interface, comprises a material, preferably a LLDPE, that has a melting temperature closely matched to the melting temperature of the material at the spout weld interface, which is usually, but not always, an outer surface of the spout, which is also preferably a LLDPE. In such preferred compositions comprising LLDPE at the film and spout weld interfaces, a convenient means for matching melting temperature requirements is thereby provided.
3 In certain embodiments of the invention, pre-welded or exposed spout and/or film weld interface material may not be the primary or ultimate bonding media, but may be removed or overcome during the bonding process (as in the case of a volatile coating that is flashed or becomes a flux during bonding operations). However, in presently preferred embodiments, the pre-bonded spout and/or film weld interfaces comprise the closely matched melting temperature materials that form a suitable bond during a bonding or welding process comprising the application of heat and/or radio frequency (RF) energy. Thus, weld material selection is not constrained to that of the spout and/or film outermost or exposed surface, but to the functional material (surface) exposed during bonding operations.
Spout embodiments of the invention also may provide for enhanced spout weld interface surface and sectional characteristics as well as geometries. The surface characteristics comprise substantially flat and/or smooth surfaces, which permit uniform and/or lower material compression pressure to be used during welding, when compared to the prior art. By minimizing sectional thickness differences in adjacent portions of the spout weld interfaces, e.g., no substantial ridges, lands, protrusions or similar positive relief features reside on at least a substantial portion of the spout weld interfaces, displacement/extrusion of film weld interface material(s) is thus greatly minimized. As a consequence, film thickness and integrity at and proximate to the film weld interface can be maintained during and after the bonding process.
Certain embodiments of the immediately preceding type may also comprise negative relief surface features such as holes or depressions defined by the spout weld interface surfaces. As opposed to positive relief surface features, negative relief surface features such as depressions or holes beneficially permit air entrapped between film and spout weld interfaces during boding to escape or not adversely affect the desired weld, thus enhancing the film-to-spout bond. Additionally, such surface features also may accept displaced film/spout material, further enhancing the nature of the bond there between.
Spout embodiments of the invention also may provide for enhanced spout weld interface surface and sectional characteristics as well as geometries. The surface characteristics comprise substantially flat and/or smooth surfaces, which permit uniform and/or lower material compression pressure to be used during welding, when compared to the prior art. By minimizing sectional thickness differences in adjacent portions of the spout weld interfaces, e.g., no substantial ridges, lands, protrusions or similar positive relief features reside on at least a substantial portion of the spout weld interfaces, displacement/extrusion of film weld interface material(s) is thus greatly minimized. As a consequence, film thickness and integrity at and proximate to the film weld interface can be maintained during and after the bonding process.
Certain embodiments of the immediately preceding type may also comprise negative relief surface features such as holes or depressions defined by the spout weld interface surfaces. As opposed to positive relief surface features, negative relief surface features such as depressions or holes beneficially permit air entrapped between film and spout weld interfaces during boding to escape or not adversely affect the desired weld, thus enhancing the film-to-spout bond. Additionally, such surface features also may accept displaced film/spout material, further enhancing the nature of the bond there between.
4
5 PCT/US2009/000481 The skilled practitioner should appreciate that with respect to the foregoing, spouts having weld interfaces comprising lands and grooves are not equivalent to weld interfaces comprising a generally smooth surface (no positive relief features) but also defining negative relief features, which may include linear negative reliefs.
In the former instance, the peaks of the lands do not constitute a "surface" within the meaning of this patent; "surface" as used herein denotes the nominal surface of the material.
Moreover, negative surface features of the various invention embodiments are generally limited by the sectional thickness of the spout weld interface; positive relief features have no equivalent limitation.
In addition to the foregoing, spout embodiments,of the invention also may comprise at least one stress delocalizing feature ("SDF"), which is particularly useful when spouts according to the invention are used with flexible fluid reservoirs having opposing film panels at the spout weld interface. As. noted previously, displacement of reservoir panels at the spout weld interfaces causes the localization of stress along the free edge.
of the interfaces. This stress localization is often a precursor condition to failure of the weld/bond at the spout/panel weld interfaces. By incorporating at least one SDF, stresses otherwise directed to the interfaces are distributed over a wider area (of both the spout and the panels), thereby reducing the likelihood of failure at the interfaces.
One form of SDF comprises flexible appendages, preferably at the convergence of opposing sides of a spout (the apex of the triangular portions) or at neck portions that form a portion of the spout weld interfaces, which depend beyond the spout weld interface and into the reservoir. These flexible appendages are functionally hinged to the spout weld interfaces such that upon divergent flexing of the opposing film panels, resulting "peeling" forces from the panels to the spout are also imparted to the SDF, thereby reducing the imparted forces to the panels. Thus, the geometry of the SDFs is such that a weld between the spout and the panel experiences reduced peel stress in favor of shear stress. The remaining peel stress is generally directed to the spout itself, which is considerably stronger than the film.
Desirably, SDFs according to several invention embodiments do not have a constant longitudinal profile, nor necessarily a linear edge. A tapered form, preferably comprising a curvilinear edge, appears to most effectively delocalize forces that would otherwise be directed to the spout weld interface.
The prior art heavily relies upon spouts that have a generally rigid body, which is desirable at the spout neck portion where a cap may be fitted, but causes localized stress and abrasion of the flexible film panels when and where bonded thereto.
Selected embodiments of the invention may also therefore include spout edges and/or portions of the spout weld interfaces that are flexible in comparison to the neck portion of the spout. Such an arrangement significantly reduce stress and abrasion of the film panels in this area by permitting portions of the spout to flex in response to flexing of the film panels, as opposed to localizing stresses at the spout weld interface periphery.
This flexing ability also constitutes a form of an SDF.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. I is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention shown welded to a flexible fluid container;
Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the invention with alternative weld interface treatments, the left side-illustrating a spout weld interface comprising a plurality of negative relief elements and the right side illustrating a spout weld interface comprising a plurality of holes;
Fig. 3A is a cross section taken substantially along the lines 3A-3A in Fig.
2;
Fig. 3B is a cross section taken substantially along the lines 3B-3B in Fig.
2;
Fig. 4 is an end elevation view of the first embodiment;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the second embodiment;
Fig. 7 is an end elevation view of the second embodiment; and Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment.
In the former instance, the peaks of the lands do not constitute a "surface" within the meaning of this patent; "surface" as used herein denotes the nominal surface of the material.
Moreover, negative surface features of the various invention embodiments are generally limited by the sectional thickness of the spout weld interface; positive relief features have no equivalent limitation.
In addition to the foregoing, spout embodiments,of the invention also may comprise at least one stress delocalizing feature ("SDF"), which is particularly useful when spouts according to the invention are used with flexible fluid reservoirs having opposing film panels at the spout weld interface. As. noted previously, displacement of reservoir panels at the spout weld interfaces causes the localization of stress along the free edge.
of the interfaces. This stress localization is often a precursor condition to failure of the weld/bond at the spout/panel weld interfaces. By incorporating at least one SDF, stresses otherwise directed to the interfaces are distributed over a wider area (of both the spout and the panels), thereby reducing the likelihood of failure at the interfaces.
One form of SDF comprises flexible appendages, preferably at the convergence of opposing sides of a spout (the apex of the triangular portions) or at neck portions that form a portion of the spout weld interfaces, which depend beyond the spout weld interface and into the reservoir. These flexible appendages are functionally hinged to the spout weld interfaces such that upon divergent flexing of the opposing film panels, resulting "peeling" forces from the panels to the spout are also imparted to the SDF, thereby reducing the imparted forces to the panels. Thus, the geometry of the SDFs is such that a weld between the spout and the panel experiences reduced peel stress in favor of shear stress. The remaining peel stress is generally directed to the spout itself, which is considerably stronger than the film.
Desirably, SDFs according to several invention embodiments do not have a constant longitudinal profile, nor necessarily a linear edge. A tapered form, preferably comprising a curvilinear edge, appears to most effectively delocalize forces that would otherwise be directed to the spout weld interface.
The prior art heavily relies upon spouts that have a generally rigid body, which is desirable at the spout neck portion where a cap may be fitted, but causes localized stress and abrasion of the flexible film panels when and where bonded thereto.
Selected embodiments of the invention may also therefore include spout edges and/or portions of the spout weld interfaces that are flexible in comparison to the neck portion of the spout. Such an arrangement significantly reduce stress and abrasion of the film panels in this area by permitting portions of the spout to flex in response to flexing of the film panels, as opposed to localizing stresses at the spout weld interface periphery.
This flexing ability also constitutes a form of an SDF.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. I is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention shown welded to a flexible fluid container;
Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the invention with alternative weld interface treatments, the left side-illustrating a spout weld interface comprising a plurality of negative relief elements and the right side illustrating a spout weld interface comprising a plurality of holes;
Fig. 3A is a cross section taken substantially along the lines 3A-3A in Fig.
2;
Fig. 3B is a cross section taken substantially along the lines 3B-3B in Fig.
2;
Fig. 4 is an end elevation view of the first embodiment;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the second embodiment;
Fig. 7 is an end elevation view of the second embodiment; and Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment.
6 DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION EMBODIMENTS
Preface: The terminal end of any numeric lead line in the several drawings, when associated with any structure, reference or landmark described in this section, is intended to representatively identify and associate such structure, reference or landmark with respect to the written description of such object. It is-not intended, nor should be inferred, to delimit or define per se boundaries of the referenced object, unless specifically stated as such or facially clear from the drawings and the context in which the term(s) is/are used. Unless specifically stated as such or facially clear from the several drawings and the context in which the term(s) is/are used, all words and visual aids should be given their common commercial and/or scientific meaning consistent with the context of the disclosure herein.
Turning then to the several drawings, wherein like parts are are numbered the same, and more particularly to Figs. 1-4, a first embodiment of the invention is shown.
Here, spout 10 includes neck portion 20 having external threads 26 formed on outer surface 24 thereof. Neck portion 20 further includes portions 28 that comprise part of spout weld interfaces 30.
Spout weld interfaces 30 generally include extensions 32a and 32b, each having spout weld interface surfaces 34a and 34b. These surfaces, in conjunction with neck portions 28, form the entirety of the surface that is bonded or welded to opposing film panels 82a and 82b of reservoir 80. Each extension 32 further includes peripheral edges 36 and converging edge 38. It should be noted that peripheral edges 36 and adjacent portions of spout weld interfaces 30 are somewhat flexible in that they are able to converge and diverge relative to each other; this is a result of not having any spanning or structural element restricting such movement. This ability to flex relative to neck portion 20, for example, provides one means for reducing stress and abrasion to film panels 82a and 82b at film weld interfaces 90, and therefore constitutes a form of a Stress Delocalization Feature or SDF.
Preface: The terminal end of any numeric lead line in the several drawings, when associated with any structure, reference or landmark described in this section, is intended to representatively identify and associate such structure, reference or landmark with respect to the written description of such object. It is-not intended, nor should be inferred, to delimit or define per se boundaries of the referenced object, unless specifically stated as such or facially clear from the drawings and the context in which the term(s) is/are used. Unless specifically stated as such or facially clear from the several drawings and the context in which the term(s) is/are used, all words and visual aids should be given their common commercial and/or scientific meaning consistent with the context of the disclosure herein.
Turning then to the several drawings, wherein like parts are are numbered the same, and more particularly to Figs. 1-4, a first embodiment of the invention is shown.
Here, spout 10 includes neck portion 20 having external threads 26 formed on outer surface 24 thereof. Neck portion 20 further includes portions 28 that comprise part of spout weld interfaces 30.
Spout weld interfaces 30 generally include extensions 32a and 32b, each having spout weld interface surfaces 34a and 34b. These surfaces, in conjunction with neck portions 28, form the entirety of the surface that is bonded or welded to opposing film panels 82a and 82b of reservoir 80. Each extension 32 further includes peripheral edges 36 and converging edge 38. It should be noted that peripheral edges 36 and adjacent portions of spout weld interfaces 30 are somewhat flexible in that they are able to converge and diverge relative to each other; this is a result of not having any spanning or structural element restricting such movement. This ability to flex relative to neck portion 20, for example, provides one means for reducing stress and abrasion to film panels 82a and 82b at film weld interfaces 90, and therefore constitutes a form of a Stress Delocalization Feature or SDF.
7 Returning to spout weld interface surfaces 34a and 34b, Figs. 3, 3A and 3B
illustrate several forms in which these surfaces may exist. In addition to a smooth surface, spout weld interface surfaces 34a and 34b may also comprise negative relief features 40 such as a plurality of dimples 42 or holes 44. These negative relief features provide a means for beneficially mitigating the effects of gas(es) trapped between opposing film panels 82a and 82b of reservoir 80 and spout weld interface surfaces 34a and 34b during the welding/bonding process and/or providing a location for material displacement resulting from such process.
The embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4 further comprises flexible appendages 50, each having extending body portion 52, which is linked to extensions 32 via hinge element 54, and curvilinear periphery 56. Opposing film panels 82a and 82b of reservoir 80 may or may not be bonded to appendages 50; in either instance, if hydrostatic pressure within reservoir 80 causes opposing film panels 82a and 82b to diverge, then extending body portions 52 will pivot about hinge elements 54 and maintain contact with the panels. As a consequence, separation forces that otherwise would be solely directed to the panels, which would cause localization of peeling forces at peripheral edges 36, is dispersed partly to flexible appendages 50 which in turn compressively coact against portions of opposing film panels 82a and 82b that otherwise would not be affected. In this manner, flexible appendages 50 function as SDFs.
In Figs. 5-8, a second embodiment of the invention is shown that is substantially similar to the first illustrated embodiment, except that flexible appendages 50' are positioned proximate to portions 28 of neck portion 20. Because flexible appendages 50 or 50' are intended to function as SDFs, greatest benefit there from can be achieved with such appendages are positioned at or adjacent to portions of spout weld interfaces 30 that are less flexible than other portions thereof. In many instances, the least flexible portions of spout weld interfaces are at converging edges 38 or portions 28.
In this second embodiment, flexible appendages 50' are positioned at or adjacent to portions '28 (in the first embodiment, flexible appendages 50 were positioned at or adjacent to
illustrate several forms in which these surfaces may exist. In addition to a smooth surface, spout weld interface surfaces 34a and 34b may also comprise negative relief features 40 such as a plurality of dimples 42 or holes 44. These negative relief features provide a means for beneficially mitigating the effects of gas(es) trapped between opposing film panels 82a and 82b of reservoir 80 and spout weld interface surfaces 34a and 34b during the welding/bonding process and/or providing a location for material displacement resulting from such process.
The embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4 further comprises flexible appendages 50, each having extending body portion 52, which is linked to extensions 32 via hinge element 54, and curvilinear periphery 56. Opposing film panels 82a and 82b of reservoir 80 may or may not be bonded to appendages 50; in either instance, if hydrostatic pressure within reservoir 80 causes opposing film panels 82a and 82b to diverge, then extending body portions 52 will pivot about hinge elements 54 and maintain contact with the panels. As a consequence, separation forces that otherwise would be solely directed to the panels, which would cause localization of peeling forces at peripheral edges 36, is dispersed partly to flexible appendages 50 which in turn compressively coact against portions of opposing film panels 82a and 82b that otherwise would not be affected. In this manner, flexible appendages 50 function as SDFs.
In Figs. 5-8, a second embodiment of the invention is shown that is substantially similar to the first illustrated embodiment, except that flexible appendages 50' are positioned proximate to portions 28 of neck portion 20. Because flexible appendages 50 or 50' are intended to function as SDFs, greatest benefit there from can be achieved with such appendages are positioned at or adjacent to portions of spout weld interfaces 30 that are less flexible than other portions thereof. In many instances, the least flexible portions of spout weld interfaces are at converging edges 38 or portions 28.
In this second embodiment, flexible appendages 50' are positioned at or adjacent to portions '28 (in the first embodiment, flexible appendages 50 were positioned at or adjacent to
8 edges 38). Burst test data have shown that similar stress delocalization occurs in the second embodiment when compared to the first. In most other respects, the two embodiments are similar.
9
Claims (38)
1. A spout for flexible fluid reservoirs, the reservoirs comprising at least one film material having an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one film weld interface having a material with a known melting temperature T F, the spout comprising:
a substantially cylindrical neck portion; and at least one spout weld interface extending from the neck portion and having a material with a known melting temperature T S, wherein the difference between T S and T F is ~ 5°C.
a substantially cylindrical neck portion; and at least one spout weld interface extending from the neck portion and having a material with a known melting temperature T S, wherein the difference between T S and T F is ~ 5°C.
2. The spout of claim 1, wherein the difference between T S and T F is ~
2°C.
2°C.
3. The spout of claim 1, wherein the at least one spout weld interface material is of the same type as the at least one film weld interface material.
4. The spout of claim 1, wherein the at least one film weld interface material comprises a portion of the inner surface of the film material.
5. The spout of claim 1, wherein the at least one film weld interface material is between the inner surface and the outer surface of the film.
6. The spout of claim 3 wherein the spout weld interface material and the film weld interface material comprises linear low density polyethylene.
7. A spout for flexible fluid reservoirs, the reservoirs comprising at least one film material having an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one film weld interface, the spout comprising:
a substantially cylindrical neck portion; and at least one spout weld interface extending from the neck portion and having an exposed surface wherein at least a major portion of the exposed surface is characterized as smooth.
a substantially cylindrical neck portion; and at least one spout weld interface extending from the neck portion and having an exposed surface wherein at least a major portion of the exposed surface is characterized as smooth.
8. The spout of claim 7, wherein the at least a major portion of the exposed surface is further characterized as defining a plurality of holes.
9. The spout of claim 7, wherein the at least a major portion of the exposed surface is further characterized as defining a plurality of negative relief features.
10. The spout of claim 7, wherein the at least a major portion of the exposed surface is further characterized as defining a plurality of holes and negative relief features.
11. A spout for flexible fluid reservoirs, the reservoirs comprising at least one film material having an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one film weld interface, the spout comprising:
a substantially cylindrical neck portion; and at least one spout weld interface extending from the neck portion and having at least one stress delocalizing feature.
a substantially cylindrical neck portion; and at least one spout weld interface extending from the neck portion and having at least one stress delocalizing feature.
12. The spout of claim 11, wherein the at least one stress delocalizing feature comprises a peripheral edge characterized as flexible relative to the neck portion.
13. The spout of claim 11, wherein the at least one stress delocalizing feature comprises at least one generally flexible appendage extending in a longitudinal direction from the at least one spout weld interface.
14. The spout of claim 13, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage is at or adjacent to an apex of the at least one spout weld interface.
15. The spout of claim 13, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage is at or adjacent to the neck portion of the at least one spout weld interface.
16. The spout of any claim 13 - 15, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage comprises a curvilinear peripheral edge.
17. The spout of any claim 13 - 16, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage comprises an irregular longitudinal profile.
18. The spout of any claim 13 - 17, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage is at least partially mechanically linkable to at least a portion of the at least one film material of the reservoir.
19. The spout of any claim 13 - 18, wherein the spout comprises four generally flexible appendages.
20. The spout of claim 11, wherein the at least one stress delocalizing feature comprises a peripheral edge characterized as flexible relative to the neck portion, and at least one generally flexible appendage extending in a longitudinal direction from the at least one spout weld interface.
21. A spout for flexible fluid reservoirs, the reservoirs comprising at least one film material having an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one film weld interface having a material with a known melting temperature T F, the spout comprising:
a substantially cylindrical neck portion having an axis congruent with a longitudinal direction; and at least one spout weld interface extending from the neck portion and having a material with a known melting temperature T S.
a substantially cylindrical neck portion having an axis congruent with a longitudinal direction; and at least one spout weld interface extending from the neck portion and having a material with a known melting temperature T S.
22. The spout of claim 21, herein the difference between T S and T F is ~
5°C.
5°C.
23. The spout of claim 21, herein the difference between T S and T F is ~
2°C.
2°C.
24. The spout of claim 21, wherein the at least one spout weld interface material is of the same type as the at least one film weld interface material.
25. The spout of claim 21, wherein the at least one spout weld interface comprises at least one stress delocalizing feature.
26. The spout of claim 25, wherein the at least one stress delocalizing feature comprises a peripheral edge characterized as flexible relative to the neck portion.
27. The spout of claim 25, wherein the at least one stress delocalizing feature comprises at least one generally flexible appendage extending in a longitudinal direction from the at least one spout weld interface.
28. The spout of claim 27, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage is at or adjacent to an apex of the at least one spout weld interface.
29. The spout of claim 27, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage is at or adjacent to the neck portion of the at least one spout weld interface.
30. The spout of any claim 27 - 29, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage comprises a curvilinear peripheral edge.
31. The spout of any claim 27 - 30, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage comprises an irregular longitudinal profile.
32. The spout of any claim 27 - 31, wherein the at least one generally flexible appendage is at least partially mechanically linkable to at least a portion of the at least one film material of the reservoir.
33. The spout of any claim 27 - 32, wherein the spout comprises four generally flexible appendages.
34. The spout of claim 25, wherein the at least one stress delocalizing feature comprises a peripheral edge characterized as flexible relative to the neck portion, and at least one generally flexible appendage extending in a longitudinal direction from the at least one spout weld interface.
35. The spout of claim 21, wherein the at least one spout weld interface comprises an exposed surface wherein at least a major portion of the exposed surface is characterized as smooth.
36. The spout of claim 35, wherein the at -east a major portion of the exposed surface is further characterized as defining a plurality of holes.
37. The spout of claim 35, wherein the at least a major portion of the exposed surface is further characterized as defining a plurality of negative relief features.
38. The spout of claim 35, wherein the at least a major portion of the exposed surface is further characterized as defining a plurality of holes and negative relief features.
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AU2015289669B2 (en) * | 2014-07-16 | 2019-06-06 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Flexible container with fitment and process for producing same |
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DE102015215864A1 (en) | 2015-08-20 | 2017-02-23 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Outlet with a projecting flange |
US10173821B2 (en) | 2016-09-26 | 2019-01-08 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Flexible fitment for flexible container |
US10155615B2 (en) | 2016-09-26 | 2018-12-18 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Seal bar and process for using same |
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ES2731935A1 (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2019-11-19 | Georg Menshen Gmbh & Co Kg | Welding of an intake nozzle (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
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JP4048610B2 (en) * | 1998-07-08 | 2008-02-20 | 東洋製罐株式会社 | Spout |
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JP2006001623A (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2006-01-05 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Barrier bung and bag-like container with barrier bung |
US20070110344A1 (en) * | 2004-08-03 | 2007-05-17 | Ppi Technologies, Inc. | Flexible pouch with ergonomic shape and method of forming |
US7344052B2 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2008-03-18 | Gas-O-Haul, Incorporated | Apparatus for storing and dispensing liquids |
DE102005006871A1 (en) * | 2004-11-04 | 2006-05-11 | Georg Menshen Gmbh & Co. Kg | Plastic pouring weld |
JP4883600B2 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2012-02-22 | 日本クラウンコルク株式会社 | Spout |
JP2007021885A (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-02-01 | Fuji Seal International Inc | Container with spout and manufacturing method of the same |
US20070051746A1 (en) * | 2005-09-08 | 2007-03-08 | L'oreal | Packaging and dispenser device comprising an endpiece, and a flexible pouch fastened to the endpiece |
JP2007076696A (en) * | 2005-09-14 | 2007-03-29 | Plasto:Kk | Spout, packaging bag with spout and packaging body with spout |
DE102005050571B4 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2016-05-25 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for welding plastic mold or plastic hollow bodies |
US20070211967A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-13 | Ppi Technologies, Inc. | Flexible pouch for an alcoholic beverage and method of forming |
JP4768550B2 (en) * | 2006-09-04 | 2011-09-07 | 東洋製罐株式会社 | Pouch with spout |
US20090285510A1 (en) * | 2008-05-13 | 2009-11-19 | Ching-Sen Huang | Structure of a packing container |
EP2379420B1 (en) * | 2008-11-10 | 2015-10-28 | Eco.logic Brands | Thermoformed liquid-holding vessels |
-
2009
- 2009-01-22 EP EP09703589A patent/EP2252523A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-01-22 CA CA2712761A patent/CA2712761A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-01-22 JP JP2010544355A patent/JP2011509897A/en active Pending
- 2009-01-22 WO PCT/US2009/000481 patent/WO2009094215A2/en active Application Filing
-
2010
- 2010-07-22 US US12/842,002 patent/US20110062192A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2252523A4 (en) | 2012-03-07 |
WO2009094215A3 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
US20110062192A1 (en) | 2011-03-17 |
EP2252523A2 (en) | 2010-11-24 |
JP2011509897A (en) | 2011-03-31 |
WO2009094215A2 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
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