SPOUT POUCH

Provided is a spout pouch that suppresses breakage of a pouch main body starting from the vicinity of a flange outer peripheral edge. In a spout pouch, a spout attachment film includes a flange facing region where a flange of a spout faces the spout attachment film. A pouch main body includes a shape control sealing portion formed by fusing a portion of the spout attachment film positioned inward of a connection seal in a transverse direction and a side film. The shape control sealing portion includes a portion positioned in a region between the flange facing region and the connection seal in the transverse direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a spout pouch in which a spout is attached to a pouch main body.

BACKGROUND

As a container for accommodating liquid contents, such as drinking water or a liquid detergent, there has been known use of a spout pouch in which a spout serving as an dispensing outlet is attached to a pouch main body formed by thermally fusing a plurality of resin films, and a spout pouch in which a spout is attached, in a transverse direction, to a side gusset film of a pouch main body formed by thermally fusing a plurality of films (e.g., see JP 2012-121611 A and JP 2020-132177 A).

Further, as a method of attaching a spout of such a spout pouch, there has also been generally known a method of arranging a flange of the spout so that the flange faces a spout attachment film, and fixing the flange to the spout attachment film by means such as thermal fusing.

SUMMARY

However, in the spout pouch in the known related art of JP 2012-121611 A and JP 2020-132177 A, the problem arises that, when the spout pouch is dropped or the like, the spout attachment film may be damaged in the vicinity of a flange outer peripheral edge due to a weight of the contents, breaking the pouch main body starting from the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge.

The breakage of the pouch main body is presumably caused by the spout rotating (tilting) with respect to the spout attachment film when the spout pouch is dropped, a moment load being applied to the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge, and the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge, with the moment load applied, striking the floor or the like.

Further, in the spout pouch in the known related art of JP 2020-132177 A, in a usage mode in which the pouch is lifted to dispense the liquid contents or the like, the spout may unexpectedly move due to the weight of the liquid contents contained in the spout or the like at the time of dispensing the liquid contents, resulting in the problem that an orientation of a dispensing cylindrical portion of the spout is difficult to set, making it difficult to dispense the liquid contents.

The disclosure has been made to solve these problems, and an object of the disclosure is to provide a spout pouch that, with a simple configuration, improves an ease of dispensing liquid contents through a spout, and suppresses breakage of a pouch main body starting from the vicinity of a flange outer peripheral edge.

The disclosure solves the problems described above, in which a spout pouch includes a pouch main body and a spout attached to the pouch main body. The pouch main body includes a spout attachment film to which the spout is attached, and a side film connected to the spout attachment film by a connection seal formed on both sides of the spout attachment film in a transverse direction. The spout attachment film includes a flange facing region where a flange of the spout faces the spout attachment film. The pouch main body includes a shape control sealing portion formed by fusing a portion of the spout attachment film positioned inward of the connection seal in the transverse direction and the side film. The shape control sealing portion includes a portion positioned in a region between the flange facing region and the connection seal in the transverse direction.

Further, the disclosure further solves the problems described above, in which a spout pouch includes a front side film, a rear side film, a side gusset film disposed between the front side film and the rear side film at a pouch side portion and thermally fused to the front side film and the rear side film by a side seal, and a spout attached to the side gusset film. The side gusset film includes a front side sealing region thermally fused to the front side film at the side seal, a rear side sealing region thermally fused to the rear side film at the side seal, and a non-sealing region that is a region inward of the front side sealing region and the rear side sealing region. The non-sealing region includes a front side outer edge that is a boundary with the front side sealing region, and a rear side outer edge that is a boundary with the rear side sealing region. The front side outer edge and the rear side outer edge each include a base edge portion, the base edge portion of the front side outer edge and the base edge portion of the rear side outer edge being disposed spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction, and an upper side inclined edge portion extending from an upper end of the base edge portion to an upper end coupling portion coupling an upper end of the front side outer edge and an upper end of the rear side outer edge. At least a portion of a flange of the spout is disposed facing a region between the upper side inclined edge portion of the front side outer edge and the upper side inclined edge portion of the rear side outer edge.

The disclosure further solves the above described problems, in which a spout pouch includes a pouch main body and a spout attached to the pouch main body. The pouch main body includes a spout attachment film to which the spout is attached. The spout includes a flange disposed facing the spout attachment film. The flange includes a flange fixing portion fixed to the spout attachment film, and a flange buffering portion formed in at least a partial region of an outer periphery of the flange fixing portion and not fixed to the spout attachment film.

According to claim1of the invention, the pouch main body includes the shape control sealing portion formed by fusing a portion of the spout attachment film positioned inward of the connection seal in the transverse direction and the side film, and the shape control sealing portion includes the portion positioned in a region between the flange facing region and the connection seal in the transverse direction, thereby making, by formation of the shape control sealing portion, a transverse direction interval between sealing portions on both sides in the transverse direction narrower than a peripheral area. This makes it possible to adjust the state of the spout attachment film in the vicinity of a flange outer peripheral edge where breakage is likely to occur so that the spout attachment film is recessed toward a pouch inner side, lessen the likelihood of the spout attachment film in the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge hitting the floor or the like, and to alleviate tension of the spout attachment film in the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge, and thus suppress breakage of the pouch main body starting from the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge, even in a case in which the spout pouch is dropped.

According to claims2and3of the invention, the spout is attached at a position, among a first side and a second side in a longitudinal direction, closer to the second side than to a center of the spout attachment film in the longitudinal direction, and the pouch main body includes, as the shape control sealing portion, a first shape control sealing portion including a portion positioned in a region between the first facing region and the connection seal in the transverse direction. This makes it possible to suppress breakage of the pouch main body starting from the vicinity of a portion of the flange outer peripheral edge facing the first side in the longitudinal direction where breakage is likely to occur when the spout pouch is dropped or the like. Further, when the spout is attached closer to the second side than the center of the spout attachment film in the longitudinal direction, the spout is inclined toward the second side due to the spout attachment film bulging outward by the weight of the liquid contents. However, because the inclination of the flange can be adjusted so that the spout faces the first side by formation of the first shape control sealing portion, the posture (orientation) of the spout can be corrected.

According to claim4of the invention, a second shape control sealing portion includes a portion positioned in a region between the second facing region and the connection seal. This makes it possible not only to suppress breakage in the vicinity of a portion of the flange outer peripheral edge facing the second side in the longitudinal direction where breakage is likely to occur when the spout pouch is dropped or the like, but also to adjust the inclination of the flange so that the spout faces the second side by the formation of the second shape control sealing portion, and thus correct the posture of the spout, such as keep the spout from facing excessively toward the first side, by the formation of the first shape control sealing portion and, as a result, ensure design freedom in terms of a transverse width of the first shape control sealing portion and the like.

According to claim5of the invention, a transverse direction dimension from the connection seal to an innermost top portion of the first shape control sealing portion is set to be equal to or greater than a transverse direction dimension from the connection seal to an innermost top portion of the second shape control sealing portion. This makes it possible to appropriately maintain the posture of the spout by the formation of the first shape control sealing portion and the second shape control sealing portion.

According to claim6of the invention, an end portion on the second side of the first shape control sealing portion in the longitudinal direction is set at a position lateral of the flange facing region in the transverse direction. As a result, when the spout pouch is dropped or the like, it is possible to induce deformation of the spout attachment film, bending the spout attachment film and the connection seal starting from the vicinity of the end portion on the second side of the first shape control sealing portion and rotating the spout toward the second side about an axis extending in the transverse direction through the flange, and thus guide the spout pouch into a state in which the spout can retract to a pouch inner side, thereby preventing a strong force from acting on the spout due to contact with the floor or the like when the spout pouch is dropped or the like.

According to claim7of the disclosure, the pouch main body includes, as the shape control sealing portion, a second shape control sealing portion including a portion positioned in a region between the second facing region and the connection seal in the transverse direction. This makes it possible to suppress breakage of the pouch main body starting from the vicinity of a portion of the flange outer peripheral edge facing the second side in the longitudinal direction where breakage is likely to occur when the spout pouch is dropped or the like.

According to claim8of the invention, the shape control sealing portion is formed on both sides with the flange facing region interposed therebetween. This makes it possible to favorably exhibit the effect of preventing breakage of the pouch main body starting from the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge by the shape control sealing portions.

According to claim9of the invention, the shape control sealing portion is formed continuously with the connection seal. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid contents from remaining between the connection seal and the shape control sealing portion, which tends to occur when the shape control sealing portion is formed independently of the connection seal.

According to claim10of the invention, at least a portion of a flange of the spout is disposed facing a region between the upper side inclined edge portions of the side gusset film. This makes it possible to narrow an interval between an inner edge of the sealing region (side seal) of the side gusset film and the flange outer peripheral edge to restrain movement of the spout without affecting the self-standing property of the pouch main body and the like, and thus favorably define the orientation of the dispensing cylindrical portion of the spout and improve the ease of dispensing the liquid contents through the spout. That is, by arranging the flange of the spout in the region between the upper side inclined edge portions, which has a narrow transverse width in the front-rear direction as compared with the region between the base edge portions, it is possible to not only narrow the interval between the inner edge of the sealing region (side seal) of the side gusset film and the flange outer peripheral edge, but also, because the region between the upper side inclined edge portions is an area of the side gusset film that is positioned on the upper side in a state in which the spout pouch is placed on a placement surface, and is an area in which a design change of the edge portion shape does not affect the self-supporting property of the pouch main body and the like, to freely change the design of the edge portion shape and favorably restrain the movement of the spout.

Further, according to claim10of the invention, the region between the upper side inclined edge portions of the side gusset film is an area that inclines inward of the pouch body toward the upper side in a state in which the spout pouch is placed on a placement surface and thus, even when the spout pouch is dropped with the position of the flange of the spout recessed inward of the pouch main body, it is easy to make it difficult for the side gusset film in the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge to come into contact with the floor or the like, making it possible to suppress breakage of the pouch main body starting from the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge and inwardly retract the tip end position of the dispensing cylindrical portion of the spout into the pouch main body as compared with a case in which the spout is mounted in a region between the base edge portions of the side gusset film.

According to claim11of the invention, the upper side inclined edge portion is constituted by at least two inclined portions having different inclination angles with respect to an up-down direction. This makes it possible to adjust the inclination angles of these portions to adjust the edge portion shape of the upper side inclined edge portion, and thus narrow the interval between the inner edge of the sealing region (side seal) of the side gusset film and the flange outer peripheral edge as well as the interval between the upper inclined edge portions (side seals), and favorably adjust the inclination angle of the flange with a simple structure.

According to claim12of the invention, the upper side inclined edge portion includes a gently inclined portion connecting a portion positioned above and inward in the front-rear direction relative to the upper end of the base edge portion, and a steeply inclined portion connecting an upper end of the gently inclined portion and an upper end coupling portion, and at least a portion of the flange of the spout is disposed facing a region between the gently inclined portion of the front side outer edge and the gently inclined portion of the rear side outer edge. This makes it possible to narrow the interval between the inner edge of the sealing region (side seal) of the side gusset film and the flange outer peripheral edge to favorably restrain the movement of the spout while keeping a space above the spout attachment position in the liquid contents accommodating portion in the pouch main body from becoming large in the up-down direction, and narrow the interval between the upper side inclined edge portions (side seals) in the region of the side gusset film where the spout is attached to recess the position of the spout inwardly in the pouch main body.

Further, according to claim12of the invention, the spout is attached in a region between the gently inclined portions where the inclination angle inclined inwardly in the pouch main body toward the upper side is gentle, making it possible to reduce the inclination angle of the flange relative to the up-down direction of the pouch main body and adjust the extending direction of the dispensing cylindrical portion of the spout downward. This makes it possible to increase the volume of the liquid contents that can be accommodated in the pouch main body while suppressing so-called back leaks of the liquid contents (a phenomenon in which the liquid contents leaking from a tip end of the dispensing cylindrical portion runs down the lower surface of the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing cylindrical portion, which occurs when the dispensing cylindrical portion of the spout is facing diagonally upward after the liquid contents are dispensed).

According to claims13and14of the invention, at least one of the front side sealing region and the rear side sealing region includes a control sealing portion positioned inward of a first virtual line in the front-rear direction, and the control sealing portion includes an area positioned in a region between a lower half of the flange facing region and the front side sealing region or the rear side sealing region in the front-rear direction. This makes it possible to not only narrow the interval between the inner edge of the sealing region (side seal) of the side gusset film and the flange outer peripheral edge in the lower half of the flange facing region to more reliably restrain the movement of the spout, but also adjust the inclination of the flange by formation of the control sealing portion so that the tip end side of the dispensing cylindrical portion of the spout faces downward.

According to claim15of the invention, the liquid contents are accommodated in a liquid contents accommodating portion of the spout pouch in an amount, in an unopened state, equal to or less than a volume of a portion of the liquid contents accommodating portion below a virtual line obtained by extending a lower end edge of an inner peripheral surface of a dispensing hole of the spout in an extending direction of the lower end edge, when viewed in the front-rear direction. This makes it possible to keep the dispensing cylindrical portion of the spout from being at an upward incline after dispensing the liquid contents and thus prevent the occurrence of so-called back leaks of the liquid contents in which the liquid contents leaking from the tip end of the dispensing cylindrical portion run down the lower surface of the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing cylindrical portion.

According to claims16to19of the invention, the flange includes a flange buffering portion formed in at least a partial region of an outer periphery of the flange fixing portion and not fixed to the spout attachment film. This makes it possible to bend the spout attachment film at a portion corresponding to the outer peripheral edge of the flange when the spout attachment film moves relative to the flange toward one of the inner side and the outer side of the pouch, and bend the spout attachment film at a portion corresponding to the outer peripheral edge of the flange fixing portion when the spout attachment film moves relative to the flange toward the other of the inner side and the outer side of the pouch. As a result, when a user lifts up the spout pouch by holding the spout or the like, it is possible to avoid film damage caused by a bending load repeatedly acting on a specific location of the spout attachment film in the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge, thereby suppressing breakage of the pouch main body starting in the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge.

According to claims20to23of the invention, by formation of the flange buffering portion, it is possible to suppress the breakage of the pouch main body starting from the vicinity of a portion of the flange outer peripheral edge facing the first side or a portion of the flange outer peripheral edge facing the second side in the longitudinal direction, which is a portion where breakage is likely to occur.

According to claims24and25of the invention, the flange buffering portion includes a retracted portion including an outer peripheral side tip end portion positioned on a side away from the spout attachment film. This makes it possible to suppress application of an excessive force to the spout attachment film due to contact with the flange outer peripheral edge.

According to claim26of the invention, the pouch main body includes a first shape control sealing portion formed by fusing a portion of the spout attachment film positioned inward of the connection seal in the transverse direction and the side film, and the first shape control sealing portion includes a portion positioned in a region between the flange facing region and the connection seal in the transverse direction, thereby making, by formation of the first shape control sealing portion, a transverse direction interval between sealing portions on both sides in the transverse direction narrower than a peripheral area. This makes it possible to adjust the state of the spout attachment film in the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge where breakage is likely to occur so that the spout attachment film is recessed toward the pouch inner side, lessen the likelihood of the spout attachment film in the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge hitting the floor or the like, and to alleviate tension of the spout attachment film in the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge, and thus suppress breakage of the pouch main body starting from the vicinity of the flange outer peripheral edge, even in a case in which the spout pouch is dropped.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A spout pouch110according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The spout pouch110accommodates liquid contents, such as drinking water or a liquid detergent, and is configured, as illustrated inFIG.1, to dispense the liquid contents from a spout170attached to a side surface of a pouch main body120in a state of being placed with a pouch bottom portion120adown during usage.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the spout pouch110includes the pouch main body120formed into a bag shape by thermally fusing films130,140,150having flexibility to form bag-making sealing portions, an inner side film160disposed inside the pouch main body120, and the spout170attached to the pouch main body120. The spout pouch110is accommodated and utilized in an outer case (not illustrated) during usage, during display, or during transport.

The pouch main body120is configured as a so-called transverse gusset-type pouch with gusset portions formed on both side portions and, as illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, includes the spout attachment film130to which the spout170is attached, two side films140connected to the spout attachment film130by first connection seals122formed on both sides of the spout attachment film130in a transverse direction Xa, and a second film150disposed facing the spout attachment film130with a liquid contents accommodating portion121interposed therebetween and connected to the side films140by second connection seals123formed on both sides in the transverse direction Xa.

The films130,140,150,160are each formed as a resin film having a thermal fusing layer on at least one side thereof, and disposed so that the thermal fusing layers face each other at locations where the films are thermally fused to each other.

Note that, inFIG.2and the like, thermally fused regions of the films130,140,150,160are indicated by shading.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the spout attachment film130includes a flange facing region131where the flange171of the spout170faces the spout attachment film130.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the flange facing region131includes a first facing region131athat is a portion closer to a first side (upper side in the present embodiment) than a center thereof in a longitudinal direction Ya (up-down direction in the present embodiment) and a second facing region131bthat is a portion closer to a second side (lower side in the present embodiment) than the center thereof in the longitudinal direction.

Further, the spout attachment film130includes a spout through-hole132formed penetrating in a front-rear direction.

As illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, the pouch main body120includes the first connection seal122formed by thermally fusing both sides of the spout attachment film130in the transverse direction Xa to the side films140, the second connection seal123formed by thermally fusing both sides of the second film150in the transverse direction Xa to the side films140, a top seal124formed by thermally fusing the films140,160at a position corresponding to a top portion of the pouch main body120facing a bottom seal125with the liquid contents accommodating portion121interposed therebetween, the bottom seal125formed by thermally fusing the films140,160at a position corresponding to the pouch bottom portion120aof the pouch main body120, and an intermediate seal126formed by thermally fusing the side films140and the inner side film160. These seals122to126constitute bag-making sealing portions.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the connection seals122,123respectively include seal base portions122a,123ahaving a strip shape extending in the longitudinal direction Ya, first inclined portions122b,123bformed on a first side (upper side) of the seal base portions122a,123ain the longitudinal direction Ya, and second inclined portions122c,123cformed on a second side (lower side) of the seal base portions122a,123ain the longitudinal direction Ya.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the seal base portions122a,123aeach include an inner side edge extending linearly in the longitudinal direction Ya.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the first inclined portions122b,123beach include an inner side edge inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Ya (at 45° in the present embodiment) inwardly in the transverse direction Xa toward the first side (upper side).

As illustrated inFIG.2, the second inclined portions122c,123ceach include an inner side edge inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Ya (at 45° in the present embodiment) inwardly in the transverse direction Xa toward the second side (lower side).

Further, at predetermined locations (e.g., locations Aa illustrated inFIG.1) on both side portions of the pouch main body120where a gusset portion is formed, portions are formed in which the films130,140are partially removed, and the side films140are thermally fused together. As a result, the side films140are prevented from being separated from each other at the predetermined locations described above (e.g., the locations Aa illustrated inFIG.1). As illustrated inFIG.1toFIG.3, the pouch main body120includes first shape control sealing portions127as shape control sealing portions formed by fusing portions of the spout attachment film130positioned inward of the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa and portions of the side films140.

As illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the first shape control sealing portions127are formed so as to continuously protrude inward in the transverse direction Xa from each first connection seal122(seal base portion122a) on both sides in the transverse direction Xa with the flange facing region131(flange171) interposed therebetween.

As illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the first shape control sealing portion127includes a portion positioned in a region between the flange facing region131and the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa, more specifically, a portion positioned in a region between the first facing region131aon the first side (upper side) of the flange facing region131and the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa, and does not include a portion positioned in a region between the second facing region131bon the second side (lower side) of the flange facing region131and the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa.

With the first shape control sealing portions127formed in this way, it is possible to move the first facing region131aside of the flange171fixed to the spout attachment film130to a pouch inner side, move the second facing region131bside of the flange171to a pouch outer side, and adjust an inclination of the flange171so that the spout170faces the first side (upper side). Further, with the inclination of the flange171adjusted in this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a buckling-induced portion that tends to be formed in the vicinity of an end portion on the second side (lower side) of the seal base portion122aof the first connection seal122.

Note that, although not illustrated, the first shape control sealing portion127may be formed so as to further include a portion positioned in a region between the second facing region131bon the second side (lower side) of the flange facing region131and the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa in addition to the portion positioned in a region between the first facing region131aon the first side (upper side) of the flange facing region131and the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the first shape control sealing portion127includes an innermost top portion127apositioned innermost in the transverse direction Xa, a first inner side edge portion127bformed continuously with a first side (upper side) of the innermost top portion127ain the longitudinal direction Ya, and a second inner side edge portion127cformed continuously with a second side (lower side) of the innermost top portion127ain the longitudinal direction Ya.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the first inner side edge portion127bis formed at an incline outwardly in the transverse direction Xa toward the first side (upper side) in the longitudinal direction Ya.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the second inner side edge portion127cis formed at an incline outwardly in the transverse direction Xa toward the second side (lower side) in the longitudinal direction Ya.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the innermost top portion127ais formed in a dot shape (top dot shape). However, the innermost top portion127amay be formed with a length in the longitudinal direction Ya, in other words, with an inner edge portion linearly extending in the longitudinal direction Ya.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.3, in a case in which the inner edge portion in the vicinity of the innermost top portion127ais formed in a curved shape protruding inward in the transverse direction Xa, a curvature radius (R) of the inner edge portion in the vicinity of the innermost top portion127ais preferably set to 20 mm or greater as a countermeasure against pouch breakage.

Further, in the present embodiment, the inner side edge portions127b,127care each formed in a curved shape protruding inward in the transverse direction Xa, but the specific mode may be any mode. For example, the inner side edge portions127b,127cmay each be formed in a linear shape, may be formed in a curved shape protruding outward in the transverse direction Xa, or may be formed by combining one or more of the curved lines having a protruding shape or a recessed shape and the straight lines described above as desired. Note that, in a case in which the inner side edge portions127b,127care each formed in a curved shape protruding inward in the transverse direction Xa, the curvature radius (R) thereof is preferably set to 20 mm or greater.

As illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the pouch main body120includes second shape control sealing portions128as shape control sealing portions formed by fusing portions of the spout attachment film130positioned inward of the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa and portions of the side films140in areas closer to the second side (lower side) in the longitudinal direction Ya than the first shape control sealing portions127.

As illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the second shape control sealing portion128is formed at an interval from the first shape control sealing portion127in the longitudinal direction Ya.

As illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the second shape control sealing portions128are formed so as to continuously protrude inward in the transverse direction Xa from each first connection seal122(seal base portion122a) on both sides of the flange facing region131(flange171) in the transverse direction Xa.

As illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the second shape control sealing portion128includes a portion positioned in a region between the second facing region131bon the second side (lower side) of the flange facing region131in the transverse direction Xa and the first connection seal122, and does not include a portion positioned in a region between the first facing region131aon the first side (upper side) of the flange facing region131in the transverse direction Xa and the first connection seal122.

With the second shape control sealing portion128formed in this way, it is possible to move the first facing region131aside of the flange171fixed to the spout attachment film130to the pouch outer side, move the second facing region131bside of the flange171to the pouch inner side, and adjust the inclination of the flange171so that the spout170faces the second side (lower side).

Note that, although not illustrated, the second shape control sealing portions128may be formed so as to further include a portion positioned in a region between the first facing region131aon the first side (upper side) of the flange facing region131and the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa in addition to the portion positioned in the region between the second facing region131bon the second side (lower side) of the flange facing region131and the first connection seal122in the transverse direction Xa.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the second shape control sealing portion128includes an innermost top portion128apositioned innermost in the transverse direction Xa, a first inner side edge portion128bformed continuously with a first side (upper side) of the innermost top portion128ain the longitudinal direction Ya, and a second inner side edge portion128cformed continuously with a second side (lower side) of the innermost top portion128ain the longitudinal direction Ya.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the first inner side edge portion128bis formed at an incline outwardly in the transverse direction Xa toward the first side (upper side) in the longitudinal direction Ya.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the second inner side edge portion128cis formed at an incline outwardly in the transverse direction Xa toward the second side (lower side) in the longitudinal direction Ya.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the innermost top portion128ais formed in a dot shape (top dot shape). However, the innermost top portion128amay be formed with a length in the longitudinal direction Ya, in other words, with an inner edge portion linearly extending in the longitudinal direction Ya.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.3, in a case in which the inner edge portion in the vicinity of the innermost top portion128ais formed in a curved shape protruding inward in the transverse direction Xa, a curvature radius (R) of the inner edge portion in the vicinity of the innermost top portion128ais preferably set to 20 mm or greater as a countermeasure against pouch breakage.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second shape control sealing portion128is formed at a predetermined interval from the first shape control sealing portion127in the longitudinal direction Ya. However, the first shape control sealing portion127and the second shape control sealing portion128may be formed continuously in the longitudinal direction Ya and, in this case, the shape control sealing portions127,128may be formed so that an inner edge of the connecting portion of the first shape control sealing portion127and the second shape control sealing portion128is positioned inward of the first connection seal122(seal base portion122a) in the transverse direction Xa.

Further, in the present embodiment, the inner side edge portions128b,128care each formed in a curved shape protruding inward in the transverse direction Xa, but the specific mode may be any mode. For example, the inner side edge portions128b,128cmay each be formed in a linear shape, may be formed in a curved shape protruding outward in the transverse direction Xa, or may be formed by combining one or more of the curved lines having a protruding shape or a recessed shape or the straight lines described above as desired. Note that, in a case in which the inner side edge portions128b,128care each formed in a curved shape protruding inward in the transverse direction Xa, the curvature radius (R) thereof is preferably set to 20 mm or greater.

The spout170is formed of a synthetic resin or the like and is attached to the pouch main body120to function as a dispensing outlet for the liquid contents.

As illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, the spout170is attached at a position closer to the second side (lower side) than a center of the spout attachment film130in the longitudinal direction Ya.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the spout170includes a flange171disposed facing the spout attachment film130and, in the present embodiment, the flange171is formed as an area having a disk shape with a through-hole formed at a center thereof and an outer peripheral edge having a circular shape, and is disposed on an inner side of the pouch main body120and fixed to an inner side surface of the spout attachment film130by thermal fusing.

Note that, inFIG.1andFIG.6, only a portion of the spout170is illustrated, and most of the spout170is disposed outside the pouch main body120.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the flange171includes a flange fixing portion172having an annular shape (circular shape in the present embodiment) and fixed to the spout attachment film130by thermal fusing, a flange buffering portion173formed in at least a partial region of an outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172and not fixed to the spout attachment film130, an outer peripheral side non-fixed portion174formed in a partial region of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172and not fixed to the spout attachment film130, and an inner peripheral side non-fixed portion175having an annular shape (circular shape in the present embodiment), set on an inner peripheral side of the flange fixing portion172, and not fixed to the spout attachment film130.

The flange buffering portion173is an area of a portion of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172that is not fixed to the spout attachment film130and, as illustrated inFIG.6, is formed to a radial direction width Wa3that is 20 to 80% (preferably 30 to 80%, even more preferably 45 to 80%) of a radial direction width Wa1of the flange facing region131(that is, in the example illustrated inFIG.6, a sum of a radial direction width Wa2of the flange fixing portion172and the radial direction width Wa3of the flange buffering portion173) at a position where the flange buffering portion173is formed (peripheral direction position), not less than 2 mm (more preferably not less than 3 mm), and/or not less than 650% (even more preferably, not less than 1000%) of the thickness (60 μm to 300 μm) of the spout attachment film130, and is an area that, based on the settings described above (radial direction width Wa3is not less than 20% of the radial direction width Wa1, not less than 2 mm, and/or not less than 650% of the thickness of the spout attachment film130), is effective in avoiding a bending load acting on a specific location of the spout attachment film130when the spout attachment film130moves relative to the flange171toward the pouch inner side or outer side, as illustrated inFIG.7.

That is, as illustrated inFIG.7CandFIG.7D, in a case in which the flange171is not provided with the flange buffering portion173, when the spout attachment film130moves toward the pouch inner side or outer side relative to the flange171, a bending load acts on a specific location of the spout attachment film130, and film damage may occur at the specific location.

In contrast, in a case in which the flange171is provided with the flange buffering portion173, the spout attachment film130bends at a location corresponding to the outer peripheral edge of the flange171when the spout attachment film130moves toward the pouch inner side relative to the flange171, and the spout attachment film130bends at a location corresponding to an outer peripheral edge of the flange fixing portion172when the spout attachment film130moves toward the pouch outer side relative to the flange171as illustrated inFIG.7A, making it possible to keep a bending load from acting on a specific location of the spout attachment film130.

Note that, in a case in which the radial direction width Wa3of the flange buffering portion173is greater than 80% of the radial direction width Wa1, the radial direction width Wa2of the flange fixing portion172becomes too narrow, the fixing strength of the flange171to the spout attachment film130cannot be sufficiently ensured, and the fixed portion readily peels off due to impact or the like, which is not desirable. Note that the radial direction width Wa2of the flange fixing portion172is preferably set to 2 mm or greater (more preferably 3 mm or greater) in order to ensure the fixing strength.

Further, a relationship between a thickness of the spout attachment film130and the radial direction width Wa3of the flange buffering portion173is preferably such that the radial direction width Wa3is set larger when the thickness of the spout attachment film130is larger. Although the reason for this is not clear, presumably when the thickness of the spout attachment film130is small, the proportion of the bending of the spout attachment film130caused by elastic deformation rather than plastic deformation is relatively large and a film durability against bending is high, whereas when the thickness of the spout attachment film130is large, the proportion of the bending of the spout attachment film130caused by elastic deformation is relatively small and the film durability against bending is low.

As illustrated inFIG.6A, the flange buffering portion173is formed at a position including a portion of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172facing the first side (upper side) in the longitudinal direction Ya at the center in the transverse direction Xa.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.6A, the flange buffering portion173is also formed at a position including a portion of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172facing the second side (lower side) in the longitudinal direction Ya at the center in the transverse direction Xa.

In the example illustrated inFIG.6A, the flange buffering portion173is formed with a radial direction width that is not constant, the flange buffering portion173includes a wide portion173athat is widest in the radial direction in the flange buffering portion173, and this wide portion173aof the flange buffering portion173on the first side (upper side) is formed at a position including a portion of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172that is facing the first side (upper side) in the longitudinal direction Ya at the center in the transverse direction Xa.

Similarly, the wide portion173aof the flange buffering portion173on the second side (lower side) is formed at a position including a portion of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172that is facing the second side (lower side) in the longitudinal direction Ya at the center in the transverse direction Xa.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the wide portion173aof the flange buffering portion173on the first side (upper side) and the wide portion173aof the flange buffering portion173on the second side (lower side) are formed to the same radial direction widths, but may be formed to different radial direction widths.

In the example illustrated inFIG.6A, the flange fixing portion172is set in an area of the flange171where the thickness on the outer peripheral side is thinly formed.

Further, the outer peripheral side non-fixed portion174is a portion of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172that is not fixed to the spout attachment film130, does not exhibit the above-described effect of the flange buffering portion173(effect of keeping a bending load from acting on a specific location of the spout attachment film130), and is formed with a narrower radial direction width than that of the flange buffering portion173.

In a case in which the flange171is fixed to the spout attachment film130using an adhesive, the outer peripheral non-fixed portion174functions as an area that suppresses leakage (protrusion) of the adhesive outside the outer peripheral edge of the flange171and prevents the spout attachment film130from being fixed to the flange171in a state in which the spout attachment film130is wrinkled in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the flange171.

Note that, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.6described above, the flange buffering portion173is described as being formed at two locations, namely on the first side (upper side) and on the second side (lower side) of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172, but the specific mode of the flange buffering portion173is not limited thereto, and the flange buffering portion173may be formed in any desired mode in accordance with the embodiment. For example, the flange buffering portion173may be formed at only one of the two locations of the first side (upper side) and the second side (lower side) of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172, or the flange buffering portion173may be formed across the entire outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172as illustrated inFIG.8A. In this modified example illustrated inFIG.8A, the flange buffering portion173is formed with a uniform radial direction width across the entire outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172. Further, as in a modified example illustrated inFIG.8B, a region in which the outer peripheral side non-fixed portion174is not formed (that is, a region fixed to the spout attachment film130up to the outer peripheral edge of the flange171) may be formed in a partial region of the outer periphery of the flange fixing portion172.

Next, a modified example of the spout170in which a retracted portion176is formed in the flange171will be described below with reference toFIG.9toFIG.11.

First, in the example illustrated inFIG.6and the like, the flange171of the spout170has been described as being formed in a flat plate shape. In the modified example illustrated inFIG.9, however, the flange buffering portion173includes the retracted portion176with an outer peripheral side tip portion positioned on a side (right side inFIG.9) farther away from the spout attachment film130than the flange fixing portion172in a thickness direction.

In the example illustrated inFIG.9, the retracted portion176is formed by curving the outer peripheral side of the flange171away from the spout attachment film130(right side inFIG.9), and includes a curved surface176athat curves toward the side away from the spout attachment film130(right side inFIG.9) toward the outer peripheral side, on the side facing the spout attachment film130. As illustrated inFIG.9, the curved surface176acurves, forming a protruding shape toward the side facing the spout attachment film130(left side inFIG.9).

With such a retracted portion176formed on the flange171, as illustrated inFIG.10, even if a contact location between the spout attachment film130and the outer peripheral edge of the flange171hits the ground or the like when the spout pouch110is dropped, it is possible to suppress the application of excessive force to the spout attachment film130at that location and suppress formation of a starting point of pouch breakage at that location.

Note that the retracted portion176may be formed in an annular shape across the entire periphery of the outer peripheral portion of the flange171, or may be formed only in a partial region of the outer peripheral portion of the flange171. Further, in a case in which the retracted portion176is formed only in a partial region of the outer peripheral portion of the flange171, the retracted portion176may be formed at a plurality of locations separated in the peripheral direction.

Further, a dimensional (width) relationship and a positional relationship between the flange buffering portion173and the retracted portion176in the peripheral direction need only be such that the dimensions (widths) and the positions of the flange buffering portion173and the retracted portion176in the peripheral direction are set so that the flange buffering portion173and the retracted portion176overlap each other in the peripheral direction in at least a partial region of the outer peripheral portion of the flange171.

Further, a radial direction dimension relationship between the flange buffering portion173and the retracted portion176may be set so that the dimensions (widths) in the radial direction of the flange buffering portion173and the retracted portion176coincide with each other as illustrated inFIG.11A, the dimension (width) in the radial direction of the retracted portion176may be set larger than that of the flange buffering portion173as illustrated inFIG.11B, or the dimension (width) in the radial direction of the retracted portion176may be set smaller than that of the flange buffering portion173as illustrated inFIG.11C. In the examples illustrated inFIG.11AtoFIG.11C, an outer peripheral edge position of the flange buffering portion173and an outer peripheral edge position of the retracted portion176coincide with each other.

Further, in the example illustrated inFIG.9, the retracted portion176has a shape in which the outer peripheral side of the flange171is curved to the side away from the spout attachment film130(right side inFIG.9), but the specific shape of the retracted portion176may be any shape as long as the outer peripheral side tip end portion of the flange fixing portion172is positioned away from the spout attachment film130(right side inFIG.9). For example, as illustrated inFIG.11D, the retracted portion176may be formed in a shape in which the flange171is not curved but the flange171is bent in the middle in the radial direction.

The inner side film160is formed as a resin film having a rectangular shape (or substantially rectangular shape) and flexibility with a thermal fusing layer on at least one side thereof and, as understood fromFIG.1andFIG.2, is disposed in the pouch main body120(liquid contents accommodating portion121) in a state of being folded in two, and a predetermined portion thereof is thermally fused to the side film140.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the inner side film160is formed with a plurality of film penetrating portions formed in hole shapes penetrating in the film thickness direction.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, in an area of the bag-making sealing portion on a top portion side of the spout pouch110where the films140,160overlap, a handle hole129for a user to hold the spout pouch110by passing his or her hand or finger therethrough is formed through the overlapping portion of the films140,160.

Next, a specific configuration of each portion of the spout pouch110will be described below with reference toFIG.4.

First, as illustrated inFIG.4, a transverse direction dimension ba1from the first connection seal122(seal base portion122a) to the innermost top portion127aof the first shape control sealing portion127is preferably set to 6 to 10% of a transverse direction interval aa to the first connection seal122(seal base portion122a) in the transverse direction Xa.

Further, the transverse direction dimension ba1is preferably set to 20 to 50% of a transverse direction dimension ca from the first connection seal122(seal base portion122a) to, of the outer peripheral edge of the flange facing region131(flange171), a location131cpositioned on the outermost side (first connection seal122side) in the transverse direction Xa.

With such a configuration, it is possible to favorably achieve the effects of forming the first shape control sealing portion127(the effect of deepening the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the flange171toward the pouch inner side, the effect of alleviating the tension of the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the flange171, and the effect of adjusting the inclination of the flange171) while avoiding excessive restraint of the movement of the spout170by the spout attachment film130.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.4, preferably a transverse direction dimension ba2from the first connection seal122(seal base portion122a) to the innermost top portion128aof the second shape control sealing portion128is set to 4 to 10% of the transverse direction interval aa.

Further, the transverse direction dimension ba2is preferably set to 10 to 50% of the transverse direction dimension ca.

With such a configuration, it is possible to favorably achieve the effects of forming the second shape control sealing portion128(the effect of deepening the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the flange171toward the pouch inner side, the effect of alleviating the tension of the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the flange171, and the effect of adjusting the inclination of the flange171) while avoiding excessive restraint of the movement of the spout170by the spout attachment film130.

Further, the transverse direction dimension ba1is preferably set to the transverse direction dimension ba2or greater.

Further, the transverse direction dimension ba2is preferably set to 30% or more of the transverse direction dimension ba1.

With such a configuration, the inclination of the spout170can be favorably adjusted, that is, the inclination of the spout170toward the first side (upper side) or the second side (lower side) in the longitudinal direction Ya can be favorably adjusted.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.4, a longitudinal direction position of the innermost top portion127aof the first shape control sealing portion127(longitudinal direction position of an end portion on the second side of the innermost top portion127ain a case in which the innermost top portion127ais formed with a length in the longitudinal direction Ya) is preferably set within a range of ±10 mm in the longitudinal direction Ya from the longitudinal direction position of a location131dof the outer peripheral edge of the flange facing region131(flange171) positioned closest to the first side (upper side) in the longitudinal direction Ya.

With such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the state of the spout attachment film130so that the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the location131ddescribed above is recessed toward the pouch inner side, and to alleviate the tension of the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the location131d. Note that, in order to alleviate the tension of the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the location131d, preferably the longitudinal direction position of the innermost top portion127aof the first shape control sealing portion127is shifted to either the first side (upper side) or the second side (lower side) from the longitudinal direction position of the location131d.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.4, a longitudinal direction position of an end portion (lower end) on the second side (lower side) of the first shape control sealing portion127(second inner side edge portion127c) is preferably set at a position lateral of the flange facing region131(flange171) in the transverse direction Xa, more preferably within a range of ±10 mm in the longitudinal direction Ya from a center position of the flange facing region131(flange171) in the longitudinal direction Ya, and more preferably set to coincide with the center position of the flange facing region131(flange171) in the longitudinal direction Ya. With such a configuration, when the spout pouch110is dropped or the like, it is possible to induce deformation of the spout attachment film130so that the spout attachment film130(first connection seal122) is bent at locations B illustrated inFIG.5with lower end portions of the first shape control sealing portions127(second inner side edge portions127c) on both sides in the transverse direction Xa serving as starting points, and rotate (tilt) the spout170toward the second side about an axis L extending in the transverse direction Xa through the flange facing region131(flange171).

At this time, to guide the spout attachment film130to the state shown inFIG.5B, preferably a longitudinal direction position of an end portion (upper end) on the first side (upper side) of the second shape control sealing portion128(first inner side edge portion128b) is set lower than the center position of the flange facing region131(flange171) in the longitudinal direction Ya. With such a configuration, as shown inFIG.5B, it is possible to guide and rotate (tilt) the spout170toward the second side about an axis La by bringing the first connection seal122, in the vicinity where the second shape control sealing portion128is formed, inward in the transverse direction Xa. Note that, at this time, at locations D illustrated inFIG.5, the spout attachment film130(first connection seal122) is folded starting from the lower end portions of the second shape control sealing portions128(the second inner side edge portions128c) on both sides in the transverse direction Xa. Further, to guide and rotate (tilt) the spout170about the axis L toward the second side, a longitudinal direction position of the end portion (upper end) on the first side (upper side) of the second shape control sealing portion128(first inner side edge portion128b) is more preferably set to a position located lateral of the flange facing region131(second facing region131b) in the transverse direction Xa, as illustrated inFIG.5A.

Then, when the spout pouch is dropped or the like, the spout attachment film130and the spout170are guided to the state shown inFIG.5B, making it possible to prevent the spout170from retracting to the pouch inner side and causing a strong force to act on the spout170due to contact with the floor or the like.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.4, a longitudinal direction dimension sa (longitudinal direction dimension sa of the first inner side edge portion127b) from the innermost top portion127aof the first shape control sealing portion127to an end portion (upper end) on the first side (upper side) of the first shape control sealing portion127(first inner side edge portion127b) is preferably set larger than a longitudinal direction dimension ta (longitudinal direction dimension ta of the second inner side edge portion127c) from the innermost top portion127aof the first shape control sealing portion127to the end portion (lower end) on the second side (lower side) of the first shape control sealing portion127(second inner side edge portion127c).

Further, as illustrated inFIG.4, the longitudinal direction dimension sa and the transverse direction dimension ba1are preferably set so that an angle between the first connection seal22and a virtual line connecting the innermost top portion127aof the first shape control sealing portion127(end portion on the first side of the innermost top portion127ain a case in which the innermost top portion127ais formed with a length in the longitudinal direction Ya) and the end portion (upper end) on the first side (upper side) of the first shape control sealing portion127(first inner side edge portion127b) is 5 to 10°.

With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress formation of a location where the bag readily breaks in the vicinity of the first connection seal122of the spout attachment film130.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.4, a longitudinal direction position of the innermost top portion128aof the second shape control sealing portion128(longitudinal direction position of an end portion on the first side of the innermost top portion128ain a case in which the innermost top portion127ais formed with a length in the longitudinal direction Ya) is preferably set within a range of ±5 mm in the longitudinal direction Ya from the longitudinal direction position of a location131eof the outer peripheral edge of the flange facing region131(flange171) positioned closest to the second side (lower side) in the longitudinal direction Ya (or from a location of the outer peripheral edge of the flange fixing portion172positioned closest to the second side in the longitudinal direction Ya).

With such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the state of the spout attachment film130so that the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the location131edescribed above is recessed toward the pouch inner side, and to alleviate the tension of the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the location131e. Note that, in order to alleviate the tension of the spout attachment film130in the vicinity of the location131e, the longitudinal direction position of the innermost top portion128aof the second shape control sealing portion128is preferably shifted to either the first side (upper side) or the second side (lower side) from the longitudinal direction position of the location131e.

Further, as described above, by setting the longitudinal direction position of the innermost top portion128aof the second shape control sealing portion128within the range of ±5 mm in the longitudinal direction Ya from the location131e, the spout attachment film130and the spout170can be smoothly guided to the state shown inFIG.5Bdescribed above.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.4, a longitudinal direction position of an end portion (lower end) on the second side (lower side) of the second shape control sealing portion128(second inner side edge portion128c) is preferably set on the first side (upper side) of the second inclined portion122cof the first connection seal122.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the second shape control sealing portion128from affecting the shape of the pouch bottom portion120a. That is, when the spout pouch110is placed on a placement surface, the second inclined portion122cis a portion constituting the pouch bottom portion120a. However, by setting the second shape control sealing portion128on the first side (upper side) of the second inclined portion122c, it is possible to prevent the second shape control sealing portion128from affecting the shape of the pouch bottom portion120a.

An embodiment of the disclosure has been described in detail above, but the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the disclosure described in the claims. Further, the spout pouch110may be configured by any combination of configurations of the embodiment described above and modified examples to be described below.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the spout pouch110is described as being accommodated and utilized in the outer case (not illustrated) during usage, during display, or during transport, but the spout pouch110itself may be used or may be displayed or transported without being accommodated in the outer case (not illustrated).

Further, with respect to specific modes of each of the films130,140,150,160, as long as each film includes a layer having thermal fusing properties, such as an olefin-based layer made of low density polyethylene or polypropylene or a polyester-based layer made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like on at least one of the surfaces thereof, a film including a single film of the thermal fusing layer may be used, or any desired layer may be layered to the thermal fusing layer. Any material may be used as a material constituting the multilayer, and the multilayer may be formed as desired by layering a known polyester such as PET or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, aluminum foil, or the like.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the pouch main body120is described as being formed of four films, namely the films130,140,150. However, a specific mode of the pouch main body120, such as the number of films constituting the pouch main body120, is not limited to the above and, for example, a gusset film for the bottom portion may be separately provided at a position corresponding to the pouch bottom portion120a.

Further, the inner side film160need not be provided.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the spout pouch110is configured as a large-capacity pouch having a volume of 2 to 5 L, and the spout170is configured as a large spout with an outer diameter of the flange171being 50 to 70 mm. However, the sizes of the spout pouch110and the spout170are not limited thereto and may be set as desired in accordance with the embodiment.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the spout attachment film130to which the spout170is attached is described as a gusset film constituting a gusset portion of a transverse gusset-type pouch. However, a specific mode of the spout attachment film130is not limited thereto and, for example, the spout attachment film130may be a gusset film disposed on a top portion or a bottom portion of the pouch, or the spout attachment film130may be a film other than a gusset film.

In the embodiment described above, the shape control sealing portions127,128are described as being formed continuously with the first connection seal122. However, the shape control sealing portions127,128may be formed independently of (at positions separated from) the first connection seal122.

In the embodiment described above, one first shape control sealing portion127is described as being formed on each of both sides of the flange facing region131, but the first shape control sealing portion127may be formed on only one of both sides of the flange facing region131in the transverse direction Xa. Similarly, the second shape control sealing portion128may be formed on only one of both sides of the flange facing region131in the transverse direction Xa.

Note that, in the embodiment described above (and the modified examples), as illustrated inFIG.3and the like, the shape control sealing portions127,128on both sides in the transverse direction Xa are formed in line symmetry (left-right symmetry) with respect to a virtual line extending in the longitudinal direction Ya at the center of the spout attachment film130in the transverse direction Xa, but the configuration is not limited thereto. Similarly, the first connection seals122on both sides in the transverse direction Xa are formed in line symmetry (left-right symmetry) with respect to the virtual line, but are not limited thereto.

In the embodiment described above, the first shape control sealing portion127and the second shape control sealing portion128are described as being formed. However, only the first shape control sealing portion127may be formed without forming the second shape control sealing portion128. Note that, in a case in which only the first shape control sealing portion127is formed, the dimensional relationship of each portion related to the first shape control sealing portion127is the same as that described above with reference toFIG.4. Alternatively, only the second shape control sealing portion128may be formed without forming the first shape control sealing portion127. Note that, in a case in which only the second shape control sealing portion128is formed, the dimensional relationship of each portion related to the second shape control sealing portion128is the same as that described above with reference toFIG.4.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the flange171is described as being formed in a disk shape with an outer peripheral edge having a circular shape. However, the specific shape of the flange171may be any shape such as a shape having an outer peripheral edge of a shape other than a circular shape, such as a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the flange171is described as being fixed to the inner side surface of the spout attachment film130. However, the flange171may be fixed to the outer side surface of the spout attachment film130.

Further, the flange171may be fixed to the spout attachment film130by any method other than thermal fusing, such as adhesion.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the flange171is described as being provided with the flange buffering portion173. However, the flange171may be fixed to the spout attachment film130in any manner, the flange171may not be provided with the flange buffering portion173and, for example, the entire region of the flange171may be fixed to the spout attachment film130.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the first shape control sealing portion127and the second shape control sealing portion128are described as being formed in the first connection seal122. However, the shape control sealing portions127,128need not be formed.

Note that the terms “top portion,” “bottom portion,” “side portion,” and the like indicating up and down directions are used herein, but these terms do not limit the orientation of the placement of the spout pouch110during display, during transport, and the like. For example, the spout pouch110may be placed on the placement surface with the side portion or the top portion of the spout pouch110down during display, during transport, and the like.

Next, a spout pouch210according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

The spout pouch210accommodates liquid contents, such as drinking water or a liquid detergent, and is configured to dispense the liquid contents from a spout280attached to a side surface of a pouch main body220as illustrated inFIG.12andFIG.18.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the spout pouch210includes the pouch main body220formed into a bag shape by thermally fusing films230,240,250,260having flexibility to form bag-making sealing portions, an inner side film270disposed inside the pouch main body220, and the spout280attached to the pouch main body220.

The pouch main body220is configured as a so-called transverse gusset-type pouch with gussets formed on both side portions and, as illustrated inFIG.12andFIG.13, includes the front side film230and the rear side film240disposed facing each other in a front-rear direction Xb with a liquid contents accommodating portion221interposed therebetween, the side gusset film250disposed between the front side film230and the rear side film240of one pouch side portion and thermally fused to the front side film230and the rear side film240by a first side seal222, and the second gusset film260disposed facing the side gusset film250in a front-back direction Zb with the liquid contents accommodating portion221interposed therebetween and thermally fused to the front side film230and the rear side film240by a second side seal223of the other pouch side portion.

The films230,240,250,260,270are each formed as a resin film having a thermal fusing layer on at least one side thereof, and disposed so that the thermal fusing layers face each other at locations where the films are thermally fused to each other.

Note that, inFIG.13and the like, thermally fused regions of the films230,240,250,260, and270are indicated by shading.

As illustrated inFIG.12andFIG.13, the pouch main body220includes the first side seal222formed by thermally fusing both sides of the side gusset film250in the transverse direction to the films230,240, the second side seal223formed by thermally fusing both sides of the second gusset film260in the transverse direction to the films230,240, a top seal224formed by thermally fusing the films230,240,260at a position corresponding to a top portion of the pouch main body220facing a bottom seal225with the liquid contents accommodating portion221interposed therebetween, the bottom seal225formed by thermally fusing the films230,240,260at a position corresponding to a pouch bottom portion220aof the pouch main body220, and an intermediate seal226formed by thermally fusing the films230,240and the inner side film270. These seals222to226constitute bag-making sealing portions.

Further, at predetermined locations (e.g., locations Ab illustrated inFIG.12) on both side portions of the pouch main body220where a gusset portion is formed, portions are formed where the second gusset film260is partially removed, and the films230,240are thermally fused together. As a result, the films230,240are prevented from being separated from each other at the predetermined locations (e.g., locations A illustrated inFIG.12).

As illustrated inFIG.14, the side gusset film250includes a front side sealing region251thermally fused to the front side film230at the first side seal222, a rear side sealing region252thermally fused to the rear side film240at the first side seal222, and a non-sealing region253that is a region on an inner side of the front side sealing region251and the rear side sealing region252.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the non-sealing region253includes a front side outer edge254that is a boundary with the front side sealing region251, and a rear side outer edge255that is a boundary with the rear side sealing region252.

The side gusset film250is formed in line symmetry (left-right symmetry) with respect to a virtual line extending in an up-down direction Yb at a center of the side gusset film250in the front-rear direction Xb. In other words, the front side outer edge254and the rear side outer edge255are formed in line symmetry (left-right symmetry) with respect to the virtual line.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the front side outer edge254and the rear side outer edge255include base edge portions254a,255aspaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction Xb, lower side inclined edge portions254b,255bextending from lower ends of the base edge portions254a,255ato a lower end coupling portion253acoupling lower ends of the front side outer edge254and the rear side outer edge255, and upper side inclined edge portions254c,255cextending from the upper ends of the base edge portions254a,255ato an upper end coupling portion253bcoupling upper ends of the front side outer edge254and the rear side outer edge255.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the base edge portions254a,255aare formed linearly extending in the up-down direction Yb.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the lower side inclined edge portions254b,255bextend linearly at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb (at an inclination angle of 45° in the present embodiment) toward the lower side.

The upper side inclined edge portions254c,255care constituted by at least two inclined portions having different inclination angles relative to the up-down direction Yb and, in the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.15, include gently inclined portions254d,255dthat connect the upper ends of the base edge portions254a,255awith portions above and inward, in the front-rear direction Xb, of the upper ends of the base edge portions254a,255a, and steeply inclined portions254e,255ethat connect upper ends of the gently inclined portions254d,255dwith the upper end coupling portion253b.

In the example illustrated inFIG.15, each of the gently inclined portions254d,255dis constituted by one linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side, and each of the steeply inclined portions254e,255eis constituted by one linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side (at an inclination angle of 45° in the present embodiment).

As illustrated inFIG.15, first virtual lines Lb1passing through the upper ends and the lower ends of the gently inclined portions254d,255dextend at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side.

As illustrated inFIG.15, second virtual lines Lb2passing through upper and lower ends of the steeply inclined portions254e,255eextend at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side.

As illustrated inFIG.15, an inclination angle θ1of the first virtual line Lb1with respect to the up-down direction Yb is smaller than an inclination angle θ2of the second virtual line Lb2with respect to the up-down direction Yb. In other words, a degree of extending inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side is stronger (greater) for the second virtual lines Lb2(steeply inclined portions254e,255e) than for the first virtual lines Lb1(gently inclined portions254d,255d).

Further, as illustrated inFIG.14andFIG.15, the side gusset film250includes a flange facing region256where a flange281of the spout280faces the side gusset film250. In the present embodiment, the flange facing region256is formed in an annular shape with an outer peripheral edge having a circular shape.

Further, the side gusset film250includes a spout through-hole257having a circular shape, formed so as to penetrate in the film thickness direction, and through which a dispensing cylindrical portion282of the spout280is inserted.

The spout280is formed of a synthetic resin or other material, is attached to the pouch main body220to serve as a dispensing outlet for the liquid contents and, as illustrated inFIG.12andFIG.18, and includes the flange281disposed facing the side gusset film250, the dispensing cylindrical portion282extending perpendicularly to the flange281having a disk shape and including a dispensing hole282aformed therein, and a cap283detachably attached to a tip end of the dispensing cylindrical portion282.

In the present embodiment, the flange281is formed as an area having a disk shape (annular shape) with a through-hole formed at a center thereof and an outer peripheral edge having a circular shape (flange outer peripheral edge), is disposed on an inner side of the pouch main body220, and is at least partially fixed to an inner side surface of the side gusset film250by thermal fusing.

Note thatFIG.12illustrates only the flange281of the spout280and, as illustrated inFIG.18, most of the spout280, such as the dispensing cylindrical portion282and the cap283, is disposed outside the pouch main body220.

As illustrated inFIG.15, at least a portion (major portion in the example illustrated inFIG.15) of the flange281(flange facing region256) including a center of the flange281(flange facing region256) is disposed facing a region between the upper side inclined edge portion254cof the front side outer edge254and the upper side inclined edge portion255cof the rear side outer edge255, and more particularly, disposed facing a region between the gently inclined portion254dof the front side outer edge254and the gently inclined portion255dof the rear side outer edge255.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.15, the flange281(flange facing region256) is disposed at a center of the side gusset film250in the front-rear direction Xb, and an interval between the front side outer edge254and an outer edge of the flange281(flange facing region256) and an interval between the rear side outer edge255and the outer edge of the flange281(flange facing region256) in the front-rear direction Xb are equal.

As understood fromFIG.12, the region between the upper side inclined edge portion254cof the front side outer edge254and the upper side inclined edge portion255cof the rear side outer edge255to which the flange281is (at least partially) attached as described above is a portion inclined inwardly of the pouch main body220in the front-back direction Zb toward the upper side when viewed in the front-rear direction Xb in a state in which the spout pouch210is placed on a placement surface with the pouch bottom portion220adown. Therefore, in a state in which the spout pouch210is placed on the placement surface, as understood fromFIG.12andFIG.18, when viewed in the front-rear direction Xb, the dispensing cylindrical portion282of the spout280attached to the region described above is at an upward incline, extending obliquely with respect to the up-down direction Yb (and the front-back direction Zb), in other words, is inclined outwardly of the pouch main body220in the front-back direction Zb toward the upper side.

The inner side film270is formed as a resin film having a rectangular shape (or substantially rectangular shape) and flexibility with a thermal fusing layer on at least one side thereof and, as understood fromFIG.12andFIG.13, is disposed in the pouch main body220(liquid contents accommodating portion221) in a state of being folded in two, and a predetermined portion thereof is thermally fused to the films230,240.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the inner side film270is formed with a plurality of film penetrating portions formed in hole shapes penetrating in the film thickness direction.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.12andFIG.13, in the bag-making sealing portion on the top portion side of the spout pouch210where the films230,240,260overlap (top seal224), a handle hole227for a user to hold the spout pouch210by passing his or her hand or finger therethrough is formed through the overlapping portion of the films230,240,260.

Note thatFIG.13illustrates the handle hole227being formed in a state in which the films230,240,260are not thermally fused to one another for convenience of technical understanding. However, in the present embodiment, the handle hole227is formed by punching at a predetermined location after the films230,240,260are thermally fused to one another.

As illustrated inFIG.18A, in the liquid contents accommodating portion221of the spout pouch210, the liquid contents are accommodated in an amount equal to or less than the volume of a portion below a virtual line Lb3obtained by extending a lower end edge of an inner peripheral surface of the dispensing hole282aof the spout280(specifically, the lower end edge of the inner peripheral surface of the dispensing hole282aon a tip end side of the dispensing cylindrical portion282) of the liquid contents accommodating portion221in the extending direction of the lower end edge when the top seal224(pouch top portion side), including the handle hole227formed therein, is supported (held) and the spout pouch210accommodating the liquid contents in the liquid contents accommodating portion221is lifted up in an unopened state (liquid contents have not yet been dispensed), as viewed in the front-rear direction Xb. Note thatFIG.18Aillustrates a state in which the liquid contents accommodating portion221accommodates the same amount of liquid contents as the volume of the portion of the liquid contents accommodating portion221below the virtual line Lb3.

By setting the amount of the liquid contents accommodated in the liquid contents accommodating portion221in this way, it is possible to tilt and lift the spout pouch210so that the dispensing cylindrical portion282of the spout280is facing sideways (by holding the pouch top portion side with the handle hole227formed therein or the like) and make the dispensing cylindrical portion282extend in a horizontal direction or make the dispensing cylindrical portion282incline downward (that is, incline downward from the horizontal direction) when dispensing the liquid contents, as in the posture illustrated inFIG.18A. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of so-called back leaks, that is, a phenomenon in which the dispensing cylindrical portion282of the spout280is inclined upward (that is inclined upward from the horizontal direction) such as illustrated inFIG.18Bafter dispensing the liquid contents and the liquid contents leak out from the tip end of the dispensing cylindrical portion282and run down a lower surface of the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing cylindrical portion282.

Further, in order to increase the volume of the liquid contents that can be accommodated in the pouch main body220while suppressing such back leaks of the liquid contents, it is desirable to reduce an inclination angle of the flange281with respect to the up-down direction Yb of the pouch main body220by reducing an inclination angle of the region of the side gusset film250to which the flange281is attached (region between the gently inclined portions254d,255d) with respect to the up-down direction Yb, thereby adjusting the extending direction of the dispensing cylindrical portion282of the spout280(direction in which the virtual line Lb3extends) downward (closer to a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction Yb).

Next, modified examples of the upper inclined edge portions254c,255cof the side gusset film250will be described below with reference toFIG.16andFIG.17. Note that, in the modified examples described below, the configurations are the same as that of the embodiment described above except in part, and thus configuration descriptions will be omitted aside from the points of difference.

First, in the example illustrated inFIG.15described above, the gently inclined portions254d,255dare described as being constituted by one linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb, but the specific mode of the gently inclined portions254d,255dis not limited thereto, and the gently inclined portions254d,255dmay each be constituted by at least one linear portion, at least one curved portion, or a combination thereof.

In the example illustrated inFIG.16, each of the gently inclined portions254d,255dincludes a plurality of (three) linear portions, that is, a first linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side from the upper end of the base edge portion254a,255a, a second linear portion extending in the up-down direction Yb from an upper end of the first linear portion, and a third linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side from an upper end of the second linear portion.

In the example illustrated inFIG.17, each of the gently inclined portions254d,255dis constituted by a plurality of (three) linear portions, that is, a first linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side from the upper end of the base edge portion254a,255a, a second linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb outwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side from the upper end of the first linear portion, and a third linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side from the upper end of the second linear portion.

As is understood from these examples illustrated inFIG.16andFIG.17, the linear portions (or curved portions) constituting the gently inclined portions254d,255dmay extend at an incline in the up-down direction Yb inwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side, may extend in the up-down direction Yb, may extend at an incline in the up-down direction Yb outwardly in the front-rear direction Xb toward the upper side, or the like.

Similarly, in the example illustrated inFIG.15toFIG.17described above, each of the steeply inclined portions254e,255eare constituted by one linear portion extending at an incline in the up-down direction Yb, but the specific mode of the steeply inclined portions254e,255eis not limited thereto, and the steeply inclined portions254e,255emay each be constituted by at least one linear portion, at least one curved portion, or a combination thereof.

Further, in the example illustrated inFIG.17, at least one of the front side sealing region251and the rear side sealing region252(both in the example illustrated inFIG.17) includes control sealing portions251a,252apositioned inward of the first virtual line LI in the front-rear direction Xb.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the control sealing portions251a,252aare each formed so as to include a portion positioned in a region between a lower half of the flange facing region256(flange281) and the front side sealing region251or the rear side sealing region252in the front-rear direction Xb, and not include a portion positioned above a center of the flange facing region256(flange281) in the up-down direction Yb.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.17, a portion of each of the control sealing portions251a,252apositioned most inward in the front-rear direction Xb is positioned in a region between the lower half of the flange facing region256(flange281) and the front side sealing region251or the rear side sealing region252in the front-rear direction Xb.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.17, the control sealing portions251a,252aeach include an area positioned below the flange facing region256(flange281).

An embodiment of the disclosure has been described in detail above, but the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the disclosure described in the claims. Further, the spout pouch210may be configured by any combination of configurations of the embodiment described above and modified examples described below.

For example, the spout pouch210may be accommodated and utilized in the outer case (not illustrated) during usage, during display, or during transport thereof, and the spout pouch210itself may be used, displayed, or transported, without being accommodated in the outer case (not illustrated).

Further, with respect to specific modes of each of the films230,240,250,260,270, as long as each film includes a layer having thermal fusing properties, such as an olefin-based layer made of low density polyethylene or polypropylene or a polyester-based layer made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like on at least one of the surfaces thereof, a film including a single film of the thermal fusing layer may be used, or any desired layer may be layered to the thermal fusing layer. Any material may be used as a material constituting the multilayer, and the multilayer may be formed as desired by layering a known polyester such as PET or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, aluminum foil, or the like.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the pouch main body220is described as being formed of four films, namely the films230,240,250260. However, a specific mode of the pouch main body220, such as the number of films constituting the pouch main body220, is not limited to the above and, for example, a gusset film for the bottom portion may be separately provided at a position corresponding to the pouch bottom portion220a.

Further, the inner side film270need not be provided.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the spout pouch210is configured as a large-capacity pouch having a volume of 2 to 5 L, and the spout280is configured as a large spout with an outer diameter of the flange281being 50 to 70 mm. However, the sizes of the spout pouch210and the spout280are not limited thereto and may be set as desired in accordance with the embodiment.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the front side outer edge254and the rear side outer edge255are described as being formed in line symmetry (left-right symmetry) with respect to the virtual line extending in the up-down direction Yb at the center of the side gusset film250in the front-rear direction Xb. However, the front side outer edge254and the rear side outer edge255may be formed not in left-right symmetry.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the control sealing portions251a,252aare formed continuously with the sealing regions251,252. However, the control sealing portions251a,252amay be formed independently of (at positions separated from) the sealing regions251,252.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the flange281is described as being formed in a disk shape with an outer peripheral edge having a circular shape. However, the specific shape of the flange281may be any shape such as a shape having an outer peripheral edge (flange outer peripheral edge) of a shape other than a circular shape, such as a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the flange281is described as being fixed to the inner side surface of the side gusset film250. However, the flange281may be fixed to an outer side surface of the side gusset film250.

Further, the flange281may be fixed to the side gusset film250by any method other than thermal fusing, such as adhesion.

Note that the terms “top portion,” “bottom portion,” “side portion,” and the like indicating up and down directions are used herein, but these terms do not limit the orientation of the placement of the spout pouch210during display, during transport, and the like. For example, the spout pouch210may be placed on the placement surface with the side portion or the top portion of the spout pouch210down during display, during transport, and the like.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the liquid contents are described as being dispensed in a state in which the pouch top portion side is held and the spout pouch210is lifted, but the specific mode of dispensing the liquid contents is not limited to the above. For example, the liquid contents may be dispensed in a state in which the spout pouch210is lifted by supporting and holding a portion other than the pouch top portion side such as the pouch bottom portion220a, or the liquid contents may be dispensed in a state in which the spout pouch210is placed on a placement surface.