Patent GB-1389552-A (GB)
Title: Flexible liquid container
IPC: B65D33/38
Filed: 1972-05-22
Abstract: 1389552 Making bags J M SCHMIT 22 May 1972 [21 May 1971] 24022/72 Heading B5D [Also in Division B8] A flexible-walled vessel C for liquids and semiliquids comprises opposed side wall panels which are sealed together around their edges and which are made of a material such as lowdensity polyethylenes, polypropylene, and polyolefins having a temperature about which it may be mechanically deformed without rupturing to take a pemanent set, and a dispensing nozzle permanently formed in the container structure. As shown in Fig. 1, in a method of forming a container C, Fig. 5, a panel 32 of heat-sealable material 32, withdrawn from a roll 33 and having deforming characteristics as stated above, is first passed beneath a die 34 to form a perforation 35 and then beneath a cutting element 37 which severs a length of similar material from a supply roll 36 to superimpose a flap 38 on to the panel 32. A heat-sealing element 39 is subsequently lowered to seal the flap 38 in a circular pattern around the perforation 35. After clamps 40, 41 have been applied, to the panel 32 to stretch the latter beneath the flap 38 while leaving the latter free, a male die 42 is lowered to deform the panel 32 within the area of the clamps 40, 41 to form a well 31, the flap 38 being drawn down into the latter with its free edges protruding above the panel 32. The latter, Fig. 3, is then folded over, as shown in Fig. 4, and heat-sealed along its edges to provide the container C, Fig. 5. To extend the wall 31 as a dispensing nozzle either the edges of the flap 38 are pulled upwards or, the sides of the container are pressed inwards, the contents of the container being dispensible by tearing off the flap 38. In a modification, Fig. 9, a tubular die 45 is raised to distort a portion of the panel 32 into engagement within a second tubular die 46 to form a nozzle the die 46 being externally threaded to receive a dispensing cap 49 which has a bayonet tube 58 for piercing the nozzle when a component part 55 is pressed down, and a dispensing opening controlled by a valve 57. The panel 32 is folded and sealed as in the first instance but with the nozzle permanently projecting externally of the container (67), Fig. 12, not shown. In a further modification, Fig. 11, not shown, a die (60) is moved upwardly to deform the area within the clamped section of the panel (32) to take a permanent set in the form of a well (63) whereupon a rigid ring (64) is slipped over the well (63) and a flap (65) is heat-sealed to the end wall of the well (63) and to the ring (64). A dispenser (68), which is adapted to fit over the ring (64), Fig. 13, not shown, has a nipple (71) and a bayonet tube (70). Other ebmodiments are described whereby nozzles are deformed from the panel (32) solely by male dies or, by the latter in co-operation with female dies, dispensing units being adapted to be attached to female dies or, when absent, to rings slipped over the nozzles when formed solely by male dies, which remain in situ. The panel (32) may first be provided with a flap applied in the manner shown in Fig. 1, the edges of the flap being trapped between the inner and outer dies. The outer ring may be replaced by a heat-shrinkable band (102), Fig. 19, not shown, or the internal die (103), Fig. 20, not shown, may be secured within the nozzle (104) by a tie (105). As shown in Fig. 21, the internal die 106 is of sufficient length to be retained within the well 107 without additional securing means. A flap may be secured to a well formed solely by a male die left in situ, the end of the well not being provided with a perforation. The flap member may be large enough to extend down the sides of the well.