Patent Publication Number: US-11655091-B2

Title: Flexible container with tether

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Known are flexible containers that are used to store, transport, and dispense a flowable material. Large, gusseted flexible containers having handles on the top and the bottom of the container are becoming increasingly available. The requisite two-hand operation of the dual handle container has several drawbacks. The non-rigid and pliable nature of the flexible container requires two-hand operation to avoid spillage while dispensing. The operator&#39;s care and attention is further required during the entire dispensing sequence to ensure the container handle does not get in the way of the dispensing flow and invoke spillage. 
     The art recognizes the need for flexible containers with improved handling and dispensing control. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein is a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along peripheral seals to form (i) a top portion, (ii) a body portion, and (iii) a bottom portion. The top portion comprises a neck and a fitment in the neck. The top portion comprises a top handle extending above the fitment, the top handle having a reciprocal attachment member. The bottom portion comprises a bottom handle and a tether extending from the bottom handle. A distal end of the tether has an attachment member, the attachment member adapted to secure to the reciprocal attachment member. 
     Also disclosed herein is a process. In an embodiment, the process includes providing a flexible container comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along peripheral seals to form (i) a top portion, (ii) a body portion, and (iii) a bottom portion. The top portion comprises a neck and a fitment in the neck. The top portion comprises a top handle extending above the fitment, the top handle having a reciprocal attachment member. The bottom portion comprises a bottom handle and a tether extending from the bottom handle. A distal end of the tether has an attachment member, the attachment member adapted to secure to the reciprocal attachment member. The process includes securing the attachment member to the reciprocal attachment member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a flexible container with a stowed tether in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a side elevation view of a panel sandwich. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the flexible container of  FIG.  1    in a collapsed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a flexible container with a dispensing spigot and actuation of the tether in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the flexible container of  FIG.  4    with an attachment member of the tether secured to a reciprocal attachment member of a top handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the flexible container of  FIG.  5    dispensing a flowable material in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DEFINITIONS 
     All references to the Periodic Table of the Elements herein shall refer to the Periodic Table of the Elements, published and copyrighted by CRC Press, Inc., 2003. Also, any references to a Group or Groups shall be to the Group or Groups reflected in this Periodic Table of the Elements using the IUPAC system for numbering groups. 
     For purposes of United States patent practice, the contents of any referenced patent, patent application or publication are incorporated by reference in their entirety (or its equivalent US version is so incorporated by reference) especially with respect to the disclosure of definitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitions specifically provided in this disclosure) and general knowledge in the art. 
     The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, and including, the lower value and the upper value. For ranges containing explicit values (e.g., a range from 1, or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7) any subrange between any two explicit values is included (e.g., the range 1-7 above includes subranges 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.). 
     Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percentages are based on weight, and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure. 
     The term “composition,” as used herein, refers to a mixture of materials which comprise the composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition. 
     The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and their derivatives, are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. In order to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of the term “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term, “consisting essentially of” excludes from the scope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step or procedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term “consisting of” excludes any component, step or procedure not specifically delineated or listed. 
     An “ethylene-based polymer,” as used herein is a polymer that contains more than 50 weight percent polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer. 
     An “olefin-based polymer,” as used herein is a polymer that contains more than 50 weight percent polymerized olefin monomer (based on total amount of polymerizable monomers), and optionally, may contain at least one comonomer. Nonlimiting examples of olefin-based polymer include ethylene-based polymer and propylene-based polymer. 
     A “polymer” is a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or a different type, that in polymerized form provide the multiple and/or repeating “units” or “mer units” that make up a polymer. The generic term polymer thus embraces the term homopolymer, usually employed to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer, and the term copolymer, usually employed to refer to polymers prepared from at least two types of monomers. It also embraces all forms of copolymer, e.g., random, block, etc. The terms “ethylene/α-olefin polymer” and “propylene/α-olefin polymer” are indicative of copolymer as described above prepared from polymerizing ethylene or propylene respectively and one or more additional, polymerizable α-olefin monomer. It is noted that although a polymer is often referred to as being “made of” one or more specified monomers, “based on” a specified monomer or monomer type, “containing” a specified monomer content, or the like, in this context the term “monomer” is understood to be referring to the polymerized remnant of the specified monomer and not to the unpolymerized species. In general, polymers herein are referred to has being based on “units” that are the polymerized form of a corresponding monomer. 
     A “propylene-based polymer” is a polymer that contains more than 50 weight percent polymerized propylene monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer. 
     TEST METHODS 
     Density is measured in accordance with ASTM D792 with results reported in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). 
     Melt index (MI) is measured in accordance with ASTM D1238, Condition 190° C./2.16 kg with results reported in grams per 10 minutes (g/10 min). Tm or “melting point” as used herein (also referred to as a melting peak in reference to the shape of the plotted DSC curve) is typically measured by the DSC (Differential Scanning calorimetry) technique for measuring the melting points or peaks of polyolefins as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,638. It should be noted that many blends comprising two or more polyolefins will have more than one melting point or peak, many individual polyolefins will comprise only one melting point or peak. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides a flexible container. The flexible container includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along peripheral seals to form (i) a top portion, (ii) a body portion, and (iii) a bottom portion. The top portion includes a neck and a fitment in the neck. The top portion includes a top handle. The top handle extends above the fitment. The top handle has a reciprocal attachment member. The bottom portion includes a bottom handle and a tether. The tether extends from the bottom handle. The tether includes a distal end that includes an attachment member. The attachment member is adapted to secure to the reciprocal attachment member. 
       FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6    show a flexible container  10 . The flexible container  10  has an expanded configuration (shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 - 6   ) and has a collapsed configuration (shown in  FIG.  3   ). The flexible container  10  has a top portion I, a body portion II, and a bottom portion III, as shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     The flexible container  10  has four panels. During the fabrication process, the panels are formed when one or more webs of film material are sealed together. In an embodiment, four webs of film material are sealed together to form the four panels. While the webs may be separate pieces of film material, it will be appreciated that any number of seams between the webs could be “pre-made,” as by folding one or more of the source webs to create the effect of a seam or seams. For example, if it were desired to fabricate the present flexible container from two webs instead of four, the bottom, left center, and right center webs could be a single folded web, instead of three separate webs. Similarly, one, two, or more webs may be used to produce each respective panel (i.e., a bag-in-a-bag configuration or a bladder configuration). 
       FIG.  2    shows the relative positions of the four webs as they form four panels (in a “one up” configuration) as they pass through the fabrication process. For clarity, the webs are shown as four individual panels, the panels separated and the seals not made. The constituent webs form a first gusseted side panel  18 , a second gusseted side panel  20 , a front panel  22  and a rear panel  24 . Gusset fold lines  60  and  62  are shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the folded gusseted side panels  18 ,  20  are placed between the rear panel  24  and the front panel  22  to form a “panel sandwich.” The gusseted side panel  18  opposes the gusseted side panel  20 . When the flexible container  10  is in the collapsed configuration, the flexible container is in a flattened state, or in an otherwise evacuated state. The gusseted side panels  18 ,  20  fold inwardly (dotted gusset fold lines  60 ,  62  of  FIG.  3   ) and are sandwiched by the front panel  22  and the rear panel  24 . 
     The four panels  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  each can be composed of a separate web of multilayer film. The composition and structure for each web of multilayer film can be the same or different. Alternatively, one web of multilayer film may also be used to make all four panels. In a further embodiment, two or more webs of multilayer film can be used to make each panel. 
     Multilayer Film 
     The flexible multilayer film used in construction of each panel of the flexible container  10  can comprise a food-grade plastic. For instance, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or low density polyethylene (LDPE) may be used as discussed later. The flexible multilayer film can have a thickness that is adequate to maintain a flowable material and package integrity during manufacturing, distribution, product shelf life and customer usage. The film material can also be such that it provides the appropriate atmosphere within the flexible container  10  to maintain a product shelf life of at least about 180 days. The flexible multilayer film can comprise an oxygen barrier film having an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) that is reported in units of “cc/m 2 /24 h/atm” and measured at 23° C. and 80% relative humidity (RH). In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has an OTR value from 0, or 0.2 to 0.4, or 1 cc/m 2 /24 h/atm. In a further embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has an OTR value from 0 to 1, or from 0.2 to 0.4 cc/m 2 /24 h/atm. Additionally, the flexible multilayer film can also comprise a water vapor barrier film having a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) that is reported in units of “g/m 2 /24 h” and measured at 38° C. and 90% RH. In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has a WVTR value from 0, or 0.2, or 1 to 5, or 10, or 15 g/m 2 /24 h. In a further embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has a WVTR value from 0 to 15, or from 0.2 to 10, or from 1 to 5 g/m 2 /24 h. Moreover, it may be desirable to use materials of construction having oil and/or chemical resistance particularly in the seal layer, but not limited to just the seal layer. The flexible multilayer film can be either printable or compatible to receive a pressure sensitive label or other type of label for displaying of indicia on the flexible container  10 . 
     In an embodiment, each panel  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  is made from a flexible multilayer film having at least one, or at least two, or at least three layers. The flexible multilayer film is resilient, flexible, deformable, and pliable. The structure and composition of the flexible multilayer film for each panel may be the same or different. For example, each of the four panels can be made from a separate web, each web having a unique structure and/or unique composition, finish, or print. Alternatively, each of the four panels can be the same structure and the same composition. 
     In an embodiment, each panel  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  is a flexible multilayer film having the same structure and the same composition. 
     The flexible multilayer film may be (i) a coextruded multilayer structure or (ii) a laminate, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has at least three layers: a seal layer, an outer layer, and a tie layer between. The tie layer adjoins the seal layer to the outer layer. The flexible multilayer film may include one or more optional inner layers disposed between the seal layer and the outer layer. 
     In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film having at least two, or three, or four, or five, or six, or seven layers. Some methods, for example, used to construct films are by cast co-extrusion or blown co-extrusion methods, adhesive lamination, extrusion lamination, thermal lamination, and coatings such as vapor deposition. Combinations of these methods are also possible. Film layers can comprise, in addition to the polymeric materials, additives such as stabilizers, slip additives, antiblocking additives, process aids, clarifiers, nucleators, pigments or colorants, fillers and reinforcing agents, and the like as commonly used in the packaging industry. It is particularly useful to choose additives and polymeric materials that have suitable organoleptic and or optical properties. 
     Nonlimiting examples of suitable polymeric materials for the seal layer include olefin-based polymer (including any ethylene/C 3 -C 10  α-olefin copolymers linear or branched), propylene-based polymer (including plastomer and elastomer, random propylene copolymer, propylene homopolymer, and propylene impact copolymer), ethylene-based polymer (including plastomer and elastomer, high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”), medium density polyethylene (“MDPE”), ethylene-acrylic acid or ethylene-methacrylic acid and their ionomers with zinc, sodium, lithium, potassium, magnesium salts, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers and blends thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the seal layer is a blend of an olefin-based polymer and a slip agent. 
     Nonlimiting examples of suitable olefin-based polymers for use in the seal layer blend include LLDPE (sold under the trade name DOWLEX™ (The Dow Chemical Company)), single-site LLDPE (substantially linear, or linear, olefin polymers, including polymers sold under the trade name AFFINITY™ or ELITE™ (The Dow Chemical Company)), propylene-based plastomers or elastomers such as VERSIFY™ (The Dow Chemical Company), and blends thereof. 
     A nonlimiting example of a suitable slip agent for use in the seal layer blend includes a fatty acid derivative. In an embodiment, the slip agent is an amide of a C18 to C24 fatty acid. In a further embodiment, the slip agent is an amide of a C22 mono-unsaturated fatty acid (e.g., erucamide) 
     Nonlimiting examples of suitable polymeric material for the outer layer include those used to make biaxially or monoaxially oriented films for lamination as well as coextruded films. Some nonlimiting polymeric material examples are biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), monoaxially oriented nylon (MON), biaxially oriented nylon (BON), and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). Other polymeric materials useful in constructing film layers for structural benefit are polypropylenes (such as propylene homopolymer, random propylene copolymer, propylene impact copolymer, thermoplastic polypropylene (TPO) and the like, propylene-based plastomers (e.g., VERSIFY™ or VISTAMAX™)), polyamides (such as Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, Nylon 6,66, Nylon 6,12, Nylon 12 etc.), polyethylene norbornene, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyesters, copolyesters (such as PETG), cellulose esters, polyethylene and copolymers of ethylene (e.g., LLDPE based on ethylene octene copolymer such as DOWLEX™, blends thereof, and multilayer combinations thereof. 
     Nonlimiting examples of suitable polymeric materials for the tie layer include functionalized ethylene-based polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”), polymers with maleic anhydride-grafted to polyolefins such as any polyethylene, ethylene-copolymers, or polypropylene, and ethylene acrylate copolymers such an ethylene methyl acrylate (“EMA”), glycidyl containing ethylene copolymers, propylene and ethylene based olefin block copolymers (OBC) such as INTUNE™ (PP-OBC) and INFUSE™ (PE-OBC) both available from The Dow Chemical Company, and blends thereof. 
     The flexible multilayer film may include additional layers which may contribute to the structural integrity or provide specific properties. The additional layers may be added by direct means or by using appropriate tie layers to the adjacent polymer layers. Polymers which may provide additional mechanical performance such as stiffness or opacity, as well polymers which may offer gas barrier properties or chemical resistance can be added to the structure. 
     Nonlimiting examples of suitable material for the optional barrier layer include copolymers of vinylidene chloride and methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate or vinyl chloride (e.g., SARAN resins available from The Dow Chemical Company); vinylethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), metal foil (such as aluminum foil). Alternatively, modified polymeric films such as vapor deposited aluminum or silicon oxide on such films as BON, BOPET, or OPP, can be used to obtain barrier properties when used in laminate multilayer film. 
     In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has a thickness from 100 micrometers (μm), or 200 μm, or 250 μm to 300 μm, or 350 μm, or 400 μm. In a further embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has a thickness from 100 to 400 μm, or from 200 to 350 μm, or from 250 μm to 300 μm. 
     In an embodiment, the panels  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  are made of the same seven-layer film, with structure and composition set forth in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Layer 
                 Layer % 
                 Layer composition 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 A 
                 10 
                 Dowlex 2038.68G (skin layer) 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 15 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 15 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 10 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 E 
                 15 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 F 
                 15 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 G 
                 20 
                 95% Affinity 1146G + 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4% Antiblock (20% silica + 80% LDPE) + 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1% Erucamide (5% Slip + 95% LDPE) 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (seal layer) 
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 The total thickness of the seven-layer film is 200 microns 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In an embodiment, the panels  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  are made of the same seven-layer film, with structure and composition set forth in Table 2 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Layer 
                 Layer % 
                 Layer composition 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 A 
                 10 
                 Nylon 6/6,6 (skin layer) 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 10 
                 Tie layer 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 30 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 10 
                 Tie layer 
               
               
                   
                 E 
                 10 
                 Nylon 6/6,6 
               
               
                   
                 F 
                 10 
                 Tie layer 
               
               
                   
                 G 
                 20 
                 95% Affinity 1146G + 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4% Antiblock (20% silica + 80% LDPE) + 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1% Erucamide (5% Slip + 95% LDPE) 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (seal layer) 
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 The total thickness of the seven-layer film is 200 microns 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In an embodiment, the panels  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  are made of the same seven-layer film, with structure and composition set forth in Table 3 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Layer 
                 Layer % 
                 Layer composition 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 A 
                 10 
                 Nylon 6/6,6 (skin layer) 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 10 
                 Tie layer 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 30 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 10 
                 Tie layer 
               
               
                   
                 E 
                 10 
                 EVOH 
               
               
                   
                 F 
                 10 
                 Tie layer 
               
               
                   
                 G 
                 20 
                 95% Affinity 1146G + 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4% Antiblock (20% silica + 80% LDPE) + 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1% Erucamide (5% Slip + 95% LDPE) 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (seal layer) 
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 The total thickness of the seven-layer film is 200 microns 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In an embodiment, the panels  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  are made of the same seven-layer film, with structure and composition set forth in Table 4 below. 
                                     TABLE 4                       Layer   Layer %   Layer composition                                                        A   15   Elite 5960G1 (skin layer)           B   15   Innate ST50           C   10   Innate ST50           D   10   Innate ST50           E   15   Innate ST50           F   15   Elite 5960G1           G   20   95% Affinity 1146G +                   4% Antiblock (20% silica + 80% LDPE) +                   1% Erucamide (5% Slip + 95% LDPE)                   (seal layer)           Total   100                       The total thickness of the seven-layer film is 200 microns            
Flexible Container
 
       FIGS.  1 ,  4 - 6    show the flexible container  10  in the expanded configuration. The flexible container  10  has four panels  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24 . In an embodiment, the flexible container  10  includes one web of multilayer film for each respective panel  18 ,  20 ,  22 , and  24 . The gusseted side panels  18 ,  20  adjoin the front panel  22  and the rear panel  24  along peripheral seals  41  to form the body portion II, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The peripheral seals  41  are located on the side edges of the flexible container  10 . Four peripheral tapered seals  40  are located on the bottom portion III, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . An overseal  11  is formed where the four peripheral tapered seals  40  converge in a bottom segment  26 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . The overseal  11  includes an area where a portion of each panel ( 18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ) is sealed to a portion of every other panel to form a 4-ply seal. The overseal  11  also includes an area where two panels (front panel  22  and rear panel  24 ) are sealed together. The term “overseal,” as used herein, is the area where the peripheral tapered seals  40  converge and that is subjected to at least two sealing procedures, as described herein. 
     The four panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  extend toward a top end  44  to form the top portion I and extend toward a bottom end  46  to form the bottom portion III of the flexible container  10 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The top portion I forms a top segment  28  and the bottom portion III forms the bottom segment  26 . To form the top portion I and the bottom portion III, the four webs of film converge together at the respective end and are sealed together. For instance, the top segment  28  can be defined by four top panels that are extensions of the panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  and are sealed together at the top end  44 . The bottom segment  26  also can be defined by four bottom panels that are extensions of the panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  and are sealed together at the bottom end  46 . Nonlimiting examples of suitable methods for sealing the four webs of film together include ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, impulse sealing, high frequency sealing, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the seal among the four webs of film is formed with a heat sealing procedure. The term “heat sealing procedure,” as used herein, includes placing two or more films of polymeric material between opposing heat seal bars; moving the heat seal bars moved toward each other; sandwiching the films; and applying heat and pressure to the films such that opposing surfaces (seal layers) of the films contact, melt, and form a heat seal, or weld, to attach the films to each other. Heat sealing includes suitable structure and mechanism to move the seal bars toward and away from each other in order to perform the heat sealing procedure. 
     Top Portion 
     Top portion I includes a neck. In an embodiment, a portion of each of the four panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  forms the top segment  28  and terminates at a neck  27 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . In this way, each panel extends from the bottom segment  26  to the neck  27 . The neck  27  includes a fitment  30 . At the neck  27 , a portion of a top end section of each of the four panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  is sealed, or otherwise is welded, to the fitment  30  to form a tight seal. In an embodiment, the fitment  30  is sealed to the neck  27  with the heat sealing procedure, as described herein. Although the base of fitment  30  has a circular cross-sectional shape, it is understood that the base of fitment  30  can have other cross-sectional shapes such as a polygonal cross-sectional shape, for example. The base with circular cross-sectional shape is distinct from fitments with canoe-shaped bases used for conventional two-panel flexible pouches. 
     In an embodiment, an outer surface of the base of fitment  30  has surface texture. The surface texture can include embossment and a plurality of radial ridges to promote sealing to the inner surface of the top segment  28 . 
     In an embodiment, the fitment  30  is positioned at a midpoint of the top segment  28  and can be sized smaller than a width of the container  10 , such that the fitment  30  can have an area that is less than a total area of the top segment  28 . In a further embodiment, the fitment area is not more than 20% of the total top segment area. This can ensure that the fitment  30  will not be large enough to insert a hand therethrough, thus avoiding any unintentional contact with the flowable material  48  stored therein, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 - 6   . 
     In an embodiment, the fitment  30  is a spout. In a further embodiment, the fitment  30  is a threaded spout. 
     In an embodiment, the fitment  30  includes a closure. The closure covers the fitment  30  and prevents the flowable material  48  from spilling out of the container  10 . The closure can be removable. Nonlimiting examples of a removable closure include a screw-on cap and flip-top cap. In an embodiment, the flexible container  10  includes the removable closure, a threaded cap  32 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . 
     In an embodiment, the fitment  30  is a dispensing fitment. A nonlimiting example of a dispensing fitment suitable for use includes a dispensing spigot. In an embodiment, the flexible container  10  includes the dispensing fitment, a spigot  52 , as shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . 
     The fitment  30 , the spigot  52 , and the closure can be made of a rigid construction and can be formed of any appropriate plastic, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof. The location of fitment  30  (or spigot  52 ), can be anywhere on the top segment  28  of the container  10 . In an embodiment, fitment  30  (or spigot  52 ), is located at the center or midpoint of the top segment  28 . 
     The top portion I includes a top handle. As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   , a top handle  12  extends vertically, or substantially vertically, from the top segment  28  and, in particular, can extend from the four top panels that make up the top segment  28 . The four top panels of film that extend into the top handle  12  are all sealed together to form a multi-layer top handle  12 . In an embodiment, the four top panels of film are sealed together with the heat sealing procedure, as described herein. The top handle  12  can have a U-shape and, in particular, an upside down U-shape with an upper handle portion  12   a  having a pair of spaced legs  13  and  15  extending therefrom. The legs  13  and  15  extend from the top segment  28 , adjacent the fitment  30  (or the spigot  52 ), with one leg  13  on one side of the fitment  30  and other leg  15  on the other side of the fitment  30  (or the spigot  52 ), with each leg  13 ,  15  extending from opposite portions of the top segment  28 . The upper handle portion  12   a  extends horizontally, or substantially horizontally, between the legs  13  and  15 . 
     A portion of the top handle  12  can extend above the fitment  30  (or the spigot  52 ), and above the top segment  28 , and the entire upper handle portion  12   a  can be above the fitment  30  (or the spigot  52 ), and the top segment  28 . The two pairs of legs  13  and  15  along with the upper handle portion  12   a  together make up the top handle  12  surrounding a top handle opening  16 . The top handle opening  16  is sized to fit a user&#39;s hand. The top handle opening  16  can be any shape that is convenient to fit the hand and, in one aspect, the top handle opening  16  can have a generally oval shape. In another aspect, the top handle opening  16  can have a generally rectangular shape. Additionally, the top handle opening  16  of the top handle  12  can also have a flap  36  that comprises the cut material that forms the top handle opening  16 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6   . To define the top handle opening  16 , the top handle  12  can have a section that is cut out of the multilayer top handle  12  along three sides or portions while remaining attached at a fourth side or lower portion. This provides a flap of material  36  that can be pushed through the top handle opening  16  by the user and folded over an edge of the top handle opening  16 . In an embodiment, the flap portion  36  folds upwards toward the upper handle portion  12   a  of the top handle  12  to create a smooth gripping surface of the top handle  12 , such that the handle material is not sharp and can protect the user&#39;s hand from getting cut on any sharp edges of the top handle  12 . 
     In an embodiment, top handle  12  can be “a punch-out handle,” that is, a handle formed by a process that cuts, or otherwise “punches” film material from the flexible container  10 , thereby removing film material from the flexible container  10 . The punch-out handle does not have, or is otherwise void of, a flap. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the top handle opening  16  has a height H. The height H of the top handle opening  16  is large enough to allow a bottommost edge of the upper handle portion  12   a  to clear an uppermost edge of the fitment  30  (or the spigot  52 ), as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6   . In an embodiment, the height H of the top handle opening  16  is from 4 centimeters (cm), or 6 cm, or 8 cm, or 10 cm, or 12 cm to 14 cm, or 16 cm, or 18 cm, or 20 cm. In a further embodiment, the height H of the top handle opening  16  is from 4 to 20 cm, or from 8 to 18 cm, or from 10 to 16 cm. 
     The top handle  12  is disposed in a position. Positions of the top handle  12  include a carry position and a retracted position. In an embodiment, top handle  12  has the carry position, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The top handle  12  has the carry position when the flexible container  10  is grasped by a user at the top handle  12 , for example. The user can ambulate with the flexible container  10  while the top handle  12  has the carry position. 
     In an embodiment, top handle  12  has the retracted position, as shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6    and further described herein. 
     A portion of the top handle  12  attached to the top segment  28  can contain dead machine folds  34   a - 34   b,  or score lines, that provide for the top handle  12  to consistently fold in the same direction, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6   . The machine folds  34   a - 34   b,  can comprise a fold line that permits folding in a first direction and restricts folding in a second direction. The terms “first direction,” and “second direction,” as used herein, are a direction toward the front side panel  22  and a direction toward the rear panel  24 , respectively. The term “restricts,” as used herein can mean that it is easier to move in the first direction than in the second direction. The two machine folds  34   a - 34   b  in the top handle  12  can allow for the top handle  12  to be inclined to fold or bend consistently in the first direction, rather than in the second direction. The machine fold  34   a - 34   b  can cause the top handle  12  to consistently fold in the first direction because it provides a generally permanent fold line in the handle that is predisposed to fold in the first direction, rather than in the second direction. The machine folds  34   a - 34   b  can be located in each leg  13 ,  15  at a location where the seal begins, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6   . The top handle  12  can be adhered together, such as with a tack adhesive, beginning from the machine folded portions  34   a - 34   b  up to, and including, the upper handle portion  12   a  of the top handle  12 . The positioning of the machine folds  34   a - 34   b  can be in the same latitude plane as the fitment  30  (or the spigot  52 ), and, in particular, at the bottommost portion of the fitment  30  (or the spigot  52 ). As will be discussed herein, the bottom handle  14  can also contain a machine fold  42  that also allows it to fold consistently in the same first direction as the top handle  12 . 
     Body Portion 
     The body portion II of the flexible container  10  includes a chamber. A flowable material  48  is stored inside of the chamber, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 - 6   . The flowable material is a material that can be transferred into and out of the flexible container  10 . The term “flowable material,” as used herein, is a liquid or a particulate solid material that is pourable from the chamber, through the fitment  30 , and out of the flexible container  10 . 
     Numerous types of flowable materials can be stored within the chamber of the flexible container  10 . The flowable material includes, but is not limited to, a solid material, a liquid material and a particulate material. In an embodiment, the flowable material  48  is a food product. Nonlimiting examples of food products suitable for storage within the chamber of the flexible container  10  include beverages such as water, juice, milk, syrup, carbonated beverages (beer, soft drinks), and fermented beverages (wine, scotch), salad dressings, sauces, dairy products, condiments (e.g., mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup) animal feed, and the like. 
     In an embodiment, the flowable material  48  is an industrial product. Nonlimiting examples of industrial products suitable for storage within the chamber of the flexible container  10  include oil, paint, grease, chemicals, cleaning solutions, washing fluids, suspensions of solids in liquid, and solid particulate matter (powders, grains, granular solids). 
     In an embodiment, the flowable material  48  is a squeezable product. The term “squeezable product,” as used herein, is a flowable material (i) with a viscosity greater than the viscosity of water, and (ii) that requires application of a squeezing force to the flexible container  10  in order to discharge the material from the chamber. Nonlimiting examples of squeezable products suitable for storage within the chamber of the flexible container  10  include grease, butter, margarine, soap, shampoo, animal feed, sauces, baby food, and the like. 
     The chamber of the flexible container  10  has a volume. In an embodiment, the volume of the chamber of the flexible container  10  is from 0.25 liters (L), or 0.5 L, or 0.75 L, or 1 L, or 1.5 L, or 2.5 L, or 3 L, or 3.5 L, or 4 L, or 4.5 L, or 5 L to 6 L, or 7 L, or 8 L, or 9 L, or 10 L, or 20 L, or 30 L. In a further embodiment, the volume of the chamber of the flexible container  10  is from 0.25 to 30 L, or from 0.5 to 10 L, or from 3 to 8 L. 
     Bottom Portion 
     The bottom portion III includes a bottom handle  14 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The bottom handle  14  can be positioned at the bottom end  46  of the flexible container  10  such that the bottom handle  14  is an extension of the bottom segment  26 . The four bottom panels come together at a midpoint of the bottom segment  26  and are sealed together to form the bottom handle  14 . In an embodiment, the four bottom panels are sealed together to form the bottom handle  14  with the heat sealing procedure, as described herein. The bottom handle  14  can comprise up to four layers of film (one layer for each panel  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ) sealed together when four webs of film are used to make the container  10 . When more than four webs are used to make the container, the bottom handle  14  will include the same number of webs used to produce the container. Any portion of the bottom handle  14  where all four layers are not completely sealed together by the heat sealing procedure can be adhered together in any appropriate manner, such as by a tack seal to form a fully-sealed multi-layer bottom handle  14 . The bottom handle  14  can have any suitable shape and generally will take the shape of the film end. For example, typically the web of film has a rectangular shape when unwound, such that its ends have a straight edge. Therefore, the bottom handle  14  would also have a rectangular shape. 
     The bottom handle  14  is disposed in a position. Positions of the bottom handle  14  include a storage position and a retracted position. The bottom handle  14  has the storage position when the flexible container  10  is being shipped, stored and displayed for sale, for example. The term “storage position,” as used herein, is an orientation whereby the fitment/closure is the uppermost component of the flexible container  10 . In other words, when the flexible container  10  is in the storage position, the flexible container  10  rests on the bottom end  46  (and on the bottom handle  14 ), when placed on a support surface. 
     In an embodiment, the bottom handle  14  has the retracted position, as shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6    and further described herein. 
     As with the top handle  12 , the bottom handle  14  also can have a dead machine fold  42 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   , that permits folding in the first direction toward the front side panel  22  and restricts folding in the second direction toward the rear panel  24 . The machine fold  42  can allow for the bottom handle  14  to be inclined to fold or bend consistently toward the top handle  12  in the first direction, rather than in the second direction. When the flexible container  10  is stored in the storage position, the machine fold  42  of bottom handle  14  encourages the bottom handle  14  to fold in the first direction along the machine fold  42 , such that the bottom handle  14  can fold underneath the container  10 . The weight of the flowable material  48  can also apply a force to the bottom handle  14 , such that the weight of the flowable material  48  can further press on the bottom handle  14  and maintain the bottom handle  14  in the folded position in the first direction. 
     Tether 
     The flexible container  10  includes a tether. In an embodiment, the tether is connected to, and extends from, the top handle  12 . In a further embodiment, the tether is connected to, and extends from, the bottom handle  14 . 
     In an embodiment, a tether  6  is located inside a bottom handle opening  43  that is surrounded by the bottom handle  14 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The bottom handle opening  43  has a height J. The height J of the bottom handle opening  43  is large enough to contain the tether  6 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . In an embodiment, the height J of the bottom handle opening  43  is from 4 centimeters (cm), or 6 cm, or 8 cm, or 10 cm, or 12 cm to 14 cm, or 16 cm, or 18 cm, or 20 cm. In a further embodiment, the height J of the bottom handle opening  43  from 4 to 20 cm, or from 8 to 18 cm, or from 10 to 16 cm. 
     In an embodiment, tether  6  is connected to bottom handle  14  by way of integral construction. In other words, tether  6  is integral with the bottom handle  14 . The term “integral” or “integral construction,” as used herein, refers to two components that are constructed from the same web(s) of multilayer film, e.g., the tether  6  is constructed from the same four webs of multilayer film (one layer for each panel  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ) that are sealed together to provide the bottom handle  14 . The tether  6  includes a proximate end  8  that is attached to the bottom handle  14 . The tether  6  includes an attachment member  7  that is located at a distal end of the tether  6 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6   . The attachment member  7  is adapted to secure to a reciprocal attachment member  5  located in the top handle  12  of the flexible container  10 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6   . In an embodiment, the reciprocal attachment member  5  is located in the center of the upper handle portion  12   a.    
     In an embodiment, the tether  6  includes a body that extends from the proximate end  8  of the tether  6  to the attachment member  7  at the distal end of the tether  6 . The body of the tether  6  is non-rigid and can move freely when the attachment member  7  is extended from the bottom handle  14 . 
     In an embodiment, the tether  6  includes perforations  17 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The perforations  17  facilitate extension of the tether  6  from the bottom handle  14 . The perforations  17  can be formed by a machine or can be formed manually. In an embodiment, the perforations  17  of the tether  6  are formed by a machine. 
     In an embodiment, flexible container  10  includes a free tether. The term “free tether,” is a tether that is not integral to the flexible container  10 , the free tether being a separate and distinct component of the flexible container  10 . The free tether includes a securement member for securing to the flexible container  10 . The securement member may releasably secure, or permanently secure, a proximate end of the free tether to the flexible container  10 . The free tether includes an attachment member (at a distal end) and a body that extends between the proximate end and the attachment member of the free tether. The body of the free tether has a length sufficient to extend between the bottom handle  14  and the top handle  12 . In an embodiment, the free tether is attached to the bottom handle  14  after the flexible container  10  is produced, for example. Nonlimiting examples of suitable free tethers include elastic band or strap, plastic band or strap, string, metal band or strap, synthetic and/or natural rubber band or strap, spring, and combinations thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , the attachment member  7  of the tether  6  is secured to the reciprocal attachment member  5  of the top handle  12 . In an embodiment, the attachment member  7  can be an inserting fastening component (i.e., male) and the reciprocal attachment member  5  can be an accepting fastening component (i.e., female). In a further embodiment, the attachment member  7  can be an accepting fastening component (i.e., female) and the reciprocal attachment member  5  can be an inserting fastening component (i.e., male). 
     In an embodiment, the attachment member  7  and the reciprocal attachment member  5  are a matched pair of interlocking fasteners. Nonlimiting examples of suitable matched pair interlocking fasteners include a cable tie (e.g., wire tie, hose tie, steggel tie, zap strap, zip tie), clips (e.g., hairpin clip, terry clip), a hook-and-eye closure, a hook and loop fastener (velcro), snap fasteners (i.e., interlocking disks), a threaded insert (e.g., nut and bolt), button/button hole fastener, and combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, each of the attachment member  7  and the reciprocal attachment member  5  are interlocking fasteners that can be twisted together, or otherwise intertwined, to form a secure connection, or a releasably secure connection. A nonlimiting example of a suitable fastener includes a twist tie. 
     In an embodiment, the reciprocal attachment member  5  is a horizontal opening that is located in the center of the upper handle portion  12   a  of the top handle  12 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 4   . The reciprocal attachment member  5  is characterized by a width A that is the longest dimension of the reciprocal attachment member  5 , as shown in  FIG.  4   . In an embodiment, the width A of the reciprocal attachment member  5  is from 5 millimeters (mm), or 8 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm, or 14 mm to 16 mm, or 18 mm, or 20 mm , or 23 mm, or 30 mm, or 40 mm. In a further embodiment, the width A of the reciprocal attachment member  5  is from 5 to 40 mm, or from 10 to 30 mm, or from 12 to 18 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the attachment member  7  is a fastening member. Nonlimiting examples of fasteners suitable as the fastening member include a buckle, a button, and a clasp (e.g., a lobster clasp). In a further embodiment, the attachment member  7  is integral with the tether, i.e., the attachment member  7  is constructed from the same web of multilayer film that provides the tether  6 . The shape of the attachment member  7  is adapted to secure the attachment member  7  to the reciprocal attachment member  5  when the attachment member  7  is inserted into the reciprocal attachment member  5 . Nonlimiting examples of suitable shapes for the attachment member  7  include triangular, rectangular, and trapezoidal. In an embodiment, the attachment member  7  has a triangular shape, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6   . The attachment member  7  is characterized by a width B that is the longest dimension of the attachment member  7 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . Width B is greater than width A so that when attachment member  7  is fully inserted into reciprocal attachment member  5 , the rear portion of attachment member  7  abuts against, and extends past, reciprocal attachment member  5  securely engaging with the film of the top handle surrounding the reciprocal attachment member  5 , as shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   . When attachment member  7  is fully inserted into and through reciprocal attachment member  5 , the abutment of a rear portion of the attachment member  7  with the reciprocal attachment member  5  locks attachment member  7  in place, fastening tether  6  to the top handle  12 . 
     In an embodiment, the width B of the attachment member  7  is greater than width A of the reciprocal attachment member  5 . In an embodiment, width B is from 4 mm, or 7 mm, or 9 mm, or 11 mm, or 13 mm to 15 mm, or 17 mm, or 19 mm, or 22 mm, or 29 mm, or 39 mm. In a further embodiment, the width B of the attachment member  7  is from 4 to 39 mm, or from 9 to 29 mm, or from 11 to 17 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the attachment member  7  is a plurality of teeth disposed in a linear arrangement along the length of the tether  6  and the reciprocal attachment member  5  is a pawl. The term “pawl,” as used herein, is a component that engages the teeth of the tether  6  to prevent movement in one direction, or prevent movement altogether. The pawl can engage the teeth of the tether  6  at a steep angle. As the tether and the teeth are inserted into the pawl, a ratchet forms between the teeth of the tether and the pawl. The nascent ratchet secures the reciprocal attachment member  5  to the attachment member  7 . In an embodiment, the pawl of the reciprocal attachment member  5  includes a tab that can be depressed to release the teeth of the tether  6  so that the tether  6  can be loosened, removed, or reinserted. 
     In an embodiment, the attachment member is an insertion hole at the distal end of the tether  6 . The insertion hole is reinforced and fashioned to accept, and secure, a fastener. Nonlimiting examples of fasteners suitable for use include a pin, such as a bowtie cotter pin, a cotter pin, a dowel, and a linchpin, for example. To secure the attachment member to the reciprocal attachment member  5 , the tether  6  is placed through the reciprocal attachment member  5  and the fastener is inserted into the insertion hole of the attachment member. 
     The tether  6  is disposed in a configuration that can be a stowed configuration and an extended configuration. In an embodiment, the tether  6  has the stowed configuration as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The term “stowed,” as used herein, is the tether contained within the bottom handle opening  43  and not extended from the bottom handle  14 . The tether  6  has the stowed configuration when the flexible container  10  is being shipped, stored and displayed for sale, for example. The tether  6  has a shape when the tether  6  has the stowed configuration. Nonlimiting examples of suitable shapes of the tether  6  in the stowed configuration include serpentine, coiled, folded, stacked, compressed, and twisted. In an embodiment, the tether  6  has the serpentine shape in the stowed configuration, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . In a further embodiment, the tether  6  has the coiled shape in the stowed configuration. 
       FIG.  4    shows the tether  6  exiting the stowed configuration and being extended from the bottom handle  14 . When the attachment member  7  is secured to the reciprocal attachment member  5  of the top handle  12 , the tether  6  moves from the stowed configuration to the extended configuration and the tether  6  is extended completely, or substantially completely, as shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   . When attachment member  7  is fully inserted into and through the reciprocal attachment member  5  (as previously disclosed), the top handle  12  moves from the carry position to the retracted position and the bottom handle  14  also moves to the retracted position when the attachment member  7  is secured to the reciprocal attachment member  5 , as shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . The machine folds  34   a - 34   b  and  42  easily bend in the first direction toward the front panel  22  and facilitate movement of attachment member  7  toward reciprocal attachment member  5  and facilitate movement of top handle  12  and bottom handle  14  into their retracted positions. The facile bend of the machine folds  34   a - 34   b  and  42  reduces tension within the flexible container  10  while the attachment member  7  is secured to reciprocal attachment member  5 . The reduced tension increases the stability of the flexible container  10  while the top handle  12  and the bottom handle  14  are in their retracted positions. 
     The tether  6  has a resting length when the tether  6  has the extended configuration, as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . The term “resting length,” as used herein, is the distance from the bottom handle  14  to the reciprocal attachment member  5  when (i) the reciprocal attachment member  5  is secured to the attachment member  7  and (ii) the top handle  12  and the bottom handle  14  are in their retracted positions. In an embodiment, the resting length of the tether  6  is non-adjustable and is a discrete length. In a further embodiment, the resting length of the tether  6  is adjustable and can attain two or more values. 
     The term “adjustable tether,” as used herein, is a tether having an adjustable resting length. An adjustable tether is a modified form of the tether  6 . In an embodiment, the adjustable tether includes two or more triangular shaped attachment members disposed in a linear arrangement along the length of the adjustable tether. In this embodiment, the reciprocal attachment member  5  is the horizontal shaped opening located in the center of the upper handle portion  12   a  of the top handle  12 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . The adjustable tether includes a plurality of teeth disposed in a linear arrangement along the length of the adjustable tether and the reciprocal attachment member  5  is a pawl. 
     The resting length of the tether  6  is characterized by a length C, as shown in  FIG.  5   . In an embodiment, the resting length of the tether  6  is from 5 cm, or 8 cm, or 10 cm, or 12 cm, or 15 cm, or 18 cm, or 20 cm, or 22 cm to 28 cm, or 30 cm, or 35 cm, or 40 cm, or 50 cm, or 60 cm, or 70 cm. In a further embodiment, the resting length of the tether  6  is from 5 to 70 cm, or from 15 to 40 cm, or from 20 to 30 cm. 
     Process 
     The present disclosure provides a process. The process includes providing a flexible container. The flexible container includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along peripheral seals to form (i) a top portion, (ii) a body portion, and (iii) a bottom portion. The top portion includes a top handle, and a neck, the neck having a fitment. The top handle extends above the fitment. The top handle has a reciprocal attachment member. The bottom portion includes a bottom handle and a tether. The tether extends from the bottom handle. The tether includes a distal end that includes an attachment member. The attachment member is adapted to secure to the reciprocal attachment member. The process includes securing the attachment member to the reciprocal attachment member. 
     The process includes retracting the top handle  12  of the flexible container  10  with the tether  6 . In an embodiment, the tether  6  is extended from the bottom handle  14 , as shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . As the tether  6  is extended, the attachment member  7  moves towards top handle  12 , and, simultaneously, away from bottom handle  14 . The attachment member  7  is secured to the reciprocal attachment member  5  of top handle  12 . The top handle  12  moves from the carry position to the retracted position when the attachment member  7  is secured to the reciprocal attachment member  5 . 
     The process includes placing the rear panel (or front panel), on a support surface. Prior to dispensing the flowable material  48  from the chamber of the flexible container  10 , the flexible container  10  is placed on a support surface  50 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . In an embodiment, the rear panel  24  of the flexible container  10  is placed on, and adjacent to, the support surface  50 . Although  FIG.  6    shows rear panel  24  resting on the support surface  50 , it is understood that the tether  6  may be deployed such that the front panel  22  rests on the support surface  50 . 
     The process includes dispensing the flowable material from the chamber and through the fitment. The user operates the spigot  52  while holding a receiving container (e.g., a glass), as shown in  FIG.  6   . The flowable material  48  dispenses from the chamber of the flexible container  10  and through the spigot  52  as a flowing material  9 . While in the retracted position, the top handle  12  remains in an area away from the spigot  52 . In this manner, the top handle  12  does not interfere with the dispensing of flowing material  9  from the chamber, as shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     As the flexible container  10  is evacuated and less flowable material  48  remains, the resting length of the adjustable tether can be shortened. The shortened length of the adjustable tether can facilitate the movement and settling of the flowable material  48  toward the spigot  52 . 
     By way of example, and not by limitation, some embodiments of the disclosure will now be described in detail in the following Examples. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The raw materials used to prepare the individual film layers of the multilayer films are provided in Table 5 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Polymer 
                 Melt Index 
                 Density 
                 Supplier 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dowlex 2038.68G 
                 1.0 
                 0.935 
                 Dow Inc. 
               
               
                 Innate ST50 
                 0.85 
                 0.918 
                 Dow Inc. 
               
               
                 Affinity 1146G 
                 1.0 
                 0.899 
                 Dow Inc. 
               
               
                 Antiblock 
                 NA 
                 NA 
                 Ampacet 
               
               
                 20% silica, 80% LDPE 
               
               
                 Erucamide 
                 NA 
                 NA 
                 Ampacet 
               
               
                 5% Slip, 95% LDPE 
               
               
                 Ultramid ® C33 
                   
                   
                 BASF 
               
               
                 (Nylon 6/66) 
               
               
                 Tie Layer 
                 Blend = 0.95 
                 TY 
                 Dow Inc. 
               
               
                 15% Amplify TY 1057H 
                 TY 1057H = 3.0 
                 1057H = 0.912 
               
               
                 85% Innate ST50 
                 ST50 = 0.85 
               
               
                 EVOH EVAL H171B 
                 1.7 
                 1.17 
                 Kuraray 
               
               
                 Elite 5960G1 
                 0.85 
                 0.962 
                 Dow Inc. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The structure of Film 1 used to produce the flexible containers is provided in Table 6 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Layer 
                 Layer % 
                 Layer composition 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 A 
                 10 
                 Dowlex 2038.68G (skin layer) 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 15 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 15 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 10 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 E 
                 15 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 F 
                 15 
                 Innate ST50 
               
               
                   
                 G 
                 20 
                 95% Affinity 1146G + 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4% Antiblock (20% silica + 80% LDPE) + 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1% Erucamide (5% Slip + 95% LDPE) 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (seal layer) 
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 The total thickness of the seven-layer film is 200 microns 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The multilayer film is fabricated using a 7-layer Alpine blown film line and has an A/B/C/D/E/F/G structure. Layer “A” is the outer (i.e., skin) layer and layer “G” is the seal layer. 
     The “Layer %” value in Table 6 is the proportion of each layer in the multilayer film. The thickness of each layer is determined by multiplying the “Layer %” value by the total thickness of the multilayer film. 
     The total thickness of the multilayer film is 200 microns. 
     The 7-layer film of Table 6 is used to produce a four panel flexible container  10  with a tether and reciprocal attachment member shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 - 6   . 
     It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come with the scope of the following claims.