Patent Publication Number: US-2022227556-A1

Title: Flexible Container with Handles

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 a chamber. The panels 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 front panel comprises a front handle extending therefrom and the rear panel comprises a rear handle extending therefrom. The front handle and the rear handle are in opposing relation to each other, the front handle and the rear handle extending over the first gusseted side panel. 
     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 a chamber. The panels form (i) a top portion comprising a neck and a fitment in the neck, (ii) a body portion, and (iii) a bottom portion. The top portion comprises a neck and a fitment in the neck. The front panel comprises a front handle extending therefrom and the rear panel comprises a rear handle extending therefrom. The front handle and the rear handle are in opposing relation to each other, the front handle and the rear handle extending over the first gusseted side panel. The process includes grasping the front handle and the rear handle and lifting the flexible container with the handles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a flexible container with a front panel having a front handle and a rear panel having a rear handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a panel sandwich. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan 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 the flexible container of  FIG. 1  being grasped by the front handle and the rear handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the flexible container of  FIG. 4  being lifted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of removal of a closure to open the flexible container of  FIG. 5A  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the open container of  FIG. 5B  being lifted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of the open container of  FIG. 5B  dispensing a flowable material in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5E  is a perspective view of a replacement of the closure to close the flexible container of  FIG. 5B  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a flexible container with a spigot 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 a chamber. The panels 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 front panel includes a front handle extending from the front panel. The rear panel includes a rear handle extending from the rear panel. The front handle and the rear handle are in opposing relation to each other. The front handle and the rear handle extend over the first gusseted side panel. 
       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 (skin layer) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 A 
                 10 
                 Nylon 6/6, 6 
               
               
                 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 
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS. 1, 4 and 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 end  46 , 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 the 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 a bottom segment  26 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 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 
     The 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 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3-5 . 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 the fitment  30  has a circular cross-sectional shape, it is understood that the base of the 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 the 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 . 
     The fitment  30  can generally be located anywhere on the top segment  28  of the flexible container  10 . 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 flexible 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 and 6 . 
     In an embodiment, the fitment  30  is a spout. In a further embodiment, the fitment  30  is a threaded spout, as shown in  FIGS. 5B-5E . 
     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 flexible container  10 . The closure can be a removable closure. Nonlimiting examples of a removable closure include a threaded cap and flip-top cap. In an embodiment, the removable closure is a threaded cap  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 4 and 5A-5E . 
     In an embodiment, the closure is a dispensing closure. A nonlimiting example of a dispensing closure suitable for use includes a spigot. In an embodiment, the dispensing closure is a spigot  52 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The fitment  30 , the threaded cap  32 , and the spigot  52  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. 
     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 and 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 . 
     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, 4-6 . The bottom handle  14  extends vertically, or substantially vertically, from the bottom segment  26  and, in particular, can extend from the four bottom panels that make up the bottom segment  26 . The four bottom top panels of film that extend into the bottom handle  14  are all sealed together to form a multilayered bottom handle  14 . In an embodiment, the four bottom panels come together at a midpoint of the bottom segment  26  and are sealed together 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 flexible container  10 . 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 multilayered bottom handle  14 . The bottom handle  14  can have any suitable shape and generally will take the shape of the film end. Oftentimes 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  includes a bottom handle opening  16 . The bottom handle opening  16  can be any shape that is convenient to fit the hand and, in one embodiment, the bottom handle opening  16  can have a generally rectangular shape. In another embodiment, the bottom handle opening  16  can have a generally oval shape. Additionally, the bottom handle opening  16  can include a flap  38 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3-6 . The flap  38  comprises material that is cut from the bottom handle  14  to form the bottom handle opening  16 . To define the bottom handle opening  16 , the bottom handle  14  can have a section that is cut out along three sides, or three portions, while remaining attached at a fourth side, or fourth portion. In an embodiment, a lower side, or a lower portion, of the flap  38  can remain attached to the bottom handle  14 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . This provides the flap  38  that can be pushed through the bottom handle opening  16  by the user and folded over an edge of the bottom handle opening  16 . In an embodiment, the flap  38  folds downwards and away from the flexible container  10  to create a smooth gripping surface of the bottom handle  14 , 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 bottom handle  14 . 
     In an embodiment, the bottom handle  14  can be a “punch-out handle,” that is a handle formed by a process that cuts, or otherwise “punches” film material from the bottom  14 , thereby removing film material from the flexible container  10 . The punch-out handle does not have, or is otherwise void of, a flap. 
     In an embodiment, a portion of the bottom handle  14  attached to the bottom segment  26  includes a machine fold  42 , (or score line), as shown in  FIG. 1 , that provides for the bottom handle  14  to consistently fold in the same direction. The machine fold  42  can comprise a fold line that facilitates folding toward the rear panel  24  and limits folding toward the front panel  22 . The machine fold  42  can allow for the bottom handle  14  to be inclined to fold or bend consistently toward the rear panel  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5E . The machine fold  42  can cause the bottom handle  14  to consistently fold toward the rear panel  24  because it provides a generally permanent fold line in the bottom handle  14  that is predisposed to fold toward the rear panel  24 , rather than toward the front panel  22 . The machine fold  42  can be located below the bottom segment  26  of the flexible container  10  at a location where the seal begins, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The bottom handle  14  can be adhered together, such as with a tack adhesive, beginning from an area of the bottom handle  14  that includes the machine fold  42 . When the flexible container  10  is stored in an upright position, the machine fold  42  encourages the bottom handle  14  to fold along the machine fold  42  such that the bottom handle  14  can fold underneath the flexible container  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 5B, 5E . 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. 
     The bottom handle  14  is disposed in a position. Positions of the bottom handle  14  include a storage position and an open position. As shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5E , the bottom handle  14  has the storage position when the flexible container  10  is stored in an upright position on the bottom segment  26 . The bottom handle  14  has the storage position when the flexible container  10  is being shipped, stored and displayed for sale, for example. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, 5A, 5C, 5D and 6 , the bottom handle  14  has the open position when the flexible container  10  is lifted, carried and dispensing the flowable material  48 , for example. 
     Front and Rear Handles 
     The flexible container  10  includes a front handle  82  and a rear handle  84 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3-6 . The front handle  82  extends horizontally, or substantially horizontally, from the front panel  22  and, in particular, can extend from the body portion II of the flexible container  10 . The multilayer film that provides the front panel  22  extends into the front handle  82  and extends through the peripheral seal  41 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the front handle  82  is integral with the front panel  22 . The term “integral,” as used herein, indicates that the front handle  82  and the front panel  22  are subcomponents of a single unitary component and are constructed from the same multilayer film. 
     In an embodiment, the rear handle  84  is integral with the rear panel  24 . The rear handle  84  extends horizontally, or substantially horizontally, from the rear panel  24  and, in particular, can extend from the body portion II of the flexible container  10 . The multilayer film that provides the rear panel  24  extends into the rear handle  84  and extends through the peripheral seal  41 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  are in opposing relation to each other, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  are superimposable upon each other and are mirror images of each other. 
     The front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  extend over the first gusseted side panel  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 . The extension of the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  is contained over the first gusseted side panel  18 . The front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  of the flexible container  10  do not extend over one, or any, of the second gusseted side panel  20 , the top segment  28 , and the bottom segment  26 . The front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  extend over the first gusseted side panel  18  to the exclusion of the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  extending over the fitment  30 . Although  FIGS. 1, 4-6  show the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  extending over the first gusseted side panel  18 , it is understood the flexible container  10  may be configured and fabricated so that the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  extend over the second gusseted side panel  20 . 
     The front handle  82  includes a front flange  83  and an outer front handle  82   a , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The outer front handle  82   a  can have a D-shape, or a reverse D-shape, and includes a pair of spaced front arms  86   a ,  86   b  extending therefrom. The front arms  86   a ,  86   b  extend horizontally, or substantially horizontally, from the front flange  83 . In an embodiment, each of the outer front handle  82   a , the front arms  86   a ,  86   b , and the front flange  83  are integral with each other, i.e., components  82   a ,  86   a ,  86   b , and  83  are subcomponents of a single unitary component and are constructed from the same multilayer film. 
     The rear handle  84  includes a rear flange  85  and an outer rear handle  84   a , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The outer rear handle  84   a  can have a D-shape, or a reverse D-shape, and includes a pair of spaced rear arms  88   a ,  88   b  extending therefrom. The rear arms  88   a ,  88   b  extend horizontally, or substantially horizontally, from the rear flange  85 . In an embodiment, each of the outer rear handle  84   a , the rear arms  88   a ,  88   b , and the rear flange  85  are integral with each other, i.e., components  84   a ,  88   a ,  88   b , and  85  are subcomponents of a single unitary component and are constructed from the same multilayer film. 
     The flexible container  10  includes a front handle opening  87  and a rear handle opening  89 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The front handle opening  87  and the rear handle opening  89  are surrounded by the outer front handle  82   a  and the outer rear handle  84   a , respectively. The term “openings,” as used herein, is the pair of the front handle opening  87  and the rear handle opening  89 . Each of the openings is sized to fit a user&#39;s hand. The openings can have any shape that is convenient to fit the hand. In an embodiment, the openings have a generally oval shape, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In a further embodiment, the openings have a generally rectangular shape. In an embodiment, either of the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  is a “punch-out handle,” that is an opening formed by a process that cuts, or otherwise “punches”, film material from the front handle  82  or the rear handle  84 , thereby removing film material from the flexible container  10 . The punch-out handle does not have, or is otherwise void of, a flap. The peripheral edges of the openings of the punch-out handle are smooth and void of sharp edges that can puncture, or otherwise injure, the user&#39;s hand. 
     In an embodiment, either of the openings is a cutout section and includes a flap that comprises the cut material that forms each of the openings. For example, the front handle  82  includes a flap  39  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     In an embodiment, the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  are sealed together, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  can be sealed together using the heat sealing procedure as described herein. In an embodiment, a seal between the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  forms a common edge around a periphery of the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, 6 . The seal between the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  disposes the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  in a position that is lateral from the flexible container  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the seal between the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  encompasses the entire D-shaped areas of the outer front handle  82   a  and the outer rear handle  84   a . In a further embodiment, the seal between the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84  is formed only between a distal end of the outer front handle  82   a  and a distal end of the outer rear handle  84   a.    
     The front handle  82  includes a height H, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The height H has a length that is from 1.0 to 1.2 times a length of the body section II, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In an embodiment, the height H of the front handle  82  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 front handle  82  is from 4 to 20 cm, or from 8 to 18 cm, or from 10 to 16 cm. 
     In a manner identical to the front handle  82 , the rear handle  84  has a height that is not shown. The height of the rear handle  84  has a length that is from 1.0 to 1.2 times the length of the body section II, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In an embodiment, the height of the rear handle  84  is from 4 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 of the rear handle  84  is from 4 to 20 cm, or from 8 to 18 cm, or from 10 to 16 cm. 
     The front handle  82  has a width W, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The width W has a length that is from 0.5 to 1.0 times the length of the body section II, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In an embodiment, the width W of the front handle  82  is from 4 centimeters (cm), or 6 cm, or 8 cm to 10 cm, or 12 cm, or 14 cm, or 16 cm, or 18 cm, or 20 cm. In a further embodiment, the width W of the front handle  82  is from 4 to 20 cm, or from 6 to 16 cm, or from 6 to 10 cm. 
     In a manner identical to the front handle  82 , the rear handle  84  has a width that is not shown. The width of the rear handle  84  has a length that is from 0.5 to 1.0 times the length of the body section II, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In an embodiment, the width of the rear handle  84  is from 4 cm, or 6 cm, or 8 cm to 10 cm, or 12 cm, or 14 cm, or 16 cm, or 18 cm, or 20 cm. In a further embodiment, the width of the rear handle  84  is from 4 to 20 cm, or from 6 to 16 cm, or from 6 to 10 cm. 
     Tabs 
     The front panel  22  includes one or more front tabs and the rear panel  24  includes one or more rear tabs. In an embodiment, the front panel  22  includes front tabs  13   a  and  15   a  and the rear panel  24  includes rear tabs  13   b  and  15   b , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3-6 . The front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b  extend vertically, or substantially vertically, from the top segment  28  of the flexible container  10  and, in particular, can extend from the panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  that are sealed together to form the top segment  28 . The panels ( 18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ) that extend into the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b  are sealed together to form the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b . In an embodiment, two, three or four of the panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are sealed together to form the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b.    
     Each of the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b  include a respective proximate end and a respective distal end. The proximate ends of the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the proximate ends of the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b  are adjacent to the top segment  28 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The distal ends of the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the distal ends of the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b , respectively, are located on an end of the tab opposite the respective proximate ends. The front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b  are adjacent to the neck  27 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The distal ends of the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the distal ends of the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b  are below an uppermost edge of the fitment  30 . The distal ends of the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the distal ends of the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b  do not extend above the uppermost edge of the fitment  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The uppermost edge of the fitment  30  extends above, or otherwise exceeds the length of, the distal ends of the front tabs  13   a ,  15   a  and the distal ends of the rear tabs  13   b ,  15   b , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
     The front tab  13   a  and the rear tab  13   b  together form a tab pair  13 . Each tab of the tab pair  13  is in opposing relation to the other, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 4-6 . Likewise, the front tab  15   a  and the rear tab  15   b  together form a tab pair  15  and each tab of the tab pair  15  is in opposing relation to the other. In an embodiment, each tab of the tab pair  13  is superimposable upon the other and each tab of the tab pair  15  is superimposable upon the other. 
     In an embodiment, the front tab  13   a  and the rear tab  13   b  can be sealed together to form the tab pair  13  and the front tab  15   a  and the rear tab  15   b  can be sealed together to form the tab pair  15 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . Each of the tab pair  13  and the tab pair  15  includes a tab seal  29 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The tab seals  29  can be formed using the heat sealing procedure, as described herein. In an embodiment, the tab seals  29  form a common edge around a periphery of the tab pair  13  and the tab pair  15 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
     In an embodiment, the tabs  13   a - 15   b  have a square shape, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3-6 . In a further embodiment, the distal ends of the tabs  13   a - 15   b  have a round or circular shape. The tabs  13   a - 15   b  are sized to fit in between the thumb and forefinger of a user&#39;s hand, as shown in  FIGS. 5A, 5C and 5D . 
     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 a chamber. The panels 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 front panel includes a front handle extending from the front panel. The rear panel includes a rear handle extending from the rear panel. The front handle and the rear handle are in opposing relation to each other. The front handle and the rear handle extend over the first gusseted side panel. 
     The process includes grasping the flexible container  10 . The flexible container  10  is grasped by the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84 , as shown in  FIGS. 4, 5A and 5C . The term “the handles,” as used herein, is the front handle  82  and the rear handle  84 . In an embodiment, the flexible container  10  can be grasped by the handles and by the bottom handle  14  simultaneously. In a further embodiment, the flexible container  10  can be grasped by the bottom handle  14  only. 
     The process includes lifting the flexible container  10 . The flexible container  10  is lifted with the handles. In an embodiment, the tab pair  13  can be grasped as the flexible container  10  is lifted with the handles, as shown in  FIG. 5A . The proximity of the handles to the tab pair  13  provides for convenient lifting of the flexible container  10 . In an embodiment, the tab pair  15 , or the bottom handle  14 , can be grasped as the flexible container  10  is lifted with the handles. 
     The process includes carrying the flexible container  10 . The flexible container  10  is carried with the handles, as shown in  FIG. 4 . A user can walk among two or more locations while carrying the flexible container  10  with the handles. In an embodiment, the tab pair  13  can be grasped as the flexible container  10  is carried with the handles. In an embodiment, the tab pair  15  or the bottom handle  14 , can be grasped as the flexible container  10  is carried with the handles. The flexible container  10  can be lowered onto a support surface as the flexible container  10  is grasped with the handles. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the flexible container  10  is placed in an upright position. The machine fold  42  encourages the bottom handle  14  to fold toward the rear panel  24  as the bottom handle  14  folds underneath the flexible container  10 . When the flexible container  10  is in the upright position the threaded cap  32  is removed to place the flexible container  10  in a dispensing state, as shown in  FIG. 5B . The term “open flexible container,” as used herein, is the flexible container  10  with the threaded cap  32  removed from the fitment  30 . 
     The process includes dispensing the flowable material. An open flexible container  12  can be lifted with the handles, as shown in  FIG. 5C . In an embodiment, the tab pair  13  can be grasped as the open flexible container  12  is lifted with the handles. While grasping the handles of the open flexible container  12 , the flowable material  48  is dispensed, as shown in  FIG. 5D . The flowable material  48  is dispensed from the chamber of the open flexible container  12  and through the fitment  30  as a flowing material  9 . In an embodiment, the tab pair  13  is grasped during the dispensing to provide for control of the flowing material  9 . In this manner, spillage of the flowing material  9  is avoided as the flowing material  9  enters the container  58 . 
     In an embodiment, the container  58  is a container, such as a glass, for example. 
     The open flexible container  12  is lowered onto the support surface and returned to the upright position, as shown in  FIG. 5E . The term “upright 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 upright position, the flexible container  10  rests on the bottom end  46  (and on the bottom handle  14 ), when placed on a support surface. The threaded cap  32  is secured onto the fitment  30  of the open flexible container  12 . 
     In an embodiment, the fitment of the flexible container  10  incudes a spigot  52 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The process includes lowering the flexible container  10  onto a support surface  50  while grasping the handles. The second gusseted side panel  20  of the flexible container  10  is placed on the support surface  50 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The user operates the spigot  52  while holding the container  58  to capture the flowing material  9 . The spigot  52  extends, horizontally, beyond the distal ends of the tab pair  15 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this manner, the tab pair  15  does not interfere with dispensing of the flowing material  9  from the chamber. 
     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 1057H = 
                 Dow Inc. 
               
               
                 15% Amplify 
                 TY 1057H = 
                 0.912 
               
               
                 TY 1057H 
                 3.0 
               
               
                 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 front handle and a rear handle, as 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.