Patent Publication Number: US-2021188472-A1

Title: Flexible container and process for installation of fitment in same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/673,736, filed on Nov. 4, 2019, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/837,670, filed on Apr. 23, 2019. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to flexible containers having a fitment installed therein for dispensing a flowable material. More specifically, this invention relates to a container preferably formed from a flexible web material and having a preferably rigid fitment sealed in the neck of the flexible container, as well as methods for making the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to flexible containers having a fitment. More specifically, this invention relates to devices and methods for installation of a rigid fitment into the neck of a bottle formed from a flexible web material. 
     Flexible containers with a gusseted body section are known. These gusseted flexible containers are currently produced using flexible films which are folded to form gussets and heat sealed into a perimeter shape. The gusseted body section opens to form a flexible container with a square cross section or a rectangular cross section. The gussets are terminated at the bottom of the container to form a substantially flat base, providing stability when the container is partially or wholly filled. The gussets are also terminated at the top of the container to form an open neck for receiving a rigid fitment and closure. 
     Conventional procedures for fabricating gusseted flexible containers with a rigid fitment have shortcomings. One conventional approach only partially heat seals the flexible container—requiring the bottom of the container to remain unsealed or otherwise open. The rigid fitment is subsequently inserted through the open bottom of the container and into the neck. Once the fitment is placed into the neck, the heat seal process continues, with a heat seal formed to close the previously-open container bottom. This approach is inefficient as it interrupts the perimeter heat seal procedure and requires two steps to form the container. 
     Another conventional approach requires the rigid fitment to be manually installed, upside down, into the neck opening. The fitment is then rotated by hand inside of the flexible container and pushed into place, aligning the fitment with the neck opening to allow proper sealing between the flexible container film structure and the fitment. The fitment is subsequently clamp heat sealed to the neck. This approach is cumbersome, labor intensive and time consuming. 
     Yet another conventional approach comprises the formation of a flexible container having a flared neck portion, somewhat shaped like a funnel, that diminishes in width as it extends toward the body of the container. A fitment is manually inserted in the flared neck portion toward the body and to a final position in the neck, wherein the neck is then contacted with a score device and the neck or the score device or both are rotated to cut excess flare portion from the neck. Problems with this approach are several fold. These problems include that the rotation of the neck and/or scoring device is an unnecessary complexity of the process for installation of the fitments that increases the cost and diminishes the reliability of the cutting step. Also, the gusseted and folded nature of the flared neck, including a plurality of flaps comprising multilayered sealed film material that may be stiff due to the thickness of the material, is not conducive to a suitable trimming of the neck portion by a rotating scoring device. Such uneven trimming can have a direct and deleterious effect on the reliability of the fitment seal in the neck at the uneven portions, including leaking of flowable contents from the container at the fitment seal or catastrophic failure of the container at the fitment seal in the event of an impact. Additionally, the rotational cutting is performed using the scoring device directly against the surface of the fitment, which can damage the integrity of the fitment itself. 
     A need in the art exists for a process of producing a gusseted flexible container which increases production efficiencies such as shortened production time, reduction of manual tasks via automation, and a streamlining of production steps. 
     SUMMARY 
     In order to resolve the aforementioned problems of the prior art and meet the aforementioned unmet need in art, the present disclosure provides a process for producing a flexible container and the resultant flexible container. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises:
         a method for forming a flexible container, the method comprising the steps of:   (a) providing a collapsed flexible container formed from a flexible web material and comprising four panels, the panels comprising:
           (i) a body portion;   (ii) a neck portion that extends from the body portion;   (iii) a flare portion that extends from the neck portion;   (iv) a tapered transition portion extending between the body portion and the neck portion;   (v) a handle portion that extends from the body portion, the handle portion and the neck portion defining a handle opening therebetween; and   (vi) wherein the neck portion has a reduced width, the flare portion has an expanded end, and the width of the flare portion increases from the neck portion to the expanded end of the flare portion;   
           (b) moving apart a front face portion and a back face portion of the flare portion;   (c) gripping the front face portion and the back face portion of the flare portion between one or more holding clamps;   (d) providing a fitment on a mandrel, wherein the mandrel comprises one or more guide rings that define a groove;   (e) inserting the fitment via the mandrel through the expanded end of the flare portion and into the neck, wherein the fitment is provided in a first position in the neck of the flexible container;   (f) clamping the web material comprising the neck to prevent stretching of the material via one or more knife clamps that extend toward the mandrel and secure the web material comprising the neck between a surface of the one or more knife clamps and a surface of the one or more guide rings, wherein the one or more knife clamps defines a slot;   (g) cutting the web material at the neck via extending one or more cutting blades through the slot defined by the one or more knife clamps and into the groove defined by the one or more guide rings, thereby severing the flare portion from the neck of the container;   (h) moving the fitment to a second position in the neck of the flexible container;   (i) sealing a remaining portion of the web material comprising the neck to the fitment.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded side elevation view of a panel sandwich provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the flexible container of  FIG. 1  in an expanded configuration provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the expanded flexible container of  FIG. 3  provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the flexible container of  FIG. 3  provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of area  6  of  FIG. 1  provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a mandrel and a fitment provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a mandrel supporting a fitment provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a roll of flexible containers being fed into an insert sealing machine provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration on a roller provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration and having connecting tabs provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration shown between container blade clamps provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration shown severed from a roll of containers by container blades provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration shown having a handle portion moved away from a neck portion so as to sever connecting portions there between, as provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration shown having a neck portion opened by attachment devices, such as suction cups, the neck being prepared for installation of a fitment therein, as provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration, wherein a neck portion is shown held in a clamp of an insert sealing machine, provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a mandrel provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the mandrel of  FIG. 13 , the mandrel having a fitment positioned thereon and prepared for positioning in the neck of a flexible container as provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration, wherein a gusset deflector is positioned in the neck of the flexible container. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the gusset deflector of  FIG. 19 , the gusset deflector shown in the neck of the flexible container in a position to shield a gusset vertex of the neck prior to installation of a fitment in the neck. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration, wherein a mandrel has moved a fitment into a first position in the neck of the container, which is prepared for cutting by blades through knife slots formed by knife clamps, as provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 15 , wherein the blades have been actuated for removal of an expanded portion of the neck, as provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional diagram of a cutting blade passing through the film comprising the neck of a container to a groove of a mandrel, as provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional diagram of knife clamps and the neck of a container provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional diagram of cross-sectional diagram of knife clamps in a preferred approach toward flaps of the neck of a container provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional diagram of cross-sectional diagram of knife clamps in a non-preferred approach toward flaps of the neck of a container provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional diagram of a prior art method of cutting away a portion of the neck of a flexible container using a scoring device that cuts the neck by rotational movement. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration, wherein the blades and clamps shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  have retracted from the neck of the container. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration, wherein a mandrel has provided a fitment in a preferred position for sealing in the neck of the container, as provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a flexible container in a collapsed configuration, wherein a fitment is sealed in the neck of the container, as provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a flexible container in an expanded configuration with a fitment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated. 
     Embodiments of the present invention comprise flexible containers in a collapsed configuration and prior to (or lacking the) insertion of a fitment that may be formed using devices and methods of the prior art. To that end, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/800,312 is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purpose. 
     The present disclosure provides a process and a flexible container produced from the process. In an embodiment, the process includes (A) providing a flexible container with four panels. The four panels form (i) a body portion; (ii) a neck portion, and a flare portion that extends from the neck portion; (iii) a tapered transition portion between the body portion and the neck portion; and (iv) the neck portion has a reduced width, the flare portion has an expanded end; and the width of the flare portion gradually increases from the neck portion to the flare expanded end (i.e., the expanded end of the flare portion). The process includes (B) inserting a fitment into the flare portion from the expanded end. 
     The process includes providing a flexible container  10 . Flexible container  10  has a collapsed configuration (as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 8 ) and has an expanded configuration (shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, 5 ).  FIG. 1  shows the flexible container  10  having a bottom section I, a body section II, a tapered transition section III, a neck section IV, and a flare section V. In the expanded configuration, the bottom section I forms a bottom segment  26 . The body section II forms a body portion. The tapered transition section III forms a tapered transition portion. The neck section IV forms a neck portion. The flare section V forms a flare portion. 
     The flexible container  10  is made from four panels. During the fabrication process, the panels are formed when one or more webs of film material are sealed together. While the webs may be separate pieces of film material, it will be appreciated that any number of the 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 heat seals not made. The constituent webs form first gusset panel  18 , second gusset panel  20 , front panel  22  and rear panel  24 . The panels  18 - 24  are a multilayer film as discussed in detail below. The gusset fold lines  60  and  62  are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the folded gusset panels  18 ,  20  are placed between the rear panel  24  and the front panel  22  to form a “panel sandwich.” The gusset panel  18  opposes the gusset panel  20 . The edges of the panels  18 - 24  are configured, or otherwise arranged, to form a common periphery  11  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The flexible multilayer film of each panel web is configured so that the heat seal layers face each other. The common periphery  11  includes the bottom seal area including the bottom end of each panel. 
     When the container  10  is in the collapsed configuration, the flexible container is in a flattened, or in an otherwise evacuated state. The gusset panels  18 ,  20  fold inwardly (dotted gusset fold lines  60 ,  62  of  FIG. 1 ) and are sandwiched by the front panel  22  and the rear panel  24 . 
       FIGS. 3-5  show flexible container  10  in the expanded configuration. The flexible container  10  has four panels, a front panel  22 , a back panel  24 , a first gusset panel  18  and a second gusset panel  20 . The four panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 , and  24  form the body section II and extend toward a top end  44  and extend toward a bottom end  46  of the container  10 . Sections III, IV, and V (respective tapered transition section, neck section, and flare section) form a top segment  28 . Section I (bottom section) forms a bottom segment  26 . 
     The four panels  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  can each be composed of a separate web of film material. The composition and structure for each web of film material can be the same or different. Alternatively, one web of film material may also be used to make all four panels and the top and bottom segments. In a further embodiment, two or more webs can be used to make each panel. 
     In an embodiment, four webs of film material are provided, one web of film for each respective panel  18 ,  20 ,  22 , and  24 . The process includes sealing edges of each film to the adjacent web of film to form peripheral seals  41  ( FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5 ). The peripheral tapered seals  40   a - 40   d  are located on the bottom segment  26  of the container as shown in  FIG. 4 . The peripheral seals  41  are located on the side edges of the container  10 . Consequently the process includes forming a closed bottom section I, a closed body section II, and a closed tapered transition section III. 
     To form the top segment  28  and the bottom segment  26 , 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 extensions of the panels sealed together at the tapered transition section III, the neck section IV, and the flare section V. The top end  44  includes four top panels  28   a - 28   d  ( FIG. 5 ) of film that define the top segment  28 . The bottom segment  26  can be defined by extensions of the panels sealed together at the bottom section I. The bottom segment  26  can also have four bottom panels  26   a - 26   d  of film sealed together and can also be defined by extensions of the panels at the opposite end  46  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The neck portion can extend from the transition portion. Alternatively, the neck portion can extend from one of the four panels of the body portion, or from a corner of the body portion. 
     In an embodiment, the neck  30  is positioned at a midpoint of the top segment  28 . The neck  30  may (or may not) be sized smaller than a width of the body section III, such that the neck  30  can have an area that is less than a total area of the top segment  28 . The location of the neck  30  can be anywhere on the top segment  28  of the container  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the neck is formed from two or more panels. In a further embodiment, the neck  30  is formed from four panels. 
     Although  FIGS. 1 and 3  show the flexible container  10  with a top handle  12  and a bottom handle  14 , it is understood the flexible container may be fabricated without handles or with only one handle. When the flexible container has a top handle, the neck is preferably located on the top segment between the handle legs to facilitate easy pouring. 
     In an embodiment, the neck  30  is located in the top segment  28  and is centered between the legs  13  of the top handle  12 . 
     The four panels of film that form the flexible container  10  extend from the body section II (forming body portion  47 ), to the tapered transition section III (forming tapered transition portion  48 ), to form a neck portion  30  (in the neck section IV) and a flare portion  50  (in the flare section V). The four panels of film also extend from the body section II to the bottom section I (forming bottom portion  49 ). When the flexible container  10  is in the collapsed configuration ( FIG. 1 ), the neck portion  30  has a width that is less than the width of the tapered transition section III, includes the neck portion has a “reduced width.” The flare portion  50  extends from the neck portion  30 .  FIGS. 1 and 3  show the flare portion  50  and the neck portion  30  form an access opening into the flexible container interior. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 , the flare portion  50  has an expanded end  51  and the width of the flare portion  50  gradually increases from the neck portion  30  to the expanded end  51 . The flare sides  52  extend outwardly toward the handle legs  13 ,  15  when moving from the neck portion  30  to the expanded end  51 . The panels are sealed together to form a closed bottom section, a closed body section, and a closed tapered transition section. Nonlimiting examples of suitable heating procedures include heat sealing and/or ultrasonic sealing. When the container  10  is in the expanded configuration, the expanded end  51  of the flare portion  50  is open or is otherwise unsealed. When the flexible container  10  is in the collapsed configuration, the expanded end  51  is unsealed and is openable. The open expanded end  51  permits access to the container interior through the flare portion  50  and the neck portion  30  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . 
     The expanded end  51  has a width G having a length that is greater than a width F of the neck portion  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the length of width G (in millimeters, mm) is from 1.1, or 1.2, or 1.5, or 2.0, or 3.0, or 4.0 to 5.0, or 6.0, or 7.0, or 8.0 times greater than the length of width F. 
     When the flexible container  10  is in the expanded configuration (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), the flare portion  50  defines a frustoconical-shaped inner volume whereby the diameter of the flare portion  50  increases gradually when moving from the neck portion  30  to the expanded end  51 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3-4 , the flexible bottom handle  14  can be positioned at a bottom end  46  of the container  10  such that the bottom handle  14  is an extension of the bottom segment  26 . 
     Each panel includes a respective bottom face.  FIG. 4  shows four triangle-shaped bottom faces  26   a - 26   d , each bottom face being an extension of a respective film panel. The bottom faces  26   a - 26   d  make up the bottom segment  26 . The four panels  26   a - 26   d  come together at a midpoint of the bottom segment  26 . The bottom faces  26   a - 26   d  are sealed together, such as by using a heat-sealing technology, to form the bottom handle  14 . For instance, a weld can be made to form the bottom handle  14 , and to seal the edges of the bottom segment  26  together. Nonlimiting examples of suitable heat-sealing technologies include hot bar sealing, hot die sealing, impulse sealing, high frequency sealing, or ultrasonic sealing methods. 
       FIG. 4  shows bottom segment  26 . Each panel  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  has a respective bottom face  26   a - 26   d  that is present in the bottom segment  26 . Each bottom face is bordered by two opposing peripheral tapered seals  40   a - 40   d . Each peripheral tapered seal  40   a - 40   d  extends from a respective peripheral seal  41 . The peripheral tapered seals for the front panel  22  and the rear panel  24  have an inner edge  29   a - 29   d  ( FIG. 4 ) and an outer edge  31  ( FIG. 6 ). The peripheral tapered seals  40   a - 40   d  converge at a bottom seal area  33  ( FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 6 ). 
     The front panel bottom face  26   a  includes a first line A defined by the inner edge  29   a  of the first peripheral tapered seal  40   a  and a second line B defined by the inner edge  29   b  of the second peripheral tapered seal  40   b . The first line A intersects the second line B at an apex point  35   a  in the bottom seal area  33 . The front panel bottom face  26   a  has a bottom distalmost inner seal point  37   a  (“BDISP  37   a ”). The BDISP  37   a  is located on the inner edge. 
     In an embodiment, each peripheral tapered seal  40   a - 40   d  (outside edge) and an extended line from respective peripheral seal  41  (outside edge) form an angle G as shown in  FIG. 1 . The angle G is from 40° or 42°, or 44°, or 45° to 46°, or 48, or 50°. In an embodiment, angle G is 45°. 
     The bottom segment  26  includes a pair of gussets  54  and  56  formed thereat, which are essentially extensions of the bottom faces  26   a - 26   d . The gussets  54  and  56  can facilitate the ability of the flexible container  10  to stand upright. These gussets  54  and  56  are formed from excess material from each bottom face  26   a - 26   d  that are joined together to form the gussets  54  and  56 . The triangular portions of the gussets  54  and  56  comprise two adjacent bottom segment panels sealed together and extending into its respective gusset. For example, adjacent bottom faces  26   a  and  26   d  extend beyond the plane of their bottom surface along an intersecting edge and are sealed together to form one side of a first gusset  54 . Similarly, adjacent bottom faces  26   c  and  26   d  extend beyond the plane of their bottom surface along an intersecting edge and are sealed together to form the other side of the first gusset  54 . Likewise, a second gusset  56  is similarly formed from adjacent bottom faces  26   a - 26   b  and  26   b - 26   c . The gussets  54  and  56  can contact a portion of the bottom segment  26 , where the gusset portions gussets  54  and  56  can contact bottom faces  26   b  and  26   d  covering them, while bottom segment panels  26   a  and  26   c  remain exposed at the bottom end  46 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the gussets  54  and  56  of the flexible container  10  can further extend into the bottom handle  14 . In the aspect where the gussets  54  and  56  are positioned adjacent bottom segment panels  26   b  and  26   d , the bottom handle  14  can also extend across bottom faces  26   b  and  26   d , extending between the pair of panels  18  and  20 . The bottom handle  14  can be positioned along a center portion or midpoint of the bottom segment  26  between the front panel  22  and the rear panel  24 . 
     The top handle  12  and the bottom handle  14  can comprise up to four plys of film sealed together for a four panel container  10 . When more than four panels are used to make the container, the handles can include the same number of panels used to produce the container. Any portion of the handles  12 ,  14  where all four plys are not completely sealed together by the heat-sealing method, can be adhered together in any appropriate manner, such as by a tack seal to form a fully-sealed multilayer handle. Alternatively, the top handle can be made from as few as a single ply of film from one panel only or can be made from only two plies of film from two panels. The handles  12 ,  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 handles  12 ,  14  would also have a rectangular shape. 
     Additionally, the bottom handle  14  can contain a handle opening  16  or cutout section therein sized to fit a user&#39;s hand, as can be seen in  FIG. 1 . The handle opening  16  can be any shape that is convenient to fit the hand and, in one aspect, the handle opening  16  can have a generally oval shape. In another aspect, the handle opening  16  can have a generally rectangular shape. Additionally, the handle opening  16  of the bottom handle  14  can also have a flap  38  that comprises the cut material that forms the handle opening  16 . To define the handle opening  16 , the handle  14  can have a section that is cut out of the multilayer handle  14  along three sides or portions while remaining attached at a fourth side or lower portion. This provides a flap of material  38  that can be pushed through the opening  16  by the user and folded over an edge of the handle opening  16  to provide a relatively smooth gripping surface at an edge that contacts the user&#39;s hand. If the flap of material were completely cut out, this would leave an exposed fourth side or lower edge that could be relatively sharp and could possibly cut or scratch the hand when placed there. 
     Furthermore, a portion of the bottom handle  14  attached to the bottom segment  26  can contain a dead machine fold  42  or a score line that provides for the handle  14  to consistently fold in the same direction, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The machine fold  42  can comprise a fold line that permits folding in a first direction toward the front side panel  22  and restricts folding in a second direction toward the rear panel  24 . The term “restricts” as used throughout this application can mean that it is easier to move in one direction, or the first direction, than in an opposite direction, such as the second direction. The machine fold  42  can cause the handle  14  to consistently fold in the first direction because it can be thought of as providing a generally permanent fold line in the handle that is predisposed to fold in the first direction X, rather than in the second direction Y. This machine fold  42  of the bottom handle  14  can serve multiple purposes, one being that when a user is transferring the product from the container  10  they can grasp the bottom handle  14  and it will easily bend in the first direction X to assist in pouring. Secondly, when the flexible container  10  is stored in an upright position, the machine fold  42  in the bottom handle  14  encourages the handle  14  to fold in the first direction X along the machine fold  42 , such that the bottom handle  14  can fold underneath the container  10  adjacent one of the bottom segment panels  26   a , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The weight of the product can also apply a force to the bottom handle  14 , such that the weight of the product can further press on the handle  14  and maintain the handle  14  in the folded position in the first direction X. As will be discussed herein, the top handle  12  can also contain a similar machine fold that also allows it to fold consistently in the same first direction X as the bottom handle  14 . 
     Additionally, as the flexible container  10  is evacuated and less product remains, the bottom handle  14  can continue to provide support to help the flexible container  10  to remain standing upright unsupported and without tipping over. Because the bottom handle  14  is sealed generally along its entire length extending between the pair of gusset panels  18  and  20 , it can help to keep the gussets  54  and  56  ( FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 ) together and continue to provide support to stand the container  10  upright even as the container  10  is emptied. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 , the top handle  12  can extend from the top segment  28  and, in particular, can extend from the four panels  28   a - 28   d  that make up the top segment  28 . The four panels  28   a - 28   d  of film that extend into the top handle  12  are all sealed together to form a multi-layer top handle  12 . The top handle  12  can have a U-shape and, in particular, an upside down U-shape with a horizontal upper handle portion  12   a  having two pairs of spaced legs  13  and  15  extending therefrom. The pair of legs  13  and  15  extend from the top segment  28 , adjacent the neck portion  30 . 
     A portion of the top handle  12  can extend above the neck portion  30  and above the top segment  28  when the handle  12  is extended in a position perpendicular to the top segment  28  and, in particular, the entire upper handle portion  12   a  can be above the flare portion  50  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 handle  12  surrounding a handle opening that allows a user to place their hand there through and grasp the upper handle portion  12   a  of the handle  12 . 
     As with the bottom handle  14 , the top handle  12  also can have a dead machine fold that permits folding in a first direction toward the front side panel  22  and restricts folding in a second direction toward the rear side panel  24 . The machine fold can be located in each of the pair of legs  13 ,  15  at a location where the seal begins. The handle  12  can be adhered together, such as with a tack adhesive, for example. The machine fold in the handle  12  can allow for the handle  12  to be inclined to fold or bend consistently in the same first direction X as the bottom handle  14 , rather than in the second direction Y. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 , the handle  12  can likewise contain a flap portion  36 , that folds upwards toward the upper handle portion  12   a  of the handle  12  to create a smooth gripping surface of the handle  12 , as with 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 handle  12 . 
     In an embodiment, either top handle  12  or bottom handle  14  can be “a punch-out handle,” that is, a handle formed by a process the cuts out or “punches” film material from the flexile container, thereby removing film material from the flexible container. The punch-out handle does not have, or is otherwise void of, flap portion  36  (for top handle  12 ) and/or flap portion  38  (for bottom handle  14 ). 
     In an embodiment, a grip member can be attached to either the top handle  12  or the bottom handle  14 . The grip member can be placed around top handle  12  and/or bottom handle  14 . Grip member can also be molded into the flexible container. The grip member can be adhesively attached to any portion of the flexible container. The grip member provides additional comfort to the user when carrying, or otherwise using, the flexible container. The grip member provides additional reinforcement to the flexible container. In a further embodiment, the grip member can be removed from the flexible container  10  after use and be re-used with another flexible container. 
     When the container  10  is in a rest position, such as when it is standing upright on its bottom segment  26 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , the bottom handle  14  can be folded underneath the container  10  along the bottom machine fold  42  in the first direction X, so that it is parallel to the bottom segment  26  and adjacent bottom panel  26   a , and the top handle  12  will automatically fold along Its machine fold in the same first direction X, with a front surface of the handle  12  parallel to a top section or panel  28   a  of the top segment  28 . The top handle  12  folds in the first direction X, rather than extending straight up, perpendicular to the top segment  28 , because of the machine fold. Both handles  12  and  14  are inclined to fold in the same direction X, such that upon dispensing, the handles can fold the same direction, relatively parallel to its respective end panel or end segment, to make dispensing easier and more controlled. Therefore, in a rest position, the handles  12  and  14  are both folded generally parallel to one another. Additionally, the container  10  can stand upright even with the bottom handle  14  positioned underneath the upright container  10 . 
     The material of construction of the flexible container  10  can comprise 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 film of the plastic container  10  can have a thickness and barrier properties that is adequate to maintain product and package integrity during manufacturing, distribution, product shelf life and customer usage. 
     In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has a thickness from 100 micrometers, or 200 micrometers, or 250 micrometers to 300 micrometers, or 350 micrometers, or 400 micrometers. 
     In an embodiment, each panel 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 to eight, or nine, or  10 , or  11 , or more 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. 
     In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is co-extruded. 
     In  FIG. 6 , an overseal  64  is formed where the four peripheral tapered seals  40   a - 40   d  converge in the bottom seal area. The overseal  64  includes 4-ply portions  66 , where a portion of each panel is heat sealed to a portion of every other panel. Each panel represents 1-ply in the 4-ply heat seal. The overseal  64  also includes a 2-ply portion  68  where two panels (front panel and rear panel) are sealed together. Consequently, the “overseal,” as used herein, is the area where the peripheral tapered seals converge that is subjected to a subsequent heat seal operation (and subjected to at least two heat seal operations altogether). The overseal is located in the peripheral tapered seals and does not extend into the chamber of the flexible container  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the flexible container  10  has a volume from 0.050 liters (L), or 0.1 L, or 0.15 L, or 0.2 L, or 0.25 liters (L), or 0.5 L, or 0.75 L, or 1.0 L, or 1.5 L, or 2.5 L, or 3 L, or 3.5 L, or 4.0 L, or 4.5 L, or 5.0 L to 6.0 L, or 7.0 L, or 8.0 L, or 9.0 L, or 10.0 L, or 20 L, or 30 L. 
     The present process includes inserting a fitment into the flare portion  50  from the expanded end  51 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , the fitment  70  includes a base  72  and a closure  74 . Although the base  72  has a circular cross-sectional shape, it is understood that the base  72  can have other cross-sectional shapes such as a polygonal cross-sectional shape, for example. The base  72  with circular cross-sectional shape is distinct from fitments with canoe-shaped bases used for conventional two-panel flexible pouches. 
     In an embodiment, the fitment  70  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 the neck portion  30  can be anywhere on the top segment  28  of the container  10 . In an embodiment the neck portion  30  is located at the center or midpoint of the top segment  28 . 
     In an embodiment, the process includes supporting the fitment  70  on a mandrel  80 , and subsequently inserting the fitment  70  first into the expanded end  51 , then into the flare portion  50 , and then into the neck portion  30 . A plurality of fitments may be fed sequentially to the mandrel  80  by an automated feed system as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 .  FIG. 7  shows the mandrel  80  moving into position to receive and support one of a plurality of fitments  70 . Although  FIG. 7  shows the mandrel  80  having a length similar to the length of the closure  74 , it is understood that the mandrel  80  can have a length the same as, or substantially the same as, or greater than, the length of the fitment  70 . In other words, the mandrel  80  can partially support, or fully support, the fitment  70 , the base  72 , the closure  74 , and any combination thereof. 
       FIG. 8  shows the fitment  70  supported on the mandrel  80 . The outer diameter of the mandrel  80  is mated to the inner diameter of the fitment  70  such that the fitment  70  fits, snugly fits, or friction fits on the mandrel  80 . In other words, the mandrel  80  is configured to fit into/through the closure  74 , or into/through both the closure  74  and the base  72 . 
     In an embodiment, the mandrel  80  is a component of an automated system, the mandrel a component of a movable arm as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 . 
     Devices and methods for the installation of a fitment  70 ,  270  into a container  10 ,  210  will now be discussed. The characteristics and structure of fitments  70 ,  270  may be substantially similar or identical, although the method of fitment  70 ,  270  installation and resulting finished container  10 ,  210  comprising the fitment  70 ,  270  is novel and inventive over the prior art. Additionally, containers  10 ,  210  may be substantially similar or identical in collapsed form prior to fitment  70 ,  270  installation, and to the extent containers  210  may be configured to be provided, for example, on a roll  200  as depicted in  FIG. 9 , novel and inventive modifications between container  10  and container  210  provided in a collapsed configuration are described below. 
       FIG. 9  shows a plurality of flexible containers  210  provided in a collapsed configuration on the roll  200  being fed into insert sealing machine  202 . A pouch (container) machine (not shown) is used to form the flexible containers  210  in a collapsed configuration as provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, wherein the plurality of flexible containers  210  preferably remain temporarily connected along top and bottom edges  95 ,  96  at common periphery  11  (see  FIG. 1 ), thus forming the roll  200 . The pouch machine winds the flexible containers  210  onto the roll  200  that is set on an unwind stand  204 . The roll  200  of containers  210  is then fed into the insert sealing machine  202  for the purpose of fitment  270  installation into each container  210 , as described herein. 
       FIG. 10  shows a neck portion  230  deflecting away from the balance of the container  210  and a surface  206  of roller  207  of the unwind stand  204 . This occurs in some embodiments of containers  10  because the expanded end  51  is not directly connected to legs  13 ,  15  after the container  10  is formed in a collapsed configuration (see  FIG. 1 ). This deflection or disorientation of the flare portion  50  from the balance of the collapsed container  10  on the roller  207  can cause production problems when the roll  200  is fed into the insert sealing machine  202 . For example, the preferred and efficient format of the container  210  in a collapsed configuration as it is fed into insert sealing machine  202  is for the container  210  to be fully collapsed and provided in a uniform alignment because otherwise deflected portions, such as expanded end  51  of container  10 , can catch on portions of the insert sealing machine  202 , such as attachment devices  234 , that are used to efficiently move the containers  210  from the roll  200  and through the machine  202  for fitment  270  installation. 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 11 , some preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise container  210  provided in a collapsed configuration. Prior to fitment  270  installation, container  210  may comprise the same structure and be formed in the same manner as described above for container  10 , except that some preferred embodiments of container  210  comprise an expanded end  251  that is preferably wider than expanded end  51 , wherein expanded end  251  comprises tab portions  252  that remain at least partially attached to the legs  213 ,  215  when the expanded end  251  is formed in container  210 . Preferably, when a die of the pouch machine is used to cut the container  210  as flare portion  250  is formed, the die will cut incompletely through and be configured to leave connected portions  253  that provide a connection between tab portions  252  and legs  213 ,  215 . The connected portions  253  are comprised of the flexible film that forms the container  210 , and have a width that is preferably approximately 0.7 mm wide. It is contemplated that the width of the connected portions  253  may be wider or narrower depending on the material type comprising container  210 , thickness of material comprising container  210 , and intended application(s) for container  210 . The connected portions  253  keep expanded end  251  aligned with the balance of the container  210  as it is fed into and through the insert sealing machine  202 , such that the expanded end  251  does not disadvantageously deflect away from the container  210  on the roll  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, once roll  200  is loaded into machine  202 , the roll  200  will unwind such that at least one collapsed container  210  travels to container blades  232   a,b  housed in container blade clamps  233   a,b  which enclose and sever sequential edges  95 ,  96  between two containers  210  at periphery  11  (see also  FIG. 1 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, once edges  95 ,  96  are severed, one or more attachment devices  234  are provided at opposing portions of neck  230 . Attachment devices  234  may be suction cups comprising a partial vacuum at opposing front face and back face portions  222 ,  224  of container  210 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , such that neck  230  is held in a stable position. Then, one or more severing pads  235  is provided at handle legs  213 ,  215 , wherein the pads  235  move the handle legs  213 ,  215  away from the neck  230  such that connected portions  253  are severed. For example, pads  235  may be installed on ram  236 , wherein the pads  235  push handle  212  away from neck  230 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, attachment devices  234  at opposing face portions  222 ,  224  of neck  230  move apart while holding the respective face portion  222 ,  224  that the attachment devices  234  are attached to, thus opening the neck  230  for installation of fitment  270  therein. 
       FIG. 16  shows a next step of fitment  270  installation in container  210  of the insert sealing machine  202 . As shown, the container  210  is placed in a position such that holding clamps  221   a ,  221   b  grab and hold open front face portion  222  and back face portion  224  of the expanded end  251 , the neck  230  having been opened for installation of the fitment  270 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . More specifically, clamp  221   a  will preferably pinch and hold portion  222  of expanded end  251  and clamp  221   b  will preferably pinch and hold portion  224  of expanded end  251 . The aforementioned clamping configuration may be reversed with respect the front and back face portions  222 ,  224 , as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. As shown, the clamps  221   a,b  preferably draw away from each other and spread apart the expanded end  251  in preparation for installation of the fitment  270  in the neck  230 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 a    mandrel  280  is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The mandrel  280  comprises a shaft  282 , a base  284 , a groove  286 , and guide rings  288 ,  289 . The mandrel  280  is comparable in construction and operation with respect to mandrel  80 , except for at least two distinctions. First, the mandrel  280  preferably does not rotate for the fitment  270  installation in container  210 . Second, the mandrel  280  comprises the groove  286  as shown, the significance of which will be further explained below. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the base  284  comprises a surface texture  290 . The groove  286  preferably radially extends around a circumference of the mandrel  280 , the circumference preferably being smaller than a circumference of guide ring  288  and a circumference of guide ring  289 . 
     In an embodiment, the fitment  270  excludes fitments with oval, wing-shaped, eye-shaped, or canoe-shaped bases. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the mandrel  280  as shown has now taken up the fitment  270  from fitment supply line  271  by way of a friction, compression, or similar snug fit, wherein the fitment  270  now rests on the base  284 . The mandrel  280  is then inserted into the expanded end  251  of the neck  230  to a first position where the groove  286  is complementarily and laterally aligned with cutting blades  259   a, b  (see  FIG. 15 ). 
     Although  FIG. 18  shows the mandrel  280  (with fitment  270 ) moving toward the flexible container  210 , it is understood that the flexible container  210  may be moved toward the mandrel  280  (supporting the fitment  270 ), the mandrel  280  being stationary, or intermittently stationary and intermittently movable, during the insertion process. Alternatively, the process may entail a system whereby the flexible container  210  and the mandrel  280  each is movable with respect to the other, such that the flexible container  210  and the fitment  270  (supported by the mandrel  280 ) can each be moved toward and away from the other in order to insert the fitment  270  into the expanded end  251 , through flare portion  250 , and into the neck portion  230 . 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a gusset control method is deployed, as illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . The gusset control method prevents operational cycle stoppages related to the insertion of the fitment  270  into the neck  230 . The primary principle of the gusset control method is to apply a controlled, deliberate force against at least one of the gusset vertices  261 ,  262  within the neck  230  prior to installation of fitment  270  in the neck  230 . Absent the gusset control method, stoppages may occur when lowest edge  273  of fitment  270  intercepts at least one of the gusset vertices  261 ,  262  as the fitment  270  is lowered on the mandrel  280  into the expanded end  251  for positioning in the neck  230 . When such an interception occurs, the intercepted vertex  261 ,  262  will move (i.e., be pushed) into the void defined by the expanded end  251 , flare portion  250 , and/or neck  230 , thereby frustrating proper movement of the fitment  270  and mandrel  280  therethrough and preventing a suitable installation of the fitment  270  in the neck  230 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the gusset control method comprises deflector  295 , which provides a force application that changes the shape and position of the gusset vertices  261 ,  262  within the neck  230  such that fitment  270  may be inserted and positioned in the neck  230  without the aforementioned interception. Ideally, the deflector  295  will move the gusset vertices  261 ,  262  into a position such that the expanded end  251  always comprises an operational circumference (i.e., prior to fitment  270  installation) that is greater than a circumference defined by the lowest edge  273  of the fitment  270 . 
     In preferred embodiments of the gusset control method, the deflector  295  is held in place by a deflector clamp  296 , which, like other aspects of the present invention, may be pneumatically powered and positioned by a rotary actuator. The deflector  295  may be a strip of material comprised of medium weight polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE). Functioning in a manner analogous to a shoehorn, the deflector  295  is preferably positioned against inner surface  265  of gusset vertex  261  to shield the lowest edge  273  of the fitment  270  from being intercepted by either of the gusset vertices  261 ,  262 . For example, as the front and back face portions  222 ,  224  are held apart by clamps  220   a,b  as shown in  FIG. 16 , the deflector  295  is moved into position against preferably one of the two gusset vertices  261 ,  262  to shield the lowest edge  273  of the fitment  270  from interception by the vertex  261 ,  262  that is shielded by the deflector  295  as shown in  FIG. 19 . The unshielded vertex  261 ,  262  does not risk interception because the entire neck  230  position is biased as a result of the deflector  295  and thus the lowest edge  273  cannot reach the unshielded gusset vertex  261 ,  262  edge as fitment  270  is being moved toward the neck  230  during installation. Although the deflector  295  may be moved away from the shielded gusset vertex  261  or  262  during an interim step of the method described herein, the deflector may also remain in place until installation of fitment  270  in neck  230  is complete because the positioning of the deflector  295  and deflector clamp  296  does not interfere with other mechanical aspects of the installation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 21 , knife clamps  255   a,b  close in on both of the front face portion  222  and back face portion  224  of the neck  230  and enclose the groove  286 . Knife clamps  255   a,b  preferably comprise upper portions  256   a,b  and lower portions  257   a,b , wherein the portions  256   a  and  257   a  define a slot  258   a  therebetween, and wherein portions  256   b  and  257   b  define a slot  258   b  therebetweeen. As shown, portions  256   a,b  and  257   a,b  not only secure the film of the neck  230  in place prior to cutting to prevent stretching of the film, the portions  256   a,b  and  257   a,b  also form upper and lower knife guides, such that the cutting blades  259   a,b  will pass through slots  258   a,b , respectively as the blades  259   a,b  approach and retract from the groove  286  enclosed by clamps  250   a,b . As noted, the knife clamps  255   a,b  hold the film of the neck  230  securely in place to prevent stretching or displacement of the film as it is being cut. When the knife clamps  255   a,b  are engaged with the mandrel  280 , upper portions  256   a,b  preferably become indirectly connected to and substantially flush with guide ring  288  and lower portions  257   a,b  preferably become indirectly connected to and substantially flush with guide ring  289 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , preferably one cutting blade  259   a  will pass through the slot  258   a , approach the neck  230 , and cut a first portion of the neck  230  at the groove  286 . Then, the opposite cutting blade  259   b  will pass through the slot  258   b , approach the neck  230 , and cut a second portion of the neck  230  at the groove  286  on the opposite side of the neck  230 , such that the flared portion  250  is severed from the container  210  and temporarily retained by clamps  221   a,b . In other words, the cutting blades  259   a,b  cut the neck  230  preferably in an alternating manner, as opposed to concurrently. 
     The cutting blades  259   a,b  are preferably V-shaped.  FIG. 23  shows a diagram of a preferred orientation of cutting blades  259   a,b  relative to the neck  230 . As shown, each cutting blade  259   a,b  will cut past a center line  260  of the neck  230  at the groove  286 , which is preferable to obtain an overlapping (by about 10%) suitable cut of the neck  230  and also why the blades  259   a,b  operate in a serial/alternating manner so as not to interfere with each other. If you clamp the film first then run a knife around cutting into the grove can also work 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , it is also preferable for the mandrel  280  to have diameter that this substantially the same as the neck  230 , such the clamps  255   a,b  can close in on the film of the neck  230  without wrinkling the film as might otherwise occur if the mandrel  280  diameter and the neck  230  diameter were not complementary in size. 
     As shown in  FIG. 25 , an approach by knife clamps  255   a,b  from the front face portion  222  and the back face portion  224 , respectively, of the neck  230  is preferred. It is preferred that the blades  259   a,b  cut the neck  230  in the direction in which the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  are to be folded when sealed against the neck  230 . This is because such an approach will cause flaps  254   a,b,c,d  to lay against the gusseted sides  263 ,  264  of the neck  230 , wherein a suitable seal of the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  against the neck  230  may be later formed because the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  will lay flat and unwrinkled against the neck  230 . Flaps  254   a,b,c,d  are formed of peripheral seals  241  (analogously shown as seals  41  in  FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5 ), in the neck  230 .  FIG. 26  shows a non-preferred approach of the knife clamps  255   a,b  wherein the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  would not lay flat against the neck  230  and tend to wrinkle because the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  will generally want to fold toward the gusseted sides  263 ,  264  and not toward the front face portion  222  and back face portion  224 . Alternatively, under a non-preferred approach shown in  FIG. 26 , the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  may tend to fold in an undesirable and sometimes random mix of orientations toward and away from the gusseted sides  263 ,  264 . Alternatively, under a non-preferred approach as shown in  FIG. 22 , the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  may remain approximately perpendicular to the portions  222 ,  224 ,  263 ,  264  of the neck  230  because the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  tend to be relatively stiff in some embodiments of the container  210 . 
     As further illustrated in the prior art diagram  FIG. 27 , when a rotary scoring device  300  engages flap  301  of neck  310  at a 2:00 position, the flap  301  may fold toward gusset side  320  as it is cut. However, when the scoring device  300  then engages flap  302  at a 4:00 position, the flap  302  will not want to fold flat toward back face  330  because the balance of the container  340  is pulling flaps  301  and  302  towards a 3:00 position. Accordingly, the flap  302  will bend and wrinkle as it is cut, thereby leaving a jagged edge of film at the neck  310  that makes a seal of a fitment into the neck  310  unreliable. In other words, jagged edges of the film that result from the aforementioned cuts of the prior art severely diminish the quality of the seal between the neck and the container, which can result in leaking of flowable contents from such prior art containers at the neck seal and/or catastrophic failure of such containers, particularly in the event of an impact. 
     This distinction over the prior art and advantage of containers of the present invention are also important for execution of a clean and suitable cut of the neck  230 , particularly when the container  210  is comprised of thicker film and/or multiple layers of film as describe above in some embodiments. The thicker and/or the more layers of film that are present in the neck  230 , and particularly in the flaps  254   a,b,c,d , create a greater challenge to execute a clean and consistent cut at the neck  230  to remove the expanded end  251 , particularly because the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  will become more and more stiff as they become thicker. More specifically, flaps  254   a,b,c,d  are preferably held down during cutting because they are relatively stiff at thicknesses greater than approximately 8 mils, and thus the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  will want to retain their position deflected away from (i.e., perpendicular to) the circumference of the neck  230 . In that way, the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  will tend to resist, wrinkle, and buckle when being cut, unless the knife clamp  255   a,b  approach and cutting method of the blades  259   ,a,b  is utilized as defined herein. The jaggedness prior art cuts at the neck, particularly those formed using the rotational configuration shown in  FIG. 27 , has a dramatic detrimental effect on the reliability of the seal of such jagged neck portions to a base of a fitment. The present invention comprises a method of cleanly and reliably cutting the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  and expanded end  251  from the neck  230 , wherein the thickness of the flaps  254   a,b,c,d  may be widely variable depending on the preferred embodiment of the container  210 , and the cutting step is preferably performed at one station of the machine  202 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , once the expanded end  251  is severed from the neck  230 , the blades  259   a,b  and clamps  255   a,b  retract from the mandrel  280 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the mandrel  280  will raise the fitment  270  to a second position in the neck  230  for sealing thereto. 
     As shown in  FIG. 30 , sealing jaws  291   a,b  close around the neck  230  from the same front face portion  222  and back face portion  224  as did the blades  259   a,b  and clamps  255   a,b . The sealing jaws  291   a,b  preferably seal the flaps  254   a,b,c,d , gusseted sides  263 ,  264 , front face portion  222  and back face portion  224  to a base  272  of the fitment  270  preferably using heat and pressure. The flaps  254   a,b , will fold toward and be sealed against gusseted side  264  and flaps  254   c,d  will fold toward and be sealed against gusseted side  263 . 
     In some embodiments, the clamps  220   a,b  may release the cut away expanded end  251  and a vacuum may be used to dispose of the end  251  therefrom. 
       FIG. 31  shows a preferred embodiment of an expanded container  10  (or container  210 ) having a fitment  70  (or  270 ) installed and formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     A machine for making sealed containers  10 ,  210  without fitments may a ganged together with the insert sealing machine  202  (to install the fitment  70 ,  270 ) and an optional filling machine (or other secondary process machine) to facilitate the formation and filling of containers  10 ,  210  of the present invention at high speed and efficiency, such that an automated production and filling line is utilized. 
     While embodiments in the present disclosure have been described in some detail, according to the preferred embodiments illustrated above, it is not meant to be limiting to modifications such as would be obvious to those skilled in the art. 
     The foregoing disclosure and description of the disclosure are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the details of the illustrated apparatus and method may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.