Abstract:
A bag construction for use to distribute flowable material includes first and second panel sections oriented juxtaposed to one another. In one end of the bag construction, a gusset with distribution apertures are provided. This permits distribution of a flowable material in the interior of the bag construction. At another end of the bag construction, a stand-up, solid, unperforated gusset is provided. This gusset permits the bag construction to stand in an upright position, for display and storage purposes. Methods of preparing and using such arrangements are described.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to bag or pouch constructions. In particular, it relates to an arrangement from which a flowable material can be readily distributed, conveniently, by a user. The disclosure also concerns methods for preparing such arrangements and methods of using such arrangements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A wide variety of items include materials, which, in use, are dispersed or spread over an area. Many of these items are flowable material, such as dry powder or particulate materials. Examples of these materials include grass seed, plant nutrients, insect dust, salt pellets, and colored chalk. 
     In use, such materials are generally dispersed over some surface. For those materials that are dispersed over the ground or plants, sometimes mechanical spreading equipment is used. While the equipment can be quite effective, it is often large, bulky, and is generally only desirable if a relatively large amount of material is to be spread over a relatively large area. 
     In many instances, mechanical spreading equipment is not appropriate. In addition, mechanical spreading equipment may need to be thoroughly cleaned between uses, which can be inconvenient. 
     In some instances, spreading has involved either hand spreading or spreading with a hand-held scoop of some type. This can be inconvenient and messy. 
     Alternate arrangements for spreading materials have been desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A pouch arrangement is provided. The pouch arrangement includes first and second opposed panel sections. In preferred embodiments, each of the panel sections has opposite first and second ends and first and second side edges extending between the first and second ends. Preferred arrangements include a first stand-up gusset fold member oriented between the first and second panel sections along the first and second panel section first ends. Preferred embodiments also include a second gusset oriented between the first and second panel sections along the first and second panel section second ends. The second gusset includes a distribution aperture arrangement. For example, the second gusset may include a plurality of holes or slits therein, to allow flowable material to pass therethrough, selectively, in use. Preferred embodiments also include a handle along the first and second panel section first ends. 
     Preferred methods of filling a pouch construction are provided. Preferred methods include providing a pouch construction having an interior, a first gusset fold member at a first end of the pouch construction, and a second gusset at a second end of the pouch construction. In preferred embodiments, the second gusset will include a plurality of apertures, and the second end of the pouch construction will have a seal therealong to block external access to the second gusset. Preferred methods will include a step of at least partially filling the pouch construction interior with a flowable material through an opening in the pouch construction. The opening may be adjacent to the first gusset fold member or between the first and second end. 
     In preferred methods, after the step of at least partially filling the pouch, the opening, either adjacent to the first gusset fold member or between the first and second end, will be sealed to close access to the pouch construction interior. In preferred embodiments, this step will transform the first gusset fold member into a closed, stand-up gusset or the opening between the first and second end into a side seal respectively. This will permit the pouch construction to be displayed in a stand-up orientation, resting upon the first gusset. 
     Preferred methods of using pouch constructions as described herein will include providing a pouch having an interior, a first end, and a second opposite end. Preferably, there will be a stand-up gusset at the first end, an end seal at the second end, and a flowable material in the pouch interior. Preferred methods will include removing the end seal from the pouch to expose a second gusset. The second gusset will preferably include a distribution aperture arrangement. 
     Preferred methods will also include a step of orienting the pouch such that the gusset having the distribution aperture arrangement is located below the stand-up gusset. In other words, in preferred embodiments, the pouch construction will be inverted to point the gusset having the distribution aperture arrangement toward the ground. In preferred methods, the pouch is then shaken to distribute the flowable material from the pouch interior through the aperture arrangement, by the use of gravity and through the second gusset. Preferred embodiments also include grasping the handle and shaking the pouch to distribute the flowable material. 
     The disclosure includes within its scope: empty pouch arrangements with an opening through the first stand-up gusset fold member to be filled with material; pouch arrangements with material filled and stored therein; pouch arrangements with the end seal adjacent to the second gusset torn therefrom, methods of distributing particulate material utilizing such pouch arrangements; methods of preparation of such pouch arrangements; and methods of displaying such pouch arrangements in a stand-up configuration. 
     In the detailed description, discussions of each of these items are provided. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bag arrangement oriented in a stand-up configuration, constructed according to principles of this disclosure; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the bag arrangement depicted in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the bag arrangement depicted in FIG. 1 during a filling operation through an opening in a stand-up gusset fold member; 
     FIG. 3B is a fragmented, perspective view of the bag arrangement depicted in FIG. 3A after the filling operation and after the opening in the stand-up gusset fold member has been sealed; 
     FIG. 4 is a fragmented, perspective view of the bag arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, during a step of tearing an end seal off of one end of the bag arrangement; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 4, after a step of tearing off the end seal and exposing the perforated gusset for spreading material; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective, cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 — 6  of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a bag arrangement; the bag being shown during a filling operation through an opening in a stand-up gusset fold member; 
     FIG. 8 is a fragmented, perspective view of the bag arrangement depicted in FIG. 7 after the filling operation and after the opening in the stand-up gusset fold member has been sealed; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, after a step of tearing off the end seal and exposing the perforated gusset for spreading material; a hand is shown holding the handle; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the bag arrangement depicted in FIG. 7; the bag being shown during a filling operation through an opening in the side seal; and 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bag arrangement depicted in FIG. 10 after the filling operation and after the opening in the side seal has been sealed. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A bag construction or pouch arrangement constructed according to principles of this disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1 generally at  10 . The particular arrangement  10  is shown as if prepared from substantially transparent materials. In this manner, internal detail can be readily seen. From descriptions below with respect to useful materials, it will be apparent that non-transparent materials may be utilized for constructions according to principles of this disclosure. 
     Referring still to FIG. 1, the pouch arrangement  10  depicted in FIG. 1 is illustrated as it would generally appear after being filled with material  52  and before being opened for use. The configuration in FIG. 1 is a stand-up configuration. That is, the pouch arrangement  10  in FIG. 1 is shown as it would be displayed, for example, for sale on a store shelf. 
     Still referring to FIG. 1, pouch arrangement  10  includes first and second opposed sidewalls, panel sections or panels  12 ,  14 . There is also a first gusset  16  at a first end  18  of the pouch arrangement  10 , and a second gusset  20  at a second end  22  of the pouch arrangement  10 . In FIG. 1, the first gusset  16  is shown in an expanded configuration, to permit the pouch arrangement  10  to stand-up and rest upon the first end  18 . As such, the first gusset  16  may also be referred to as a “stand-up gusset.” The first end  18  of the pouch arrangement  10  corresponds to the bottom  24  of the pouch arrangement  10 , when the pouch arrangement  10  is in a standing configuration. 
     In FIG. 1, the second gusset  20  is shown in a stored or nonexpanded position. The second gusset is not accessible from the exterior of the pouch arrangement  10 , due to an end seal  26  securing the first and second panel sections  12 ,  14  together and blocking access to the second gusset  20 . The second end  22 , in FIG. 1, also corresponds to a top  28  of the pouch arrangement  10 , when the pouch arrangement  10  is in its stand-up configuration. 
     The second gusset  20  includes a distribution aperture arrangement  30  to allow for desirable passage of particulate or flowable material therethrough to facilitate distribution. 
     A typical operation of pouch arrangement  10  will be apparent from review of FIG.  1 . In use, the pouch arrangement  10  is displayed in a stand-up configuration resting on bottom  24  with the first gusset  16  expanded to support remaining portions of the pouch arrangement  10 . The second gusset  20  is secured inside of the pouch arrangement  10  by the end seal  26 . When it is desired to use the pouch arrangement  10  for distribution, the end seal  26  is removed from remaining portions of the pouch arrangement  10 , and the second gusset  20  is exposed. Pouch arrangement  10  is then inverted, such that the second gusset  20  is located downwardly relative to the first gusset  16 . If the user then shakes the pouch construction  10 , flowable particulate material within the pouch arrangement  10  will be dispensed through the distribution aperture arrangement  30  in the second gusset  20 . The user can readily control distribution, by simply orienting the arrangement  10  above the object or area over which distribution of the particulate material is desired and shaking the bag appropriately. 
     Still referring to FIG. 1, the first and second panel sections  12 ,  14  are secured, and preferably sealed, to one another, along side seals  32 ,  34 . Seals  32 ,  34 , in preferred embodiments, are heat seals. They may be formed in a manner conventional for pouch constructions. As can be seen in FIG. 1, side seals  32 ,  34  extend between the top  28  and bottom  24  of the pouch construction  10 . In some embodiments, the side seals  32 ,  34  may include a plurality of spaced, inwardly extending projections to help support the pouch arrangement  10  in a standup configuration, without bending or yielding. This is described more fully in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,613, which patent is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Each of the first and second gussets  16 ,  18  are also secured, preferably by heat seals, to the first and second panel sections  12 ,  14 . In reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first gusset  16  is secured to panels  12 ,  14  at seal regions  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 . These seals may be conventional, for the formation of standup pouch constructions, such as those illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,059,036; 5,147,272; and 5,254,073, incorporated herein by reference. The standup gusset  16 , when the pouch arrangement  10  is in a final, assembled form, is also secured to each of the first and second panel sections  12 ,  14  along end seals  40 ,  42 . Specifically, end seal  40  secures, preferably by heat seal, the first panel section  12  to the first gusset  16  along the edges of the first end  18 . The end seal  42  secures the second panel section  14  to the first gusset  16  along the end edges of the first end  18  of the second panel section  14 . As will be described in further detail below, the end seal  42  is preferably applied after the pouch arrangement  10  is filled with material. 
     The second gusset  20  is also secured to the first and second panel sections  12 ,  14 . Preferably, the second gusset  20  is secured to the panel sections  12 ,  14  by way of heat seals  44 ,  46  (FIGS.  4  and  6 ). Preferably, the seals  44 ,  46  extend between the side seals  32 ,  34 . 
     In general, panels  12 ,  14  define pouch interior volume  50 , generally defined by side seals  32 ,  34 , first gusset  16  and second gusset  20 . Interior volume  50  is used for holding or containing flowable particulate material  52  for distribution through the aperture arrangement  30  in the second gusset  20 . 
     On a side  54  of the seals  44 ,  46  opposite from the internal volume  50 , panels  12 ,  14  define a tab  56  sealed along an end seal  58 . The pouch arrangement  10  may include an alternate weakened transverse tear line to facilitate removal of the tab  56 , when desired. The score or perforated line may extend transversely across tab  56  from side seal  32  to side seal  34 . Pouch arrangement  10  may also include tear notches  60 ,  62  to facilitate removal of the tab  56 . In constructions where a perf or score line is used, the notches  60 ,  62  will be in alignment. In general, tab  56  should be sized appropriately so that tab  56  can be readily torn from arrangement  10  by hand. Alternatively, the tab  56  can be sized such that it is removed from the pouch arrangement  10  by cutting with a scissors. FIG. 4 shows the tab  56  partially removed from the pouch arrangement  10 . 
     Attention is now directed to FIGS. 3A-6. From a review of these figures, further regarding assembly and operation of arrangements, such as pouch arrangement  10 , will be understood. 
     Referring to FIG. 3A, the first gusset  16  is shown in a stage before being completely sealed or secured to the first and second panel sections  12 ,  14 . In particular, in FIG. 3A, the first gusset  16  is shown with a first gusset section  64  secured to the first panel section  12  along end seal  40 , while a second gusset section  66  has a portion  68  that is unsecured to either of the first and second panel sections  12 ,  14 . As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the first gusset section  64  and the second gusset section  66  are preferably a single piece of material joined along gusset fold  70 . The second gusset section  66  and the first and second panel sections  12 ,  14  define an opening or slit  72  therebetween. The opening  72  provides access to the pouch interior  50 . 
     Thus, it can be appreciated that the pouch arrangement  10  may be filled with material  52  through the opening  72 . After filling the pouch arrangement  10  with material  52 , the opening  72  may be closed, in order to provide a closed, stand-up gusset (that is, gusset  16 ). In FIG. 3B, the gusset  16  is shown after the opening  72  has been closed. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the opening  72  is closed by way of end seal  42 , preferably by heat, by securing portion  68  to panel section  14 . After forming the end seal  42 , the pouch arrangement  10  is in a condition to be turned to rest on the bottom  24  and stand-up on its first gusset  16 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4, pouch arrangement  10  is illustrated during a step of removing tab  56  therefrom, in order to allow for the opening of second end  22 . Tab  56  is shown being torn from the pouch arrangement  10 , and in some embodiments, along a score line or perforated line. In some embodiments, the tab  56  is removed by cutting with a scissors, for example. 
     Once tab  56  has been completely removed from the pouch arrangement  10 , the material  52  may be distributed through the second gusset  20 . This may be accomplished by inverting the pouch arrangement  10  from the orientation shown in FIG.  1  and FIG. 4, to the orientation shown in FIG.  5 . That is, the pouch arrangement is turned upside down, such that the first end  18  is oriented over or above all other portions of the pouch arrangement  10 , while second end  22  is oriented below all other portions of the pouch arrangement  10 . Typically, the pouch arrangement  10  is grasped along some combination of the sides  32 ,  34  and first end  18  and shaking. 
     After a selected amount of particulate material  52  has been distributed, the arrangement  10  can be stored by inverting the pouch arrangement  10 , to stand on its stand-up gusset  16 . That is, the pouch arrangement  10  is turned such that the second end  22  is oriented over or above all other portions of the pouch arrangement  10 , while first end  18  is oriented below all other portions of the pouch arrangement  10 . The stand-up gusset  16  permits the pouch arrangement  10  to be stored in a stand-up, upright position, and without the loss of material  52  within. 
     Attention is now directed to FIGS. 7-9. From a review of these figures, a further embodiment will be understood regarding placement, construction and use of a handle  180  on a pouch arrangement  110 . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, the first gusset  116  is shown in a stage before being completely sealed or secured to the first and second panel sections  112 ,  114 . In particular, in FIG. 7, the first gusset  116  is shown with a first gusset section  64  secured to the first panel section  112  along end seal  140 , while a second gusset section  66  has a portion of  168  that is unsecured to either of the first and second panel portions  112 ,  114 . As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first gusset section  164  and the second gusset section  166  are preferably a single piece of material joined along gusset fold  170 . The second gusset section  166  and the first and second panel sections  112 ,  114  define an opening or slit  172  therebetween. The opening  172  provides access to the pouch interior  150 . A handle  180  is disposed between the first gusset section  164  and the second gusset section  166 . The handle  180  extends between the side seals  132 ,  134 . The handle  180  is fixed at the side seals  132 ,  134  by any conventional means such as heat sealing for example. 
     The handle  180  can be constructed of any conventional material. Preferably, the handle is constructed of polymeric materials and may include reinforcing materials such as polymers, fibers, metal and the like. The handle  180  is affixed to side seals  132 ,  134  so that the handle  180  and side seals  132 ,  134  support the weight of the pouch arrangement and flowable material  152  held within the pouch arrangement  110 . 
     The handle  180  should be wide enough so that when a user holds the handle  180 , the handle  180  does not “cut in” to the user&#39;s hand causing the user pain. However, the handle  180  should not be so wide that the width of the handle prevents the side seals  132 ,  134  from sealing completely. The handle  180 , may be, for example, about a 0.25 to 2 in., preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 in. wide. 
     The handle  180  should also be strong enough to support the weight of the pouch arrangement  110  and material  152  held within the pouch arrangement  110 . The handle  180  may have a plurality of reinforcing strips running along the length of the handle providing the handle  180  with the necessary strength to support the pouch arrangement and material held within. 
     The pouch arrangement  110  maybe filled with flowable material  152  through the opening  172 . After filling the pouch arrangement  110  with the flowable material  152 , the opening  172  may be closed, in order to provide a closed, stand-up gusset (that is gusset  116 ). In FIG. 8, the gusset  116  is shown after the opening  172  has been sealed. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the opening  172  is closed by way of end seal  142  preferably by heat, by securing portion  168  to panel section  114 . Handle  180  is connected at side seals  132 ,  134  and disposed between first gusset section  164  and second gusset section  166 . After forming the end seal  142 , the pouch arrangement  110  is in the condition to be turned to rest on the bottom and stand-up on its first gusset  116 . 
     As discussed above, FIG. 4 illustrates a step of removing tab  56  from the pouch arrangement  10  in order to allow for the opening of the second end  22 . This step applies to this embodiment also. Once tab  156  has been completely removed from the pouch arrangement  110 , the material  152  may be distributed through the second gusset  120 . This may be accomplished by inverting the pouch arrangement  110  from the orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to the orientation shown in FIG.  9 . That is the pouch arrangement is turned upside down, such that first end  118  is orientated over or above all other portions of the pouch arrangement  110 , while second and  122  is orientated below all other portions of pouch arrangement  110 . FIG. 9 illustrates the pouch arrangement  110  grasped by the handle  180  by a hand. After a selected amount of particular material  152  has been distributed, the arrangement  110  can be stored by inverting the pouch arrangement  110  as described earlier. 
     Attention is now directed to FIGS. 10-11. From a review of these figures, further understanding regarding assembly and operation of arrangements, such as pouch arrangement  10 , will be understood. 
     Referring to FIG. 10, the side seal  232  is shown in a stage before first and second panel sections  212 ,  214  are completely sealed to form the side seal  232 . The pouch arrangement  210  is filled with material  252  through an opening or slit  274  where a side seal  232  is subsequently formed as described later. FIG. 10 shows the opening  274  extending between the first end  218  and second end  222  of the pouch arrangement  210 . The first and second panel sections  212 ,  214  define an opening or slit  274  therebetween. The opening  274  provides access to the pouch interior  250 . 
     Thus, it can be appreciated that the pouch arrangement  210  may be filled with material  252  through the opening  274 . After filling the pouch arrangement  210  with material  252 , the opening  274  may be closed, in order to provide a closed, stand-up gusset (that is, gusset  216 ). In FIG. 11, the side seal  232  is shown after the opening  274  has been closed. In a particular embodiment illustrated, the opening  274  is closed by a way of side seal  232 , preferably by heat, by securing first and second panel sections,  212 ,  214 . After forming the side seal  232 , the pouch arrangement  210  is in a condition to be turned to rest on the bottom  224  and stand-up on its first gusset  116 . 
     It should be understood that, in some embodiments, there may be a zipper closure arrangement along the seals  44 ,  46 ,  144 ,  146 ,  244  and  246  to permit selective opening and re-closing of the perforated, second gusset  20 ,  120  and  220 . Such an arrangement is described fully in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,479, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. 
     While a variety of methods may be utilized to prepare arrangements according to FIGS. 1-11, herein a preferred convenient method is described. 
     According to the method, two webs of material, each preferably being of approximately the same width and preferably continuous are provided. During the process, the two webs are brought together, in opposition to one another. It is these two webs, when cut in sections that form the opposite panels, for example panels  12  and  14  of the arrangement  10 . 
     In a follow-up step, the two webs are brought together in opposition, ultimately to comprise panel sections  12  and  14 . During the step of bringing the webs together, a continuous strip of gusset material is preferably fed there between along each of the appropriate edges. The gusset material forming the second gusset  20  may be pre-punched to include the distribution apertures. Alternatively, the punching operation may take place after the trimming and sealing steps. The gusset material forming the first gusset  16  is also provided along the appropriate edge. 
     In later steps of the process, a continuous composite that preferably comprises: a first web; a second web opposed to the first web; a first continuous gusset web; and a second continuous gusset web; is cut, trimmed, and sealed, preferably by heat sealing, into a pouch arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of FIG. 3A with opening  72 . Embodiments that include a handle  180 ,  280 , may include the handle in the continuous composite. The continuous composite that includes the handle  180 ,  280 , can then be further processed as described above into a pouch arrangement  110 ,  210  corresponding to the arrangements of FIGS. 7-11 with opening  172  located along the first gusset  116  as show in FIGS. 7-9 or alternatively located along side seal  232 ,  234  as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, all the seals may be formed and the opening  72 ,  172  and  272  cut in a subsequent step. 
     In some applications, it may be desirable to form the two webs from a single roll or web of material. This can be done, for example, by providing a primary web that is split in half, longitudinally, to form two webs. These webs can then be utilized as the two webs in the process. 
     Pouch arrangements as described herein may be provided with a variety of outer dimensions, depending upon the intended use. Example sizes include widths of at least 4 inches, no greater than 20 inches, and typically 6-18 inches; heights of at least 6 inches, no greater than 30 inches and typically 12-24 inches. The pouch arrangements  10  can be constructed to hold material  52 ,  152  and  252  of substantial mass, for example, 3-10 pounds, and in some cases, up to 30 pounds. 
     Pouch arrangements according to this disclosure may be manufactured from a variety of materials. Example materials include polyester biaxially oriented nylon linear low-density polyethylene (PET/BON/LLDPE) film. 
     The flowable material  52 ,  152  and  252  may be in a variety of forms including, for example, pellets, grains, seeds, or powders. In particular, materials  52 ,  152  and  252  can include salt pellets, grass seed, or plant nutrient. In general, the maximum average dimension of the flowable particulate material  52 ,  152  and  252  should be sufficiently smaller than the average size of the apertures in the base gusset member, to facilitate distribution. A variety of patterns of holes or apertures in the second gusset  20 ,  120  and  220 , shapes of such apertures, sizes of such apertures, and population density of such apertures may be used. For example, in some arrangements, the distribution apertures will be approximately round, at least 1 mm in diameter, no greater than 8 cm. in diameter, and in some instances 1-6 cm. in diameter. For grass seed, for example, a diameter of about 2 cm. is convenient. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made.