CN111212791A

CN111212791A - Side gusset pouch

Info

Publication number: CN111212791A
Application number: CN201780095794.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 荣嘉绍
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2017-10-31
Filing date: 2017-10-31
Publication date: 2020-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-31
Also published as: CN111212791B; WO2019084745A1

Abstract

The present invention proposes a side gusseted flexible pouch (1) comprising opposing first and second lateral sides (13, 33). A first upper brace seal (7) is arranged on the first lateral side (13) and a second upper brace seal (35) is arranged on the second lateral side (33). A first lower gusset seal (17) is disposed on the first lateral side (13) opposite the first upper gusset seal (7), and a second lower gusset seal (37) is disposed on the second lateral side (33) opposite the second upper gusset seal (35). At least one discrete region (11,15) of UV cured coating is coated adjacent to at least either one of the gusset seals (7,17,35,37) on the first or second lateral side. The side gusset flexible pouch having a cured coating adjacent to one or more of the gusset seals can have improved pouch drop test performance.

Description

Side gusset pouch

Technical Field

The present invention relates to side gusseted pouches with improved pouch drop test performance.

Background

In the case of a pouch made from a single sheet of film or laminate (i.e., two or more sheets of film), the pouch is structured such that it does not expand during filling, but has a substantially similar shape and configuration when empty or filled. In order to increase the available filling space, it is common to have the pouch with side gussets along both of its longitudinal sides, thereby joining the front and back sides of the pouch. The gusset allows the front and back surfaces to expand away from each other when the pouch is filled. The gusset structure is advantageous because it allows the unfilled pouch to be substantially flat when empty, and then expand to full depth as the pouch is filled with product. A (vertical) form-fill-seal machine is a method of making such gusset pouches.

One of the problems with side gusseted pouches is that when such pouches are filled (especially with products such as relatively large weights (e.g., 1-4kg) of laundry detergent powder), it is often observed that the pouches can exhibit unacceptably high failure rates in the "pouch drop" test. In this test, the filled pouch is lowered from a predetermined height to the ground and the pouch is inspected to assess whether any seals of the pouch have failed due to impact. The area of interest is the four interior corners of the pouch. In these corners, the four layers of the film/laminate are gathered together for sealing due to the gussets. It is generally believed that the reason for failure is the difficulty in ensuring a cohesive seal between the four layers. In addition, many stresses are generated at these internal corners, resulting in cracking (failure). From a commercial point of view, it is preferred that the failure rate is less than 5%, preferably less than 1%, more preferably less than 0.5%, even more preferably less than 0.1%. Some attempts have been made in the past to solve this problem. One approach is to use thicker films or laminates. Another solution is to use extra folds at the corner brace members where additional film material is needed. However, these are generally not cost effective solutions.

There is a need for side gusseted pouches with improved pouch drop test or dart impact test performance, and to provide such side gusseted pouches cost effectively, without the need to provide thicker films or laminates, while minimizing any changes to standard form-fill-seal machines, and while maintaining high speed manufacturing operations.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is based in part on the following observations: i.e., one of the sources of stress at the inside corners of the side gusset pouch, is during the vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) process. Specifically, in the VFFS process, specifically the side gusset seal forming stage, the gusset forming element is pushed to a position that will become the lateral side of the pouch. It has been surprisingly found that the use of a UV cured coating at the impact point of these gusset forming elements (the location that will become the lateral side of the pouch) helps reduce the negative impact on the integrity of the gusset seal and thus can improve the pouch drop test performance. A UV cured coating applied adjacent to either of the gusset seals on the first or second lateral sides helps to meet this need.

One aspect of the present invention provides a side gusseted flexible pouch (with improved pouch drop test performance). The pouch includes opposing first and second lateral sides. A first upper gusset seal is disposed on the first lateral side and a second gusset seal is disposed on the second lateral side. A first lower gusset seal is disposed on the first lateral side and opposite the first upper gusset seal. A second bottom gusset seal is disposed on the second lateral side and opposite the second upper gusset seal. At least one region (preferably discrete region) of the coating (preferably a UV cured coating) is adjacent to any one or more of the gusset seals on the first or second lateral sides.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of making a side gusseted flexible pouch comprising the steps of: flexographic coating a portion of a flexible film or laminate with an Ultraviolet (UV) curable coating; UV curing the UV curable coating to form a UV cured coating; and forming a gusset seal by contacting the UV cured coated portion of the flexible film or laminate with a gusset forming implement; to form the gusset flexible pouch.

Another advantage of the curable coatings provided herein may include: providing a film or laminate that is not so stiff as to cause unsightly wrinkles in the pouch (especially in view of the high speed conditions typically associated with VFFS machines); using a standard VFFS machine; provide relatively large manufacturing tolerances (typically required in high speed operations); minimizing the use of coating materials; use of a translucent or transparent coating material so as to not be noticed by the consumer and/or the effective artwork associated with the pouch; using a flexible coating material; and combinations thereof.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description.

Drawings

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pouch having discrete areas of a UV-cured coating adjacent to a gusset seal;

FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the upper portion of the lateral side of the pouch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of the lower portion of the lateral side of the pouch of FIG. 1; and

fig. 4 is a perspective view of an overview of a VFFS machine.

Detailed Description

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the disclosure. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step, or method described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or in part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step, or method described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a filled side gusseted flexible pouch (1) of the present invention. The side gusset pouch (1) comprises a first lateral side (13) and a second lateral side (33) opposite to each other. Generally, these lateral sides (13,33) are symmetrical to each other. A first upper corner brace seal (7) is provided at the upper end of the first lateral side (13). A second upper corner support seal (35) is provided at the upper end of the second lateral side (33). A first lower gusset seal (17) is provided at a lower end of the first lateral side (13). A second lower gusset seal (37) is provided at the lower end of the second lateral side (33). The first upper gusset seal (7) and the first lower gusset seal (17) are opposite to each other. The second upper corner support seal (35) and the second lower corner support seal (37) are opposite to each other. There are two discrete areas of the UV-cured coating (11,15) adjacent to the gusset seal (7,17) of the first lateral side (13). Although not shown, there are corresponding two discrete areas of UV coating on the second lateral side (33). Referring to the first lateral side (13), the UV cured coating (11) adjacent the first upper gusset seal and the UV cured coating (15) adjacent the first lower gusset seal are shown.

Still referring to fig. 1, the side gusseted flexible pouch (1) has a top seal (41) and a bottom seal (43). The top seal (41) and the bottom seal (43) are opposite to each other. The pouch (1) has a front side (45) and an opposite back side (not shown). The first lateral longitudinal axis (3) is along the length (i.e., longest dimension) of the first lateral side (13), and the second lateral longitudinal axis (39) is along the length of the second lateral side (33).

Fig. 2 is a partial front view of the upper portion of the first lateral side (13) of the pouch (1) of fig. 1. The first lateral longitudinal axis (3) is shown along a first lateral side (13). The first upper gusset seal (7) is located at an upper end of the first lateral side (13). The outer edge of the first upper corner brace seal (5) is the edge of the upper end of the first lateral side (13). Opposite the outer edge of the first upper gusset seal (5) (first upper gusset seal (7)) is an inner edge of the first upper gusset seal (29). A first top vertical intersection (31) is formed between the intersection of the first upper corner seal (7) and the top seal (41) (where the top seal (41) is not shown in fig. 2, but was previously shown in fig. 1). The junction between the first top vertical intersection (31) and the inner edge of the first upper corner brace seal (29) is a first upper inner corner (9). This internal corner (9) (any of the four internal corners) is a potential weak point during the pouch drop test (described below). The inner edge of the first upper gusset seal (29) and the outer edge of the first upper gusset seal (5) lie generally in a plane orthogonal to the first lateral longitudinal axis (3). A first top vertical intersection (31) is formed generally about a midpoint along a width of the first upper gusset seal (7), wherein the width is measured in a plane perpendicular to the first lateral longitudinal axis (3). In other words, the first top vertical intersection (31) is a plane along the first lateral longitudinal axis (3).

Still referring to fig. 2, a plane along the first lateral longitudinal axis (3) (and intersecting the second lateral longitudinal axis (39), not shown in fig. 2 but previously shown in fig. 1) intersects the discrete regions (11) of the UV cured coating adjacent the first upper gusset seal. The distance of the upper edge of the UV-cured coating (12) closest to the first upper interior angle (9) from the first upper interior angle (9), as measured along said plane, i.e. the plane intersecting the first and second lateral longitudinal axes (3,39), is preferably less than 30mm (more preferably less than 25mm, or less than 20mm, or less than 15mm, or even less than 10 mm). Alternatively, the distance is from 0mm to 30mm, or from 1mm to 30mm, or from 5mm to 25 mm. Alternatively (although not preferred), the upper edge (12) is not present, but rather a UV cured coating area is formed as part of the first top vertical intersection (31) or the first upper inner corner (9). Preferably, the subject UV cured coating areas (11) are discrete, or at least do not form part of the gusset seal, as having additional UV cured coating outside the areas so described may interfere with the gusset seal (and adversely affect the results from the pouch drop test). Of course, unnecessary increases in cost are another consideration.

Fig. 3 is a partial front view of the lower portion of the lateral side (13) of the pouch (1) of fig. 1. The first lateral longitudinal axis (3) is shown along a first lateral side (13). The first lower gusset seal (17) is a lower end of the first lateral side (13). The outer edge of the first lower gusset seal (21) is the edge of the lower end of the first lateral side (17). Opposite the outer edge of the first lower gusset seal (21) (first lower gusset seal (17)) is an inner edge of the first lower gusset seal (27). A first bottom vertical intersection (25) is formed between the intersection of the first lower gusset seal (17) and the bottom seal (43) (where the bottom seal (43) is not shown in fig. 3, but was previously shown in fig. 1). At the junction of the first bottom vertical intersection (25) and the inner edge of the first lower gusset seal (27) is a first lower inner corner (19). This internal corner (19) (any of the four) can also be a potential weak point during the pouch drop test (described below). The inner edge of the first lower gusset seal (27) and the outer edge of the first lower gusset seal (21) lie generally in a plane orthogonal to the first lateral longitudinal axis (3). The first bottom vertical intersection (25) is generally formed about a midpoint along a width of the first lower gusset seal (17), wherein the width is measured in a plane perpendicular to the first lateral longitudinal axis (3). In other words, the first bottom vertical intersection (25) is a plane along the first lateral longitudinal axis (3).

Still referring to fig. 3, a plane along the first lateral axis (3) (and intersecting the second lateral longitudinal axis (39), not shown in fig. 3 but previously shown in fig. 1) intersects the discrete regions (15) of the UV cured coating adjacent the first lower gusset seal. The lower edge of the UV-cured coating (16) closest to the first lower inner corner (19) is preferably less than 30mm (more preferably less than 25mm, or less than 20mm, or less than 15mm, or even less than 10mm) from the first lower inner corner (19), as measured along said plane (i.e. the plane intersecting the first and second lateral longitudinal axes (3, 39)). Alternatively, the distance is from 0mm to 30mm, or from 1mm to 30mm, or from 5mm to 25 mm. Alternatively, the lower edge (16) is not present, but rather a UV-cured coating area is formed as part of the first bottom vertical intersection (25) or the first lower inner corner (19). Preferably, the subject UV cured coating regions (15) are discrete, or at least do not form part of the gusset seal, as having additional UV cured coating outside the regions so described may interfere with the gusset seal (and adversely affect the results from the pouch drop test). Of course, unnecessary increases in cost are another consideration.

Although not shown, an analogue of the second lateral side (33) of the pouch (1) is provided according to fig. 2 and 3. Preferably, the UV coating regions are discrete regions. Preferably, a side gusseted flexible pouch (1) is provided, wherein at least any one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three, even more preferably four of the discrete regions of the UV-cured coating are adjacent to the respective gusset seal at a distance along the plane of the respective longitudinal lateral axis (3,39) over a length of less than 30mm, preferably less than 20 mm; preferably, wherein the discrete areas (11, not shown) of the UV cured coating of the first upper corner brace seal and/or the second upper corner brace seal and the discrete areas (15, not shown) of the UV cured coating of the first lower corner brace seal and/or the second lower corner brace seal are each adjacent to the corresponding corner brace seal (7,17,35,37) along a plane of the corresponding lateral longitudinal axis (3,39) adjacent to the corresponding corner brace seal over a length of less than 30mm, preferably less than 20 mm. Preferably the plane intersecting the first lateral longitudinal axis (3), more preferably the plane intersecting the first and second lateral longitudinal axes (3,39), intersects at least one discrete area (11 or 15) of the UV cured coating, preferably at least two, more preferably three or four (11,15, not shown) of said discrete areas of the UV cured coating. More preferably, the first (or second) UV cured coating (11) adjacent the first (and second) upper corner support seal is discrete, having 0.5cm²To 10cm²Preferably 1cm²To 5cm²Alternatively an example is 1-2cm²Is defined area of. More preferably, the first (or second) UV cured coating (15) adjacent the first (and second) lower corner brace seal is discrete, having 1cm²To 30cm²Preferably 2cm²To 20cm²Alternatively 2cm²To 10cm²Alternatively 2cm²To 5cm²Alternatively an example is 3-4cm²Is defined area of.

The side gusseted flexible pouch may have 70%, preferably more than 80%, more preferably more than 85%, still more preferably more than 90% of the surface area of the first and/or second lateral sides (13,33) free of the UV cured coating; alternatively, 90% to 99% of the surface of the lateral sides (13,33) is free of UV cured coating.

UV-cured coatings

A curable coating is applied to the lateral sides of the pouch. The preferred coating method is by printing, preferably flexographic printing. Spraying is another way of coating. The curable coating is cured to provide a cured coating. It is preferred to use a UV curable coating. One example of such a UV curable Coating is available from Actega Coating and Sealants (a member of Altana) under the trade name LED-X25AL 63B. Preferably, curing provides a UV cured coating by Ultraviolet (UV). In view of cost and speed, even more preferred is LED-UV. Other curing methods may include air drying, heating, or other forms of radiation. Preferably, the cured coating is a discrete region of the gusset seal adjacent a lateral side of the pouch. The term "coating" is used broadly to include inks, varnishes, coatings or combinations thereof suitable for coating onto a flexible film or laminate, preferably a polymeric flexible film or laminate. Preferably, the curable coating has a relatively high viscosity during the coating process. For example, the centipoise (cps) can range from 400cps to 1500cps, which is particularly preferred in flexographic printing processes (as coating processes). This relatively high viscosity helps to achieve the preferred thickness and/or preferred actual coating weight ranges set forth herein. The preferred thickness range of the cured coating is a thickness of 10 to 150 microns, preferably 20 to 130 microns, more preferably 25 to 110 microns, even more preferably 30 to 90 microns. One method of evaluating thickness is by using a Thwing-Albert ProGage laboratory-based thickness measuring device with a force of 0.5kPa (consistently). Another way to characterize the cured coating is to use actual coating weight tests. The preferred range of actual coating weight of the cured coating is 10g/m²To 50g/m²Preferably 15g/m²To 40g/m²More preferably 18g/m²To 33g/m². Program for determining the actual coating weightDescribed in the examples section herein.

Advantages of UV cured coatings may include one or more of the following: cure speed, transparency, adhesion, flexibility, and minimal VOC (preferably zero VOC, i.e. 100% solids). Preferably, the UV curable coating is 100% reactive and crosslinked. Preferably, the UV-curable coating is transparent or translucent (so as to allow graphics and the like to be displayed and to avoid maximum notice by the user), more preferably transparent.

The preferred mode of application is by flexographic printing of a curable coating. Briefly, a UV curable coating from a supplier is pumped to a curable coating container. One way of pumping is to use a high viscosity dual diaphragm ink pump. Once contained in the curable coating container, the flow rate and amount of UV curable coating dispensed to the anilox roller is controlled by a chambered reverse angle doctor blade system, such as from Printco Industries, llc (us). This is advantageous in view of the relatively high viscosity of the UV curable coating. One example of an anilox roll suitable for flexographic curable coatings, especially coatings having the above viscosity ranges, is LaserKote from Harper Corporation of America (USA)^TMCeramic roller of carving patterns. The shape of the anilox roller may be a triple helix with a cell number of 30-70, preferably 40-60, more preferably 40-50. The volume is 38BCM to 90BCM, preferably 45BCM to 85BCM, more preferably 65BCM to 80BCM, and in one non-limiting example 72 BCM. The triple helical engravings typically have a 45 unit angle. "BCM" is billion cubic micrometers per square inch of surface area, with 1BCM equaling 1.549cm³/m². BCM volumes can be measured by a system that uses reflected light to collect height information for microscopic surface patterns with nanometer-scale accuracy (e.g., to 10 nanometers accuracy). One such method is by Ectotopography from Harper Corporation of America^TMAnd (6) measuring. The anilox roll transfers the UV curable coating to a printing plate, which then prints the UV curable coating onto the flexible film or laminate. One example of a printing plate is the printing plate from MacDermid. Preferably, the printing plate has a low surface energy and a high volume microcellularAnd (5) structure.

The UV curable coating is UV curable, preferably UV-LED curable. One example of such a preferred method is to utilize a UV-LED curing system from Phoseon Technology, Inc. One example is FireLine^TMFL 400. The system has an emission window size of 125mm x 20mm to 300mm to 20 mm. The peak irradiance at the wavelength of 365nm is 12W/cm²And a peak irradiance of 24W/cm at a wavelength of 385/395/405nm²And cooled with water.

Making pouches

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a system (99) for continuously forming, filling and sealing side gusseted flexible pouches with product. The system is constructed in the form of a closed frame on which all the components for forming, filling and sealing the pouch are mounted. In this figure, a continuous sheet (101) of film or laminate is unwound from a roll (not shown). The unwound roll was coated with a UV-curable coating, which was then UV-cured to provide a UV-cured coating on the unwound roll at the location that would become adjacent to the gusset seal (as described above). An unwound roll coated with a UV curable coating and cured is conveyed on conveying rolls (102, 103). It then reaches the forming shoulder (104) and then to the pouch former (105) (also known as a forming tube). In the pouch former, a film sheet (101) is folded over on itself such that opposing longitudinal edges (106,107) are juxtaposed to form a common vertical film edge. A vertical sealer (108) then seals the common overlapping vertical film edges to form a film tube (109). Then a pulling device (not shown) pulls the film tube (109) continuously in the longitudinal direction as set on the stroke length control lever (not shown). A pair of upper gusset forming elements (111A,111B) (means for forming first upper and second upper gussets) and a pair of lower gusset forming elements (110A,110B) (means for forming first lower and second lower gussets) are provided on either lateral side of the film tube from the corresponding gussets on both lateral sides of the film tube. These gusset forming elements are sometimes also referred to as gusset pleating devices. These gusset forming elements impinge the lateral side of the film tube at the same location as the UV cured coating. Without being bound by theory, these coatings provide protection from the pushing of the gusset forming element into the film tube to reduce at least one negative impact on the integrity of the gusset seal (and thus can improve pouch drop test performance). The upper gusset forming elements (111A,111B) are located below the sealer, while the lower gusset forming elements (110A,110B) are located above a pair of horizontal sealing jaws (112A, 112B).

The film tube is then sealed in a horizontal direction at a predetermined position below the vertical sealer (108) by a pair of horizontal sealing jaws (112A, 112B). The horizontal sealing jaws define simultaneously a top (horizontal) seal (41) of the filled pouch (1) and a bottom (horizontal) seal (43) of the pouch (2) to be filled. Perforations (120) are formed between the top seal (41) and the bottom seal (43) for subsequently severing the filled and sealed pouches to form individual pouches therefrom. In heat sealing systems for most films/laminates this cutting action is done separately, whereas in heat-seal systems the sealing and cutting actions are done simultaneously, as the knife is mounted on the sealing jaw itself. In the pouch (2) to be filled, a product (for example, a laundry detergent) is fed continuously by means (121) in the form of a tube, below the vertical sealer (108) and above the pair of horizontal sealing jaws (112A, 112B). The open end of the membrane tube is then sealed with horizontal sealing jaws at a predetermined location corresponding to a distance of one bag length. The cycle is repeated to form a plurality of pouches.

Film or laminate

The continuous sheet of film or laminate (described in fig. 4) may be made from a single layer film or a laminate made from multiple layers of films. Preferably, the sheet is a laminate, more preferably the laminate is a two or three layer film, even more preferably a two layer film. Polymeric films and laminates are preferred. In a two-layer laminate, the outermost layer is a printed film layer and the inner layer is a sealing film layer. In a three layer laminate, there is an intermediate film layer (between the printed film layer and the sealing film layer). In a laminate, the film layers are laminated together. Dry lamination, solventless lamination and extrusion lamination are known ways to combine films to form laminates. In an alternative example, the laminate includes an adhesive layer to which one or more film layers are adhered.

The printed film/intermediate film/sealing film (as well as other film layers) may have one or more layers (e.g., 1-3 layers of coextruded blown film). The printed film is preferably printed, more preferably back-printed. The printed film may provide a matte or glossy finish. The printed film may be made of polypropylene, preferably uniaxially or biaxially oriented polypropylene, more preferably biaxially oriented polypropylene ("BOPP"). Typical thicknesses of the printed film are from 10 microns to 30 microns, preferably 15-25 microns, alternatively 17-21 microns, or about 19 microns. The sealing film may be made of polyethylene ("PE"). If the laminate is a two layer laminate, the sealing film may have a typical thickness of 50 to 200 microns, preferably 50-160 microns, more preferably 90-130 microns.

When the laminate is a trilaminate, typically the middle layer film is made of polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") and has a thickness of 5 to 15 microns, preferably 9-12 microns; alternatively a thickness of 3-7 microns or 7-11 microns. The sealing film in the tri-layer laminate may have a thickness (and is preferably made of polyethylene) of 50 to 150 microns, preferably 90 to 130 microns, more preferably 100 to 120 microns, still more preferably 105 to 115 microns.

The overall thickness of the film or laminate may be from 30 microns to 170 microns. In a two layer laminate, the overall thickness may be from 90 to 150 microns, preferably from 95 to 135 microns. In a three layer laminate, the overall thickness may be from 30 microns to 150 microns, preferably from 50 microns to 110 microns. One suitable way to assess the thickness of the films and laminates is by ProGage from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company^TMThe thickness tester (and according to the manufacturer's instructions) evaluated.

The gusseted pouches of the present invention can contain a relatively large amount of product. For example, the gusset pouch of the present invention may contain from 0.25kg to 10kg of product, preferably from 0.5kg to 5kg, more preferably from 1kg to 4kg, alternatively from 1.5kg to 3kg of product contained within the gusset pouch. Non-limiting examples include 1.65kg, 1.7kg and 3kg of product. The relatively large amount of product that may be contained in the gusset pouch includes dry laundry detergent powder.

Practice ofExample (b)

Various gusseted pouches (both comparative and inventive examples) of different laminate formulations were tested for drop impact test and pouch drop test results. Methods are described. Providing the results.

The drop impact test was performed according to ASTM method D1709-04 entitled "Standard test method for determining impact resistance of Plastic films Using the free-falling Dart method" test method A (Dart impact test). The greater the mass, the more desirable the results. The dart falls at discrete areas of the UV cured coating adjacent the first lower gusset seal (15) or elsewhere in the comparative pouch example. The drop location is selected as the stress point that may be most challenging as the gusset forming element impacts the lateral side of the film tube during the VFFS process.

The pouch drop test was performed by containing 4-6 pouches in the second package of a plastic woven bag (about 10-12kg total) and dropping the plastic woven bag three times from a height of 1.0 meter onto a flat solid surface. Causing the plastic woven bag to fall along its length. Alternatively, a corrugated cardboard shipping box may be used as the second package. After the second package was dropped said three times, it was checked whether each of the contained pouches showed any failure. These failures may include any of the four gusset seals (7,35,17,37), or the top and bottom seals (41 and 43, respectively), or perforations in the laminate itself (anywhere on the pouch). Ten samples were tested for each type of pouch (nos. 1-5) and the average results (i.e., pass or fail) were reported. The pass result is desirable.

Description of the actual coating weight (g/m)²) And (5) programming. The following steps are taken: (i) selecting a pouch sample that is free of creases and defects; (ii) environmental conditioning of test pouch samples in the laboratory at least 24 hours prior to testing; (iii) accurately cut an area of 3cm²A pouch sample having a UV cured coating of (a); (iv) samples without UV-cured coating were cut, each sample having an area of 3cm²(ii) a (v) The weight of the sample is measured using a high precision balance (e.g., 0.0001 grams). Finally, the actual coating weight ("X") is determined according to the following equation: x ═ W1-W2/a × 10⁴(ii) a Where "W1" is the measured weight (g) of the sample with the UV cured coating, "W2" is the measured weight (g) of the sample without the coating, "A" is the sample area (cm2), and "10⁴To convert the result into m². Table 1 summarizes the results.

Table 1: provides drop impact testing and pouches between inventive examples (No. 5) and comparative examples (nos. 1-4) Results of the drop test。

The results are discussed. Comparative example 3 and inventive example 5 have comparative drop impact test results of about the same value (i.e., 856.2g and 853.8g, respectively). However, inventive example 5 had a 90 micron thinner PE inner layer (compared to the 100 micron PE inner layer of the comparative example). Of course, inventive example 5 has a UV cured coating applied adjacent to the gusset seal. Thus, thinner laminates may be used to save cost, but still provide commercially acceptable performance. The pouch drop test confirmed these findings because both comparative example 3 and inventive example 5 passed. Comparative example 4, which had the same laminate formulation as inventive example 5 but did not have a UV curable coating, failed the pouch drop test. This indicates that for a product containing 1.65kg of contents, the subject laminate formulation is not commercially acceptable if there is no UV curable coating applied adjacent to the gusset seal.

Preferably, the pouch of the present invention passes the pouch drop test as described herein. Preferably, the pouches of the present invention have a drop impact test (as described herein) result of greater than 750 grams, preferably greater than 800 grams, more preferably greater than 825 grams, even more preferably greater than 840 grams.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or its benefits, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) comprising:

opposite first and second lateral sides (13,33),

wherein a first upper gusset seal (7) is provided on the first lateral side (13) and a second upper gusset seal (35) is provided on the second lateral side (33),

wherein a first lower gusset seal (17) is provided on the first lateral side (13) opposite the first upper gusset seal (7) and a second lower gusset seal (37) is provided on the second lateral side (33) opposite the second upper gusset seal (35),

wherein at least one discrete region (11,15, not shown) of the UV cured coating is coated adjacent to at least any one of the gusset seals (7,17,35,37) on the first lateral side or the second lateral side.

2. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one discrete region (11,15, not shown) of said UV cured coating comprises a thickness of 10 to 150 microns, preferably 20 to 130 microns, more preferably 25 to 110 microns, even more preferably 30 to 90 microns; preferably, the UV-cured coating (11,15, not shown) is translucent or transparent, preferably transparent.

3. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said discrete regions (11,15, not shown) of UV cured coating comprise 10g/m²To 50g/m²Preferably 15g/m²To 40g/m²More preferably 18g/m²To 33g/m²Actual coating weight (preferably according to the methods described herein); preferably, the UV-cured coating (11,15, not shown) is translucent or transparent, preferably transparent.

4. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably four of said discrete regions (11,15, not shown) of UV cured coating are coated adjacent each of the corresponding gusset seals (7,17,35,37) on said first or second lateral side (13, 33).

5. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any preceding claim wherein said discrete regions (11,15, not shown) of UV cured coating are UV cured flexographic applied coatings.

6. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising:

a top seal (41) and an opposing bottom seal (43),

wherein a first upper gusset seal (7) and the top seal (41) form a first top vertical intersection (31), and the first lower gusset seal (17) and the bottom seal (43) form a first bottom vertical intersection (25);

wherein a plane along a first lateral longitudinal axis (3) intersects the first top vertical intersection (31) and the first bottom vertical intersection (25);

preferably wherein said plane along the first lateral longitudinal axis (3) also intersects said at least one discrete area (11 or 15) of the UV cured coating, preferably at least two of said discrete areas (11,15) of the UV cured coating.

7. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least any one, preferably at least two, of said discrete regions (11,15) of UV-cured coating are adjacent to said corresponding gusset seal (7,17) at a distance of less than 30mm, preferably less than 20mm, in a plane along said first vertical lateral axis (3).

8. Side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said UV-cured coating (11,15) adjacent to said first upper gusset seal (7) or said second upper gusset seal (35) is discrete and has 0.5cm²To 10cm²Preferably 1cm²To 5cm²Is defined area of.

9. Side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UV-cured coating (15) adjacent to the first (and second) lower gusset seals (17,37) is discrete and has 1cm²To 30cm²Preferably 2cm²To 20cm²Is defined area of.

10. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising 0.25kg to 10kg, preferably 0.5kg to 5kg, more preferably 1kg to 4kg of product; preferably, the product comprised is a powder, more preferably the powder is a dry laundry detergent powder.

11. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any preceding claim wherein said film or laminate is a laminate, preferably wherein said laminate comprises a 2 layer film or a 3 layer film.

12. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any preceding claim 11 wherein said laminate comprises a 2 layer film, wherein said 2 layer film comprises: a printed film of biaxially oriented polypropylene 15 to 25 microns thick, preferably 17 to 21 microns thick; and a sealing film of polyethylene from 60 microns to 160 microns thick, preferably from 90 microns to 130 microns thick.

13. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any preceding claim 11 wherein said laminate comprises a 3 layer film, wherein said 3 layer film comprises: a printed layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene from 15 microns to 25 microns thick, preferably from 17 microns to 21 microns thick; an intermediate film of polyethylene terephthalate 9 to 12 microns thick, preferably 10 to 12 microns thick; a sealing film of polyethylene of 90 to 130 microns, preferably 110 microns; and wherein the intermediate film is located between the printed film and the sealing film.

14. A side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said side gusseted flexible pouch has a probability of passing a pouch drop test as described herein of at least 95%, preferably at least 97%, more preferably at least 98%, even more preferably at least 99%; and is

Preferably, the side gusseted flexible pouch further has a drop impact test result of greater than 750 grams, preferably greater than 800 grams, more preferably greater than 825 grams, even more preferably greater than 840 grams, according to the method described herein.

15. A method of making a side gusseted flexible pouch (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 comprising the steps of:

(a) flexographic coating a portion of a flexible film or laminate with a UV curable coating;

(b) UV curing the UV curable coating to form discrete areas of a UV cured coating; and

(c) forming a gusset seal by contacting the UV cured coating portion of the flexible film or laminate with a gusset forming element (110A,110B,111A, 111B);

to form the gusseted flexible pouch (1).