Field of the invention The present invention generally relates to the field of pouches for containing fluids. In particular, the invention relates to an improved pouch for fluids, which improves the opening of the pouch and/or the pouring of the fluid.

Background of the invention Several patents, patent applications and publications are cited in this description in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. The entire disclosure of each of these patents, patent applications and publications is incorporated by reference herein.

Pouches for fluid made by sealing two films, or layers, or multilayers, to each other are known in the art. They are generally obtained by overlapping two sheets or films, for instance made of polymeric material, and sealing them to each other with a seal, so as to form a cavity which is filled with the fluid. The seal is usually formed by the simultaneous application of heat and pressure, so as to at least partially melt the two sheets together. By breaking the seal it is possible to pour the fluid when desired. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to figures 1A and 1 B, a front view of a pouch 1000 in accordance with the state of the art is schematically illustrated. The pouch 1000 is made by overlapping films 1100 and 1200 on each other and realizing a seal 1300, by sealing the film 1100 to the film 1200. The seal 1300 defines a cavity 1500 which can be filled with a fluid 1600. In figure 1A, the fluid 1600 is illustrated as not completely filling the cavity 1500. It is however also possible to completely fill the cavity 1500 with fluid 1600.

The pouch 1000 further comprises an opening structure 1400, here illustrated in the form of a precut section of one or both of films 1 100, 1200. In particular, the opening structure could comprise holes in one or more, or all, of the layers of the films 1 100 and/or 1200. The opening structure 1400 facilitates the tearing of the films 1 100 and/or 1200 along the opening structure 1400. A user can thereby tear the films

l 1100, 1200 along the opening structure 1400 thereby reaching opening seal 1300, as illustrated in figure 1 B. At this point, the cavity 1500 is in communication with the external environment and the fluid 1600 can be poured outside of the pouch 1000.

Such a device has, however, several disadvantages. Firstly, when opening the pouch 1000, the user generally has to apply strength to cut through seal 1300. To do so, the user grasps the pouch and thereby presses, to a certain extent, on the cavity 1500. It may therefore happen that fluid 1600 will inadvertently pour out of the opening created by tearing of the seal 1300, as soon as the seal 1300 opens, due to the pressure applied by the user. This creates the risk that the fluid 1600 may stain the hands and/or clothes of the user and/or inadvertently drop out of the intended container.

Moreover, after the tear has moved through seal 1300 it will reach an opening portion 1001. If the pouch 1000 has been previously positioned upside down, or if pressure has been previously applied on the pouch 1000, the opening portion 1001 will contain some amount of fluid 1600. In this case, even by being very careful, it is difficult for the user to prevent fluid 1600 from coming in contact with his or her fingers.

Additionally, cutting through seal 1300 can be difficult. As seal 1300 is designed to be rather strong, in order to withstand accidental pressure applied to the cavity 1500, in some cases the user can become frustrated by repeatedly trying to cut through the seal 1300. Since the seal 1300 must provide such secure sealing on its own, it is not possible to reduce the sealing strength of the seal 1300 such that it opening is facilitated.

Summary of the invention The above-mentioned problems are solved by the teaching of the independent claims.

The present invention generally exploits the advantage of providing two seals having two different sealing strengths, in a manner which solves at least some of the above- mentioned problems. In particular, the stronger seal is arranged around the weaker seal such that accidental opening of the pouch is not possible. Moreover, once the stronger seal is open, leakage of the fluid can still be prevented by the weaker seal, which can be open by the user by applying pressure on the pouch. In this manner, the user has more control over the pouring of the fluid such that accidental pouring, or leakage, can be prevented.

Moreover, this can also provide the advantage that the stronger seal, or parts thereof, can be made smaller or weaker than in the prior art, since the sealing can be provided by the combination of the stronger and the weaker seal, instead of by the stronger seal alone as in the prior art. By allowing a smaller or weaker stronger seal, the invention provides the additional advantage that it may be easier for the user to open the stronger seal. The latter advantage, namely the potential reduction in the required opening force, in turn, may further reduce the force that the user applies to open the pouch, thereby further lowering the risk of fluid spilling or leaking.

In general, the advantageous combination of two seals with two different sealing strength between the cavity and the exterior of the pouch solves the above- mentioned problems associated with the prior art.

The advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, however, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described one or more preferred embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 2 through 11 , disclosed herein is a pouch for fluid comprising: a first film (1100) and a second film (1200) connected to each other by means of a stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and of a weaker seal

(2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 1 1700) so as to form a cavity (1500) for the fluid, wherein the cavity (1500) has a perimeter which comprises at least part of the stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and at least part of the weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700), characterized in that the weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700,

9700, 10700, 11700) is in proximity to the stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).

Preferably, in the pouch of the present invention, the weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700,

5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) and the stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) are configured such that the weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 1 1700) can only open if at least a first portion of the stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) is opened or removed. More preferably, the pouch of the present invention further comprises an opening structure (1400), wherein the opening structure (1400) is configured so as to facilitate opening of the first film (1100) and/or of the second film (1200) at least along a first length, wherein the first length crosses at least a first portion of the stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300). Optionally, the opening structure (1400) comprises weakening points, perforations, and/or holes made in the first film (1 100) and/or in the second film (1200). Preferably, the opening structure (1400) is configured to facilitate cutting of the first film (1100) and/or of the second film (1200) so as to leave at least part of the weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 1 1700) exposed to the ambient. The weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) of the pouch of the present invention has a length (2701) equal to or less than 50mm, preferably equal to or less than 30mm, even more preferably equal to or less than 10mm and/or a width (2702) equal to or less than 5mm, preferably equal to or less than 3mm, even more preferably equal to or less than 1 mm. In the pouch according to the present invention, the first film (1 100) and/or the second film (1200) may comprise any suitable material to contain the filling 1600. Preferably, however, the first film (1100) and/or the second film (1200) comprise a blend of ionomer and polypropylene.

Preferably, the stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) of the pouch of the present invention has a sealing strength above 15N/15mm, more preferably above 40N/15mm. Also preferably, the weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700) of the pouch of the present invention has a sealing strength of 1-8N/15 mm, more preferably 2-3N/15mm.

Also disclosed herein is a manufacturing method for a pouch for fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing a first film (1100) and a second film (1200),

- connecting the first film (1 100) and the second film (1200) to each other so as to form a cavity (1500) for the fluid by realizing a stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300) and a weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 11700), characterized in that he weaker seal (2700, 3700, 4700, 5701-5703, 7700, 9700, 10700, 1 1700) is made in proximity of the stronger seal (1300, 5301-5303, 6300, 7300, 8300, 9300).

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1A and 1 B schematically illustrate a front view and an enlarged view of a pouch 1000 in accordance with the state of the art; figures 2A, 2C and 2E schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch 2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figures 2B, 2D and 2F schematically illustrate an enlarged view of figures 2A, 2C and 2E respectively; figures 2G and 2H schematically illustrate a top view of a cross section of pouch 2000 of figures 2B and 2F respectively; figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a front view and an enlarged view of a pouch 3000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; figures 4A, 4C and 4E schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch 4000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figures 4B, 4D and 4F schematically illustrate an enlarged view of figures 4A, 4C and 4E respectively; figures 5A to 5C schematically illustrate enlarged views of pouches 5001-5003 in accordance with embodiments of the invention; figure 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 6000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; figure 7 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 7000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; figure 8 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 8000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; figure 9 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 9000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; figure 10 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 10000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and figure 1 1 schematically illustrates a front view of a pouch 11000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention In the following, several embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. It will be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to any specific embodiment but is rather defined by the claims and the embodiments are provided for a better understanding thereof. Moreover, although each embodiment may be described as comprising several features, it will be understood that not all of the features described for each embodiment are essential for the implementation of the specific embodiment, or for the implementation of the present invention. Additionally, it will be understood that features from different embodiments can be combined in order to realize alternative embodiments, within the scope of the claims.

First embodiment Figures 2A, 2C and 2E schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch 2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figures 2B, 2D and 2F schematically illustrate an enlarged portion of Figures 2A, 2C and 2E respectively.

As can be seen in figure 2A, the pouch 2000 comprises a first film 1 100 and a second film 1200 connected to each other by two seals 1300 and 2700. In particular, the first film 1 100 and the second film 1200 overlap each other so that, when seals 1300 and 2700 are made, a cavity 1500 can be formed between them.

For purposes of the present invention, the first and second polymeric films employed to make the sidewalls of the pouch, in principle, can be either a single layer or multilayer polymeric film. The film involved in the construction of the sidewalls do not necessarily have to be the same structure (e.g., one layer can be clear and the other can be opaque). Also, in principle, any such film grade polymeric resin or material as generally known in the art of packaging can be employed. Preferably, a multilayer polymeric film structure is employed. Typically the multilayer polymeric film will involve at least three categorical layers, including but not limited to, an outermost structural or abuse layer, an inner barrier layer, and an innermost layer and optionally one or more adhesive or tie layers there between. Also, the innermost layer making contact with and compatible with the intended contents of the pouch is preferably capable of forming both the lock up perimeter seals (i.e., the stronger seal of the invention with seal strengths typically greater than 20 N/15mm) and the weaker seal(s). Most preferably the innermost layer is also heat-sealable.

The outermost structural or abuse layer is typically oriented polyester or oriented polypropylene, but can also include oriented nylon or paper. This layer preferably is reverse printable and advantageously unaffected by the sealing temperatures used to make the pouch, since the pouch is sealed through the entire thickness of the multilayer structure. The thickness of this layer is typically selected to control the stiffness of the pouch, and may range from about 10 to about 60 [mu]m, preferably about 50 [mu]m.

The inner layer can include one or more barrier layers, depending on which atmospheric conditions (oxygen, humidity, light, and the like) can potentially affect the product inside the pouch. Barrier layers can be metallized oriented polypropylene (PP) or oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), aluminum foil, nylon or biaxial oriented nylon, blends or composites of the same as well as related copolymers thereof. Barrier layer thickness will depend on the sensitivity of the product and the desired shelf life.

The innermost layer of the package is the sealant. The sealant is selected to have minimum effect on taste or color of the contents, to be unaffected by the product, and to withstand sealing conditions (such as liquid droplets, grease, dust, or the like). The sealant is typically a resin, which can be bonded to itself (sealed) at temperatures substantially below the melting temperature of the outermost layer so that the outermost layer's appearance will not be affected by the sealing process and will not stick to the jaws of the sealing bar. Typical sealants used in multilayer pouches include ethylene copolymers, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), copolymers of ethylene with vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate, or copolymers of ethylene and acrylic acid (EAA) or methacrylic acid (EMAA), optionally ionomerized (i.e., partially neutralized to form carboxylate salts with metal ions such as Na, Zn, Mg, or Li cations). Typical sealants can also include polypropylene copolymers. Sealant layers are typically 10 to 100 μηι thick. For the current invention, the sealant must be able to form a side compartment which will rupture and burst by squeezing, i.e. the weaker seal.

Preferably, the weaker seal is formed by heat-sealing two superimposed multilayer polymeric film each having the innermost sealant layer made from a resin, which undergoes interfacial peel sealing having different seal strengths when the heat seals are formed at different temperatures. Such resins include blends of one or more polyolefins such as: polyethylene including metallocene polyethylene with polybutylene or polypropylene including homopolymer or copolymers thereof (collectively: PE/PB blends; PE/PP blends); polypropylene with polybutylene (PP/PB blends); polypropylene with ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer (PP/EMAA blends); or polypropylene with styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block terpolymer (PP/SEBS blends). Alternatively the weaker seal can be produced by zone coating the innermost layer in the region of the seal with a sealant. Alternatively the weaker seal can be formed by heat sealing two dissimilar sealing surfaces such as an ionomer and ethylene copolymer. Particularly preferred are blends of an ionomer based on partial neutralization of an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer or ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer with a polypropylene [alpha]-olefin copolymer (EAA or EMAA ionomer blended with a PP/PB copolymer) as the innermost sealant layer, because the other blends are less reliable and the zone coating is more expensive. Such ionomer with polypropylene copolymer blends exhibiting predictable peel strength over an extended heat seal temperature range are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,550, 141 4,539,263, 4,469,754 and European Patent EP 1 751 231.

In order to manufacture a weaker seal containing at least one force concentrating means for selectively exceeding the seal strength of the weaker seal, various alternative methodologies are contemplated. Preferably shape and/or curvature of the weaker seal is to be employed to advantageously concentrate the forces created when the pouch is manually compressed or squeezed. However, when zone coating of the heat seal resin is employed, the intentional reduction of the width of the zone coating or the like along the weaker seal can also be advantageously employed as a means to concentrate force for the purpose of exceeding seal strength selectively (with or without curvature). Also, the geometry and/or variable width of the (heated) heat seal bar employed to heat seal the weaker seal can be employed to produce a force concentrating means useful in the present invention. In principle and in fact, time-temperature sealing methods can also be employed to make a weaker seal containing a force concentrating means for selectively exceeding the seal strength of the weaker seal. For example but not by way of limitation, repetitive and/or multiple strikes of different heat seal bars can produce a weaker seal with variable seal strength that then serves as an equivalent structure to the claimed force concentrating means for selectively exceeding seal strength of said weaker seal. For purposes of measuring the above mentioned seal strength, 100 mm by 15 mm samples of the polymeric film are to be cut with the long side of the samples in the machine direction of the film. Enough film samples are cut to provide one set of three specimens for each heat seal condition. The films then are folded so that the sealant layer of each side contacts the other. The film is then heat sealed between the jaws of the heat sealer at the appropriate temperature, time and pressure. The heat- sealed samples are then conditioned for at least 24 hours at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity before testing. The folded over portion of the sealed film is cut in half, forming suitable flaps to be placed in the Instron jaw clamps. Fifteen mm wide specimens are then cut in the machine direction of the film to provide at least three 15 mm wide test specimens at each set of sealing conditions.

The seal strength is measured by pulling the seals apart at an angle of 180° in the machine direction of the film using the Instron tensile testing machine at 100 mm/minute jaw separation speed. In other instances, a pull rate of 300 mm//minute on the Instron may also be employed. The maximum force required to cause the seal to fail is then recorded, and the average of at least three specimens is reported in N/15mm. Seal strength is measured at room temperature.

Other particularly preferred blends of polymers for use as the weaker seal forming innermost layer include a combination of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer or acid modified EVA copolymer and an ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer or acid-modified EMA as the major component and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, a polybutylene homopolymer or copolymer, a partially neutralized ethylene acid ionomer or mixture of the ionomer with metallocene polyethylene as the minor component. Such polymeric systems and blends are available commercially as sealants from E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company under the trademarks Appeel(R), Bynel(R), Elvax(R), Nucrel(R) and Surlyn(R). Again, various additives are frequently employed including, by way of example but not limited thereto, slip, antiblock, and/or chill roll release agents and the like. Using these acid-modified EVA and EMA based blends in combination with various other polymeric film layers, the heat seal strength can selectively range from 5 N/15mm up to 50 N/15mm with a lock-up heat seal strength in excess of 15-20N/15mm.

During the manufacture of the polymeric film sheet to be used in making the pouch, co-extrudable adhesives are optionally used between functional layers to adhere the layers to each other and to provide structural integrity. These include but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers of ethylene or propylene modified with or grafted with unsaturated carboxylic acid groups such a maleic anhydride or maleic acid and the like. Also, to provide additional thickness (if desired by the consumer for a particular application), bulk layers of polyolefin or chopped remnants of the multilayer film trimmed during pouch fabrication can be incorporated within the multilayer structure. It is contemplated that the sheet of polymeric film (i.e., the so-called "web stock") may be produced using any combinations of the processes generally known in the art, such as monolayer or multilayer casting, blowing film, extrusion lamination, and adhesive lamination and combinations thereof. Processing aids as generally known in the art, including by way of example but not limited thereto, slip agents (such as amide waxes), antiblocking agents (such as silica), and antioxidants (such as hindered phenols), may be incorporated in the web stock if required to facilitate either manufacture of the film or pouch formation. Pouches are formed from web stock by either cutting and heat sealing separate pieces of web stock or by a combination of folding and heat sealing with cutting. Pouch making equipment such as that made by Totani Corporation, Kyoto, Japan or Klockner Barlelt Co., Gordonsville, Va., can be advantageously used in practicing this invention. The frangible compartment can be installed either during or after pouch formation. It should be further appreciated that the heat sealed perimeter of the pouch according to the instant invention can be achieved by superimposing the first and second sheets of polymeric film and then heat sealing each directly to the other or heat sealing them indirectly through the use of an intervening third polymeric film, again as generally known and practiced in the art.

Preferably, the sealant film is made of a polymer system that can show seal strength above 15N/15mm at seal temperatures above 150 °C and seal strength values of 3-10N/15mm in the seal temperature range of 100-140 °C Reverting back to figures 2A-2F, the first and second films 1100, 1200 are connected to each other by means of a stronger seal 1300 and of a weaker seal 2700 so as to form cavity 1500 for the fluid 1600. The stronger seal 1300 differs from the weaker seal 2700 at least in its sealing strength. In particular, the stronger seal 1300 has a first sealing strength and the weaker seal 2700 has a second sealing strength, lower than the first sealing strength. Even more specifically, the stronger seal 1300 is such that the films 1100, 1200 cannot be separated once the seal is formed. Less preferably, the films 1 100, 1200 can be separated once the seal is formed by an internal rupture, for example a delamination between an outer layer and a barrier layer of that is internal to one or both of films 1100, 1200. On the other hand, the weaker seal 2700 can be delaminated by applying pressure. That is, the two films 1100, 1200 can be separated from each other in the region of the weaker seal 2700 by applying pressure to the cavity 1500 and/or by pulling the two films 1100, 1200 away from each other.

Typically, the weaker seal 2700 has a sealing strength of 1 to 8 N/15mm, preferably 2 to 3 N/15mm, and the stronger seal 1300 has a sealing strength above 15N/15mm, and preferably below 40N/15mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the weaker seal 2700 has a length 2701 equal to or less than 50mm, preferably equal to or less than 30mm, even more preferably equal to or less than 10mm. In this embodiment, the weaker seal 2700 also has a width 2702 equal to or less than 5mm, preferably equal to or less than 3mm, even more preferably equal to or less than 1 mm. The stronger seal 1300 preferably has a width of approximately 5mm and a variable length.

Typically the weaker seal 2700 can be made by applying a heat of approximately 100-130°C to the seal for 1 sec at 3bar. Typically the stronger seal 1300 can be made by applying a temperature of preferably more than 150°C and/or preferably less than 200°C for 1 sec at 3bar, when a variable-temperature, variable seal-strength sealant is selected.

As can be seen in figure 2A and better understood with reference to the enlarged view in figure 2B, the cavity 1500 has a perimeter which is defined by, or comprises, at least part of the stronger seal 1300 and at least part of the weaker seal 2700. In this specific embodiment, the perimeter of the cavity 1500 is defined by the entire length of the weaker seal 2700, namely between points A and B, and by part of the stronger seal 1300, namely by the part comprised between points A and B, where points A and B are the contact points between the two seals. Here and in the following, when reference is made to a distance along a perimeter between a first and second point, the distance is measured starting at the first point and moving clockwise along the perimeter to the second point.

Moreover, as can be better seen in figure 2B, the weaker seal 2700 is in proximity of the stronger seal 1300. Even more specifically, in this specific embodiment, the weaker seal 2700 is in contact with the stronger seal 1300 on three of its sides. Even more specifically, the weaker seal 2700 is in contact with the stronger seal 1300 on all of its sides not facing the cavity 1500. Said otherwise, the portion of the perimeter of the weaker seal 2700 between points A and B defines the perimeter of the cavity

1500 and is not in contact with the stronger seal 1300, while the portion of the perimeter of the weaker seal 2700 between points B and A does not face the cavity 1500 and is in contact with the stronger seal 1300. In this manner, the opening of the pouch through opening structure 1400 goes through both the stronger seal 1300 and the weaker seal 2700.

It will be nevertheless understood that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and that alternative configurations of the stronger and weaker seal can be implemented as will be described in the following. More generally, any configuration of the stronger seal 1300 and weaker seal 2700 which allows the cavity 1500 to be defined and which prevents fluid 1600 from escaping from the cavity 1500 as long as both the stronger seal 1300 and weaker seal 2700 are open can be implemented. For example, embodiments are described in which some parts or the entire perimeter of weaker seal 2700 between points B and A is not in contact with the stronger seal 1300.

As can be seen in figures 2C and 2D, when the pouch 2000 is opened by tearing the first film 1100 and the second film 1200 along the opening structure 1400, the content of the cavity 1500 is advantageously not immediately exposed to the exterior of the pouch 2000 owing to the presence of the weaker seal 2700. To the contrary, at least a portion of the weaker seal 2700, as visible in figure 2D, prevents the fluid 1600 from escaping from the cavity 1500. In this manner, fluid 1600 can be prevented from leaking on the fingers of the user and/or from inadvertently being poured outside of the pouch 2000 during the opening of the pouch 2000 or, more generally, from reaching the outside of the pouch 2000 at a time when the user does not wish the fluid to escape the cavity 1500.

As visible in figures 2E and 2F, once the user applies a moderate pressure on the cavity 1500 the weaker seal 2700 opens, under the effect of the pressure applied by the fluid 1600, and allows the fluid 1600 to escape the cavity 1500. Alternatively, this can be achieved by pulling the films 1 100, 1200 apart from each other. In this manner, the user can advantageously control the moment at which the fluid 1600 will be poured outside of the pouch 2000 and thereby avoid accidental pouring of the fluid 1600.

It will be understood that, in the figures, the part of weaker seal 2700 illustrated as not being present represents a part of the weaker seal 2700 which has been delaminated and opened. The illustration is not meant to indicate that any material is removed from the films 1100, 1200 or from the weaker seal 2700. This configuration is further clarified in figures 2G and 2F, which represent a top view of a cross section of the pouch 2000 of figures 2B and 2F respectively. In particular, the cross section is taken substantially at the Y position of the opening structure 1400. As can be seen in figure 2G, the seals 1300 and 2700 are both closed and thereby keep films 1100, 1200 sealed together. On the contrary, as visible in figure 2F, the weaker seal 2700 is still present but is delaminated, thereby allowing fluid 1600 to pass through. This delaminated portion is illustrated in figures 2E and 2F by removing the corresponding portion of weaker seal 2700.

Referring now to figure 2B, in some embodiments, at least the portion 1301 of the stronger seal 1300 can be made smaller and/or weaker than in the prior art. In particular, due to the presence of the weaker seal 2700, at least the end of the portion 1301 through which the opening structure 1400 directs the tear can be made smaller and/or weaker. Since portion 1301 is cooperating with the weaker seal 2700 in preventing the fluid 1600 from escaping the cavity 1500, it may not be necessary to realize a seal 1300 as strong as in the prior art. This provides the further additional advantage that the opening of portion 1301 is facilitated when compared to the prior art. Therefore, the user has to exert less strength when opening the pouch 2000 and the general opening process is rendered simpler and more accessible to a larger audience of users, such as children or elderly people.

Second embodiment (general concept: the weaker seal and the stronger seal do not need to be in contact each other on the entire perimeter of the weaker seal from point A to B for the invention to work) Figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a front view of a pouch 3000 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention which further clarifies how the two seals can be, in some embodiments, considered to be in proximity to each other without the entire perimeter from B to A of the weaker seal 2700 being in contact with the stronger seal 1300, as is the case in the previous embodiment. In particular, pouch 3000 differs from pouch 2000 due to the weaker seal 3700 not being in contact with stronger seal 1300 at least in the part of its perimeter comprised between points C and D.

Also in this case, the perimeter of the cavity 1500 is defined by a part of the stronger seal 1300 and by the weaker seal 3700, as in pouch 2000. Namely, the cavity is defined by the perimeter of the weaker seal 3700 between A and B, together with the perimeter of the stronger seal 1300 between A and B. Also in the present embodiment, the weaker seal 3700 can be considered to be in proximity of the stronger seal 1300. More generally, the two seals 1300, 3700 can be considered to be in proximity as long as the weaker seal 3700 is not too far away from the stronger seal 1300, as it would be the case, for instance, if the weaker seal were placed in the middle of the cavity.

Even more specifically, the weaker seal 3700 has a perimeter P. Some points of the perimeter P face the cavity 1500 and thereby define the perimeter of the cavity. In the illustrated examples, those points are comprised between A and B. Additionally, some points of the perimeter P are in contact with the stronger seal 1300, such as points between D and A and between B and C. Each of the remaining points, namely those points of the perimeter P not facing the cavity 1500 and not in contact with the stronger seal 1300, is within a predetermined distance from the stronger seal 1300. In the illustrated embodiment those points are the ones comprised between C and D. For instance, point P1 of those latter points is illustrated as an example. A circumference centered in P1 and having a predetermined distance or radius D1 is illustrated so as to define an equidistance region centered in point PL As can be seen, at least one part of the stronger seal 1300 is within the circumference. That is, the point P1 is within the predetermined distance D1 from the stronger seal 1300. When this condition is satisfied for all points of the perimeter P not facing the cavity 1500, such as points between B and A, the two seals 1300 and 3700 can be considered to be in proximity within the meaning of the invention. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance D1 is less than 5cm, preferably less than 2cm, even more preferably less than 1cm. In this approach, the two seals can be in proximity to each other, without requiring the seal 1300 to be in contact with all points of the seal 3700 not facing the cavity 1500.

This configuration can advantageously simplify the manufacturing of the weaker seal 3700. In particular, since the weaker seal 3700 is not in contact with the stronger seal 1300 on its longest side, the risk of the heat and pressure used for realizing the stronger seal 1300 to interfere with the weaker seal 3700 is reduced. That is, when the two seals are in contact with each other, the heat and pressure applied for realizing stronger seal 1300 can also have an effect on the neighboring region of weaker seal 3700. This can be less critical in the parts of weaker seal between points B and C and between points D and A, as those parts do not necessarily need to open for the fluid to get out of the pouch 300. On the other hand, the portion between points C and D could be problematic if the manufacturing of the stronger seal 1300 also resulted in a stronger than expected weaker seal 3700 in this region. By leaving a small distance between those two seals, this problem is advantageously solved and the manufacturing of the pouch 3000 is simplified. Third embodiment (general concept: the weaker seal and the stronger seal may not be in contact at all but separated by a very small - but still measurable - distance, either wanted or due to manufacturing tolerances)

Figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a front view and an enlarged view of a pouch 4000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention which further clarifies how the two seals 1300, 4700 can be considered to be in proximity to each other even though a small space is present between them.

Pouch 4000 differs from pouch 2000 in that weaker seal 4700 is not in contact with stronger seal 1300. Instead, a distance up to D2, exaggerated in the drawings for ease of representation, is present between the two seals 1300, 4700. Distance D2 may be due, for instance, to manufacturing tolerances and can be up to 3mm, preferably up to 1 mm, even more preferably up to 0.5mm. It will be understood that the distance between the two seals 1300, 4700 can vary from 0 up to D2 so that, at least at some points, the two seals 1300, 4700 may actually be in contact with each other.

In this and other embodiments, even if the two seals are separated by distance D2, they can be considered to be in proximity with each other, as long as the weaker seal 4700 and the stronger seal 1300 are configured such that the weaker seal 4700 can only open if at least a first portion of the stronger seal 1300 is opened or removed. In the specific embodiment illustrated, this is achieved by providing the stronger seal 1300 on all sides of the weaker seal 4700 not facing the cavity 1500 and will be better understood with reference to figures 4C through 4F.

It will be noted that the portions of the films 1100 and 1200 within distance D2 can be considered as sealed, for practical purposes. In particular, stronger seal 1300 prevents the films 1100, 1200 from separating from each other in the region of seal 1300, independently on the applied pressure. This effect also contributes to keeping the two films 1 100, 1200 close to each other in the region of distance D2, due to the immediate proximity to stronger seal 1300 as well as the immediate proximity to weaker seal 4700. Thereby it can be considered that the perimeter of the cavity is still defined by a part of stronger seal 1300 and by weaker seal 4700, as those two seals also effectively seal the films 1 100 and 1200 in the region of distance D2, due to their immediate proximity thereto.

As can be seen in figures 4C and 4D, when pressure is applied on the pouch 4000, either intentionally or accidentally, the weaker seal 4700 may start opening. In particular, the opening starts approximately in the center of the weaker seal 4700, since this is the position furthest away from stronger seal 1300. More specifically, in the regions of weaker seal 4700 closer to stronger seal 1300, the films 1 100 and 1200 are more difficult to separate, compared to regions closer to the center of weaker seal 4700, as the effect of stronger seal 1300 against the separation of films 1100 and 1200 is reduced when the distance from the stronger seal 1300 is increased.

Due to the presence of the stronger seal 1300 on all sides of the weaker seal 4700, other than the side facing the cavity 1500, it is possible to prevent the weaker seal 4700 from completely opening, even when pressure is applied to the cavity 1500. Moreover, even in the presence of distance D2 between the two seals 1300, 4700, the films 1100 and 1200 are prevented from separating due to the combined action of the stronger and weaker seals 1300, 4700.

As can be seen in figures 4E and 4F, only when the stronger seal 1300 is open, or removed, can the weaker seal 4700 be opened completely. Namely, in the illustrated embodiment, by removing at least some of the top part of stronger seal 1300, the weaker seal 4700 is not anymore prevented from opening and the pressure exerted by the fluid 1600 can open the weaker seal 4700.

It will be understood that the shape of the stronger seal 1300 and of the weaker seal 4700 illustrated in figures 4A through 4F are not the only ones that achieve the above-described effect. Any shape of the two seals 1300, 4700 which prevents the weaker seal 4700 from opening as long as the stronger seal 1300 is intact can be implemented. For instance, figures 5A through 5C illustrate several alternative embodiments for possible shapes of the stronger seal 5301 , 5302 and 5303 and the weaker seal 5701 , 5702 and 5703 of pouches 5001 , 5002, 5003. In all cases, the weaker seal 5701 , 5702 and 5703 is in proximity of the stronger seal 5301 , 5302 and 5303, such that the weaker seal 5701 , 5702 and 5703 can only open if at least a first portion of the stronger seal 5301 , 5302 and 5303 is opened or removed. It will however be understood that those seal shapes can generally be used in any embodiment of the invention, for instance in combination with the embodiments illustrated in figures 2A and 3A.

In some embodiments of the invention, the opening structure 1400 is configured so as to facilitate cutting of the first film 1100 and/or of the second film 1200 along a first length crossing at least the stronger seal 1300. The first length can be determined, for instance, by prolonging the length of the opening structure. For instance, with reference to figure 2B, the opening structure 1400 will direct the tear through the portion 1301 of seal 1300, resulting in the tear illustrated in figure 2D.

In some embodiments, the first length can also cross at least part of the weaker seal, such as illustrated in figure 2D with respect to weaker seal 2700. One advantage of this approach, as described above, is that the portion 1301 of stronger seal 1300 can be made smaller, since it is cooperating with the neighboring weaker seal 2700 in keeping the films 1100 and 1200 together. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and, for instance with reference to figure 3B, the prolongation of the direction of opening structure 1400 can pass outside of the weaker seal 3700, for instance above it. In this case, the tear will also likely go through the films 1 100 and 1200 above weaker seal 3700, thereby avoiding cutting through weaker seal 3700. One advantage of this approach is that it avoids the effort required for tearing the weaker seal 3700.

In some embodiments, the opening structure 1400 comprises weakening points, perforations and/or holes, made in the first film 1100 and/or in the second film 1200.

In some embodiments, the holes can be made through the entire films 1100 and/or 1200. This is particularly the case for the stronger seal 1300, as this facilitates the cutting thereof. For what concerns the weaker seal, the holes can be either made through the entire films 1 100 and/or 1200, or only through some of their thickness or some of their layer(s). In the latter case, the holes can be made at least through the oriented outer layers.

In some embodiments, the opening structure 1400 is configured to facilitate cutting of the first film 1 100 and/or of the second film 1200 so as to leave at least part of the weaker seal exposed to the ambient. For instance, with reference to figure 2D it can be seen how the seal 2700 remains at least partially exposed to the exterior, or the environment, once the opening structure 1400 has been operated. In this manner, once the weaker seal 2700 is subsequently opened be applying pressure on the cavity 1500, it can be possible to precisely control the pouring of the fluid 1600 from the cavity 1500, since the weaker seal 2700 is in direct contact with the environment and its position is readily visible for the user.

Although in the embodiments described above, the pouch 2000 3000 4000 is generally illustrated as a rectangle, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and the pouch can have non-rectangular shapes, such as for example the shape illustrated in figure 6 by pouch 6000. Moreover, although in the embodiments above the stronger seal 1300 is generally illustrated as completely surrounding the cavity and the weaker seal, the present invention is not limited thereto. In come embodiments, as illustrated for instance in figure 6 by pouch 7000, the opening structure 7140 may be made in form of a cap. In this embodiment, the opening structure 7140 can be seen as part of the stronger seal 7300 in that the cooperation of the structure 7140 with the stronger seal 7300 and the weaker seal 7700 ensures that no fluid can escape from cavity 1500. Once the opening structure, or cap, 7140, is open, the weaker seal 7700 can operate as in the previously described embodiments. The advantage of this approach is that it combines the previously described advantage of being able to precisely control the moment at which fluid is poured from the pouch 7000, together with the ability of closing the pouch 7000 for a later use, if needed.

Additionally, although in the embodiments described above the weaker seal has been illustrated as being placed roughly in the middle of the pouch and having a lateral X dimension smaller than the lateral X dimension of the pouch, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, as illustrated in figure 8, the weaker seal 2700 could also be placed closer to one of the sides of the pouch 8000 than to the middle thereof. In another example, as illustrated in figure 9, the weaker seal 9700 may have a lateral size comparable to that of the pouch 9000. Although this results in more difficulty in determining the precise location at which the fluid will pour out of the pouch, it facilitates the opening of the pouch 9000. There may be cases, for instance when the fluid 1600 is a detergent for a washing machine, where it is desired that the fluid 1600 exits the pouch with a small pressure, such as that applied by the clothes during the operation of the washing machine, and the specific opening point of the weaker seal 9700 is not relevant.

Alternatively, or in addition, as illustrated in figure 10, the weaker seal 10700 could comprise at least one wider portion 10702 and at least one narrower portion 10701 such that, when delaminating the weaker seal 10700, the opening will start from the narrower portion 10701.

It will be further understood that a similar effect can be obtained by providing a weaker sealing strength in a portion 10701 of the weaker seal 10700 and a stronger sealing strength in another portion 10702 of the weaker seal 10700. In this case, the portion 10701 with the weaker sealing strength would also open before the portion 10702 with the stronger sealing strength, thereby facilitating the pouring of the fluid. While certain of the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described or specifically exemplified above, it is not intended that the invention be limited to such embodiments. Rather, it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts, within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

List of reference numerals

1000: pouch 5702: weaker seal 1001 : opening portion 25 5003: pouch

1100: film 5303: stronger seal 1200: film 5703: weaker seal

1300: stronger seal 6000: pouch

1301 : portion of seal 6300: stronger seal 1400: opening structure 30 7000 pouch

1500: cavity 7130: stronger seal 1600: fluid 7140: opening structure 2000: pouch 7700: weaker seal 2700: weaker seal 8000: pouch

2701 : length 35 8300: stronger seal 2702: width 9000: pouch

3000: pouch 9300: stronger seal 3700: weaker seal 9700: weaker seal 4000: pouch 10000: pouch

4700: weaker seal 40 10700: weaker seal 5001 : pouch 10701 : narrower portion 5301 : stronger seal 10702: wider portion 5701 : weaker seal 11700: weaker seal 5002: pouch 11701 : weaker portion 5302: stronger seal 45 11702: stronger portion