Flexible containers having flexible valves

US9694965B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Donald J. Cox · Enochs, US
• Ken McGuire · Carlsbad, US
• Scott Kendyl Stanley · Parker, US
• Lee Mathew Arent · Lancaster, US
• Andrew Paul Rapach · Lancaster, US
• Jun You · Sharonville, US
• Marc Richard Bourgeois · Kyles, US
• Joseph Craig Lester · Monroe, US
• Kory A. Gunnerson · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 6, 2014
• Grant date: Jul 4, 2017
• Expiry date: Nov 6, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D2205/02
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers having product volumes and structural support volumes are provided with a valve mechanism to facilitate dispensing fluid product from the product support volume. One or more tension-inducing elements may be used to provide the valves with the ability to permit dispensing of fluid product from the product volume upon application of greater than a minimum threshold but less than a maximum threshold of squeeze force to an exterior of the flexible container. The valve may also be re-closable to prevent fluid product from being dispensed subsequent to use. The flexible container may further be provided with a product sensory experience sampling mechanism to provide for consumer interaction with one or more characteristics of the fluid product contained in the product volume without compromising the integrity of the product volume.