Vented pouch arrangement and method

Abstract

A vented pouch arrangement is described which comprises: first and second opposed panel sections; a base gusset member; and, a gas filter arrangement oriented in one of the panel sections. The gusset member is preferably oriented between the panel sections; along ends thereof, to form a base by which the arrangement can be stood up during use. Preferably, the arrangement is provided with a rib and trough closure arrangement extending thereacross. In this manner, opening and reclosing the bag construction, for access to material therein, is facilitated. A method for formation of such a pouch arrangement, and methods of use, are also described.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A pouch arrangement comprising: 
 (a) first and second, opposed, panel sections; 
 (i) each of said panel sections having a first end edge, a second end edge and opposite side edge portions extending between said first and second ends;  
 (ii) said panel sections being sealingly secured to one another along at least a portion of said panel section side edge portions, to form a pouch construction having an interior and side seals;  
   (b) a base gusset member; 
 (i) said base gusset member being oriented in extension between said first and second panel sections, along said second end edges thereof, to close an end of said pouch construction interior;  
 (ii) said base gusset member being constructed and arranged to support said pouch arrangement in a standing orientation, upon said base gusset member, at least when said pouch arrangement is partially filled with material;  
   (c) a gas filter arrangement oriented in one of said panel sections; said gas filter arrangement being constructed and arranged for gas flow outwardly therethrough, in response to a greater than ambient gas pressure within said pouch arrangement when closed.    
     
     
         2 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 1  including: 
 (a) closure means extending across said panel arrangement; said closure means including means for selective opening and closing of said pouch construction interior;  
 (b) said gas filter arrangement being oriented for communication with said pouch construction interior when same is closed by said closure means.  
 
     
     
         3 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 2  wherein: 
 (a) said closure means comprises a rib and trough closure arrangement extending between said opposite side edge portions of said panel sections.  
 
     
     
         4 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein: 
 (a) said gas filter arrangement comprises a pore in said first panel section having a porous member mounted thereover.  
 
     
     
         5 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 4  including: 
 (a) closure means comprising a rib and trough closure arrangement extending between said opposite side edge portions of said panel sections.  
 
     
     
         6 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 5  wherein: 
 (a) said gas filter arrangement pore is positioned a first distance from said rib and trough closure arrangement and toward said panel section second end edges; said first distance being about 2.0% to about 30% of a distance between said rib and trough closure arrangement and said panel section second end edges.  
 
     
     
         7 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 6  wherein said first distance is about 4.0% to about 17.0% of a distance between said rib and trough closure arrangement and said panel section second end edges.  
     
     
         8 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 4  wherein said pore has a diameter of no greater than 2.0 mm.  
     
     
         9 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 1  including: 
 (a) closure means comprising a rib and trough closure arrangement extending between said opposite side edge portions of said panel sections; 
 (i) said rib and trough closure arrangement being spaced a distance of at least 0.75 cm from said panel section first end edges;  
 
 (b) said gas filter arrangement being oriented for communication with said pouch construction interior when same is closed by said closure means.  
 
     
     
         10 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 9  wherein: 
 (a) said first and second panel sections are sealed to one another along said panel section first end edges.  
 
     
     
         11 . A pouch arrangement according to  claim 9  including: 
 (a) first and second tear notches respectively oriented along opposite side edge portions of said opposed panel sections and positioned to facilitate selected tear of a tab portion of said panel arrangement, from a remainder thereof, along a tear line: oriented between said rib and trough closure arrangement and said panel section first end edges; and, extending generally parallel to said rib and trough closure arrangement.  
 
     
     
         12 . A method of preparing a pouch arrangement; said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a continuous full web of panel section material;    (b) splitting said full web into first and second continuous half webs of panel section material;    (c) punching a pore into said first half web;    (d) forming a pouch arrangement from said first and second half webs; said pouch arrangement having opposed front and back panels; said front panel being formed from said first half web and said back panel being formed from said second half web; said front panel having said pore therein; and,    (e) applying a filter arrangement over said pore.    
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12  including a step of: 
 (a) orienting a base gusset between said front and back panels.  
 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13  including a step of: 
 (a) orienting a rib and trough closure arrangement between said front and back panels.  
 
     
     
         15 . A method of preparing a pouch arrangement; said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing first and second webs of flexible panel section material;    (b) punching a pore into said first web;    (c) forming a pouch arrangement from said first and second webs; said pouch arrangement having opposed front and back panels; said front panel being formed from said first web and said back panel being formed from said second web; said front panel having said pore therein; and,    (d) applying a filter arrangement over said pore.    
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  including steps of: 
 (a) providing a plurality of pores in said first web; and,  
 (b) forming a plurality of pouch arrangements each having a pore therein.  
 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16  including a step of: 
 (a) providing said first and second webs from a single web of material.  
 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 15  including a step of: 
 (a) orienting a base gusset between said front and back panels.  
 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18  including a step of: 
 (a) orienting a rib and trough closure arrangement between said front and back panels.