Flexible packaging

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package are provided in which an evacuation device ( 26 ) and a fitment ( 20 ) are attached to a sheet of flexible material ( 16 ). The sheet of flexible material ( 16 ) is formed into a package that is filled and sealed.

1 . A method of forming and filling a flexible package, the package to be filled with a liquid product, comprising:
 partially forming the package from a sheet of flexible material;   attaching an evacuation device to the sheet of flexible material, the evacuation device adapted to facilitate flow of at least some of the liquid product by effectively preventing the sheet of flexible material from closing off flow during evacuation of the package, the evacuation device comprising a first evacuation device end and a terminal end, with a length between the first evacuation device end and the terminal end, wherein the evacuation device comprises a channel directly open to the liquid product at intermediate locations substantially the entire length between the first evacuation device end and the terminal end, such that liquid product may enter the channel at the intermediate locations;   filling the partially formed package with the liquid product after attaching the evacuation device; and   after filling, sealing the package by making a top seal.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the evacuation device is attached before the package is partially formed. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the evacuation device is attached after the package is partially formed. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible package is formed and filled on a horizontal form, fill, and seal machine. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible package is formed and filled on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising attaching a fitment to the sheet of flexible material, the fitment comprising a passageway through which a liquid product flows during evacuation of the package, the fitment adapted to be coupled to a pump for evacuation of the package, and wherein filling the partially formed package comprises filling other than through the fitment. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , and further comprising coupling the evacuation device and the fitment before attaching the fitment to the sheet of flexible material. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , and further comprising attaching the evacuation device to the fitment. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the evacuation device is a dip strip. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible package comprises two sheets of flexible material, and the top seal is made by sealing the two sheets together. 
   
   
       11 . A method of forming and filling a flexible package, comprising:
 attaching a fitment to a sheet of flexible material, the fitment comprising a passageway through which a liquid product flows during evacuation of the package, the fitment adapted to be coupled to a pump for evacuation of the package;   attaching an evacuation device to the sheet of flexible material proximate the passageway, the evacuation device adapted to facilitate flow of at least some of the liquid product to the passageway by effectively preventing the sheet of flexible material from closing off flow to the passageway during evacuation of the package, the evacuation device comprising a first evacuation device end and a terminal end, with a length between the first evacuation device end and the terminal end, wherein the evacuation device comprises a channel directly open to the liquid product at intermediate locations substantially the entire length between the first evacuation device end and the terminal end, such that liquid product may enter the channel at the intermediate locations;   partially forming the package from the sheet of flexible material;   filling the partially formed package with the liquid product after attaching the fitment; and   after filling and after attaching the evacuation device, sealing the package by making a top seal.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the evacuation device is attached before the package is partially formed. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the evacuation device is attached after the package is partially formed. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the flexible package is formed and filled on a horizontal form, fill, and seal machine. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the flexible package is formed and filled on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , and further comprising coupling the evacuation device and the fitment before attaching the fitment to the flexible sheet of material. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the fitment is attached to an inside surface of the flexible package, and is located within the flexible package. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the fitment penetrates the sheet of flexible material. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 11 , and further comprising attaching the evacuation device to the fitment. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the flexible package comprises two sheets of flexible material, and the top seal is made by sealing the two sheets together.