Flexible package and method of forming a cuff

Abstract

A package having a foldable top region is provided. The package generally includes panel portions that at least partially define an interior cavity therebetween and accessible through an access opening. The top portion can provide a cuff member or cuff region that can be folded and unfolded to facilitate use of the package as a bowl or other cuffed container for material contents. The package can be adapted to hold its shape as a bowl or cuffed container. A reclosure member can be provided to facilitate re-sealing of the package. A folding strip, edge contours and stiffening members can also be provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of providing a flexible package as a bowl-like or cup-like container, comprising:
 providing a flexible package having at least first and second panels defining an inner cavity, the first and second panels each having respective interior and exterior surfaces, with a first cuff region defined along a portion of the interior surface of the first panel proximate a first edge portion;   providing a folding strip to the cuff region adjacent the respective inner surfaces, the folding strip comprising an upper and a lower strengthened portion with a region of weakness defined therebetween; and   manipulating the flexible package proximate the region of weakness to form a generally rounded access opening by folding a portion of the cuff region extending above the region of weakness until the portion of the cuff region extending above the region of weakness is inverted adjacent the exterior surfaces of the first and second panels.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a closure member to at least one of the first and second panels. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the closure member and the folding member are separate from one another. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising defining a contour region in the first edge portion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising notching the contour region. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising defining a plurality of contour regions in the first edge portion. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a plurality of laterally-oriented stiffening members to at least one of the first and second panels 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising folding a second portion of the cuff region in an upward direction until the second portion of the cuff region forms a trough around a top perimeter of the package. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising overlapping a portion of the front and back panels and disposing adhesive therebetween. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing the flexible package further includes providing a bottom panel such that at least the first, second and bottom panels define the inner cavity and the flexible package is configured as a stand-up package. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second panels are each defined by a width dimension and a height dimension, with the width dimensions being greater than the respective height dimensions.