Bag for use in bag-in-box systems

Abstract

A flexible bag for use in bag-in-box systems that includes a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel are connected to each other by a top seal, a bottom seal, a first side seal, and a second side seal to define an interior region. A partial seal extends from the bottom seal and between the first and second side seals along a portion of both the first and second panels but that does not extend all the way to the top seal. The partial seal defines separate first and second compartments within the interior region. A fitment is connected to one of the first and second panels that allows for fluid communication with the interior region.

1 . A flexible packaging component, comprising:
 a flexible first panel,   a flexible second panel, the first panel and second panel connected to each other by
 (1) an outer boundary seal extending generally along perimeters of the first and second panels and defining an interior region, and 
 (2) at least one partial seal extending along a portion of the interior region and defining at least two compartments within the interior region, and 
   a fitment connected to one of the first and second panels that allows for fluid communication with the interior region.   
     
     
         2 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 1 , wherein the component is a bag configured to be filled with fluid and fitted in a box as part of bag-in-box packaging. 
     
     
         3 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 1 , further including a connector configured to connect the component to at least a second packaging component. 
     
     
         4 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second panels are quadrilateral in shape and the outer boundary is defined by a top seal, a bottom seal, a first side seal, and a second side seal. 
     
     
         5 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 4 , wherein the partial seal extends from the bottom seal and between the first and second side seals along a portion of both the first and second panels but that does not extend all the way to the top seal. 
     
     
         6 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 5 , wherein the component includes two partial seals that extend from the bottom seal and between the first and second side seals along a portion of both the first and second panels but that do not extend all the way to the top seal, the two partial seals defining three separate compartments within the interior region. 
     
     
         7 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second compartments are in fluid communication with an open portion of the interior region. 
     
     
         8 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 1 , wherein the fitment is a spout. 
     
     
         9 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second panels are plastic and the seals are heat seals. 
     
     
         10 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 9 , wherein the seals are fluid tight. 
     
     
         11 . A flexible bag for use in bag-in-box systems, comprising:
 a first panel,   a second panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel are connected to each other by a top seal, a bottom seal, a first side seal, and a second side seal to define an interior region,   a partial seal that extends from the bottom seal and between the first and second side seals along a portion of both the first and second panels but that does not extend all the way to the top seal, the partial seal defining separate first and second compartments within the interior region;   a fitment connected to one of the first and second panels that allows for fluid communication with the interior region.   
     
     
         12 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second compartments are in fluid communication with an open portion of the interior region 
     
     
         13 . The flexible bag of  claim 11 , wherein the bag is sized to carry one gallon of fluid. 
     
     
         14 . The flexible bag of  claim 12 , wherein the bag is configured to be fitted in a box after being filled with fluid. 
     
     
         15 . The flexible bag of  claim 11 , wherein the bag includes two partial seals that extend from the bottom seal and between the first and second side seals along a portion of both panels but that do not extend all the way to the top seal, the two partial seals defining three separate compartments within the interior region. 
     
     
         16 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second panels are plastic and the seals are heat seals. 
     
     
         17 . The flexible packaging component of  claim 11 , wherein the seals are fluid tight. 
     
     
         18 . A method for making a bag-in-box packaging system,
 forming a box having an open top end,   forming a bag from a flexible first panel and a flexible second panel by sealing the panels together with a top seal, a bottom seal, a first side seal, and a second side seal, wherein the top, bottom, first side, and second side seals define an interior region of the bag,   sealing the first and second panels with a partial seal that extends upward from the bottom seal and between the first and second side seals to define first and second compartments within the interior region, the first and second compartments being in fluid communication with each other via an open portion in the interior region;   attaching a fitment to one of the panels, wherein the fitment is in fluid communication with the interior region,   filling the bag with fluid via the fitment,   positioning the filled bag into a chute that is positioned above the box having the open end,   delivering the filled bag into the box via the chute.