FLUID CONTAINER

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119 (e) to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/684,801, filed on Aug. 19, 2024, and is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 18/641,278, filed on Apr. 19, 2024, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/461,222, filed on Apr. 21, 2023, the entire contents of each application is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a fluid container.

BACKGROUND

People use fluids for a multitude of reasons. For example, people consume beverages to hydrate themselves. The beverages can be stored in containers. For example, the containers can be portable so that the beverages are portable. Some portable containers are disposable.

SUMMARY

The present systems and methods provide an easy to use, portable container to store fluids, e.g., beverages. For example, a portable container can include a disposable foil pouch that contains a beverage. The pouch can include a tear line that allows a user to tear the pouch open to access the beverage contained within the pouch. The tear line can be provided at a location on the pouch (e.g., a top corner of the pouch) that allows a user to easily drink the beverage. The pouch can also include a pierceable hole that is initially closed, but can be pierced to allow the user to insert a straw into the pouch. The pierceable hole can also be used as a vent so that the beverage can easily be poured after a user tears the pouch at the tear line. For example, air can enter the pierceable hole as the user pours the beverage from the pouch. This can be advantageous, e.g., because the beverage can be poured quickly and with little effort by the user.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the subject matter will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid container.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a fluid container.

FIG. 3 is a back view of a fluid container.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of a fluid container.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of a fluid container.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a fluid container.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a fluid container.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fluid container.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a fluid container.

FIG. 10 is a back view of a fluid container.

FIG. 11 is a left side view of a fluid container.

FIG. 12 is a right side view of a fluid container.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a fluid container.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a fluid container.

FIG. 15 is an engineering drawing of a fluid container.

FIG. 16 is an engineering drawing of a gusset forming the bottom of a fluid pouch.

FIG. 17 is an engineering drawing of a gusset forming the bottom of a fluid pouch.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present systems and methods provide an easy to use, portable container to store fluids, e.g., beverages. For example, a portable container can include a disposable foil pouch that contains a beverage. The pouch can include a tear line (e.g., a perforated tear line) that allows a user to tear the pouch open to access the beverage contained within the pouch. The tear line can be provided at a location on the pouch (e.g., a top corner of the pouch) that allows a user to easily drink the beverage, empty the beverage into another container (e.g., a cup), etc. The pouch may include a front surface comprising a pierceable vent and a back surface, being opposite the front surface, wherein the back surface and the front surface are sealed together to form the fluid reservoir. The pierceable vent may be configured to allow air to enter the fluid reservoir as fluid is being removed from the fluid reservoir by an opening provided by the portion of the perforated portion being separated from the front surface and the back surface.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid container 100 that is formed by a flexible, disposable pouch 102. For example, the pouch 102 can be formed of, e.g., a metal foil material, plastics, a combination of one or more metals and one or more plastics, one or more layers of material, etc. For example, the material can have a nominal thickness of 4.7 mils, and hold approximately 5400 in²/lb. Such materials include polyethylene terephthalate foil. In another example, the material can have a nominal thickness of 4.1 mils and have a seal strength of more than 4000 g/in. Such materials include aluminum foil. In implementations, the material can include multiple layers of material. Some examples of a pouch can be described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/241,678, filed on Apr. 19, 2024, which claims priority U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/461,222, filed on Apr. 21, 2023, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The pouch 102 can be sized to hold a variety of fluids. For example, the pouch 102 can be sized to hold 5 ounces, 10 ounces, 15 ounces, etc. In some implementations, the pouch is sized to hold between 8 ounces and 10 ounces of fluid. In some implementations, the pouch is sized to hold between 9 and 10 ounces of fluid. In some implementations, the pouch is sized to hold between 8 and 20 ounces of fluid.

The pouch 102 includes a tear line 104 across a top of the pouch 102 to the opposite side of the pouch 102. The tear line 104 can include, e.g., a perforation in the pouch 102, a section of the pouch 102 having thinner walls, etc. In some implementations, the tear line 104 can include a pre-made tear on at least a portion of a top corner 106 of the pouch. The pre-made tear can allow a user to more easily tear the corner 106 off the pouch 102. In some implementations, the tear line 104 can include a perforation (e.g., a series of holes that serves as an aid in separation). Different geometries of perforation can be used. For example, the holes can be, e.g., slits, circular holes, triangular holes, etc. The perforations can be formed by, e.g., pinner perforation rollers, die and punch, laser perforation, etc. The perforation creates a long series of slits so that the plastic can be torn easily along the tear line 104. Once the user tears the corner 106 off the pouch 102, the user can access the fluid (e.g., beverage) contained within the pouch 102. Because the tear line 104 extends all the way across the pouch 102, the user can tear both corners 106, 8 off the pouch 102 with a single tear. As the user tears the pouch along the tear line 104, the pouch deforms and is configured to guide the tear linearly. This full tear of the top of the pouch allows the user increased access to the contents of the drink. This enables users to pour additional liquid into the pouch, or to add various desired ingredients to the pouch (e.g. liquid IV, vitamin C, water flavoring powder, etc.). This also allows users to easily pour the drink out into another container.

The pouch 102 also includes a pierceable hole 110. The hole 110 can include, e.g., a perforation in the pouch 102, a section of the pouch 102 having thinner walls, etc. to allow a user to easily pierce the hole, e.g., with a straw. In some implementations, the hole 110 has a circular geometry (e.g., a 4 mm diameter, a 6 mm diameter, a diameter between 4 mm and 10 mm, a diameter between 1 mm and 10 mm, etc.); however, one or more other geometries maybe utilized (e.g., rectangular shapes, etc.). In the illustrated implementation, the tear line extends through the pierceable hole 110. In some implementations, the tear line is above the pierceable hole 110. In other implementations, the tear line is below the pierceable hole 110.

The pouch 102 can include indicia to indicate the location of the pierceable hole 110. For example, text on the pouch 102 can indicate the location of the hole 110. In some implementations, colors of the pouch 102 can indicate the location of the hole 110. In some implementations, the hole 110 can act as a hole for a straw so that a user can drink the beverage through a straw. In some implementations, the hole 110 can act as a vent. For example, the hole 110 can act as a vent when a user tears the top corner 106 off the pouch 102. If the user wants to drink the beverage from the torn corner or pour the beverage from the top corner, the vent can allow air to enter the pouch 102. Allowing air to enter the pouch assists the user in drinking and pouring the beverage, so that little effort is required by the user.

The size, position, etc. of the hole 110 can vary. For example, in some implementations, the hole 110 can be located on a side of the pouch. In some implementations the hole 110 can be larger, and in some implementations the hole 110 can be smaller. In some implementations, the fluid container 100 can include multiple holes. The multiple holes can be similar or different from each other.

FIG. 2 illustrates front view of the fluid container 100. The tear line 104 is presented normal to the view presented in FIG. 2. The tear line 104 can extend horizontally from a side 112 of the pouch 102 to the opposite side 116 of the pouch. The tear line 14 can define a rectangular shaped portion in the corner 106 of the pouch 102. In the illustrated example, the tear line 104 extends horizontal from the side 112; however, the tear line may extend along other directions. For example, the tear line 104 can be extend perpendicular to the side 112 (to account for a tapered geometry of the side 112) or in other angles relative to the side 112, for example, at 5 degree angle (upward or downward) relative to the side 112.

In some implementations, the surfaces near the tear line can be smooth, such that the user is comfortable placing his or her mouth on the pouch. For example, the tear line can be configured such that a smooth edge is left on the pouch. This can prevent a user from cutting his or her lips, fingers, etc. while drinking from the pouch.

The geometry of the pouch 102 can vary. In the illustrated embodiment, sides 112, 116 of the pouch are not parallel. For example, the sides 112, 116 are tapered. In some embodiments, the sides 112, 116 are parallel. In some implementations, the sides 112, 116 can include surface features (e.g., grips, features that increase friction, etc.) to assist a user with holding the pouch.

FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the fluid container 100. In the illustrated implementation, the back of the pouch 102 does not include a pierceable hole; however, in some implementations, the back of the pouch 102 includes a hole similar to the hole 110. In some implementations having a hole on the back of the pouch, the hole on the back of the pouch 102 can be different than a hole on the front of the fluid container. In some implementations, the pouch 102 can have a hole on the back of the pouch, and the pouch does not have a hole on the front of the pouch. The back of the pouch 102 also includes a tear line 109. The tear line 109 can be similar to the tear line 104 that is on the front of the pouch, or the tear line 109 can be different from the tear line 104, as discussed further below.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a left side view of the fluid container 100 and a right side view of the fluid container 100, respectively. Tear lines 104, 109 are illustrated in the left side view of the fluid container 100. As illustrated, the tear line 104 appears on a front side 118 and tear line 109 appears on a back side 120 of the fluid container to define rectangular shaped portions on the front surface and back surface of the pouch 102. This allows a user to easily tear through the front side 118 and the back side 120 of the pouch. In some implementations, the front side 118, the back side 120, other portions of the pouch, etc. can include surface features (e.g., grips, features that increase friction, etc.) to assist a user with holding the pouch. Although the tear lines 104, 109 are illustrated as symmetric, in some embodiments, the tear lines can be different (e.g., asymmetric). For example, the tear line 104 can extend a different distance than the tear line 109. In some implementations, the tear line 104, the tear line 109, or both of the tear lines 104, 109 can be curved. For example, the same, similar, or different curves can be used on the front and back tear lines. For example, the front tear line 104 can have a particular curve (e.g., having a particular radius) and the back tear line 109 can have a same curve rotated at 10 degrees. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pre-made tear appears on a right side view of the pouch. This allows a user to easily tear through the front and back side of the pouch.

When filled with liquid, the pouch 102 is thicker at a bottom 122 of the pouch than at the top 114 of the pouch. The weight distribution of the liquid contained within the pouch 102 allows the pouch to stand upright, e.g., so that liquid does not spill from the hole 110 or an open corner of the pouch 102. The pouch 102 becomes flatter as liquid is removed from the pouch. Because the pouch 102 is flexible, a user can easily deform the pouch 102 to a desired shape. For example, the user can squeeze the pouch 102 to remove liquid from the pouch 102 at a faster rate.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the fluid container 100. The hole 110 is visible on the front side 118 of the pouch 102. In some implementations, the hole 110 is closer to the top 114 of the pouch 102 or closer to one of the sides 112, 116 of the pouch. In some implementations, the front side 118 and the back side 120 extend a smaller distance from the center of the pouch, e.g., to form a thinner pouch. As discussed above, the weight distribution of the pouch can be designed, e.g., to allow the pouch to stand upright.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the fluid container 100. The pouch 102 includes two lips 124, 126 that form a base extending from the bottom of the pouch 102 to stand the pouch 102 upright. The front lip 124 extends forming a front base portion on the front side 118 of the pouch and the back lip 126 extends from the back side 120 of the pouch to form a back base portion of the pouch. The bottom of a reservoir 128 of the pouch is surrounded by the two lips 124, 126. The bottom of the reservoir 128 can have varying geometries (e.g., a domed geometry) based on the amount of fluid in the reservoir 128. For example, the geometry of the reservoir 128 can change as the amount of fluid in the container 100 changes. In some embodiments, the bottom of the reservoir 128 can fold (e.g., in half) as the amount of fluid in the container 100 changes. The lips 124, 126 extending from the bottom of the pouch 102 and surrounding the bottom of the reservoir 128 can provide a stable surface for the pouch 102 to stand upright regardless of the geometry of the bottom of the reservoir 128. In some implementations, the front lip 124 extends an inch, 1.5 inches, or two inches past the bottom of the reservoir 128. In some implementations, the back lip 126 extends an inch, 1.5 inches, or two inches past the bottom of the reservoir 128. The lips can also extend different distances past the bottom of the reservoir 128. In some implementations, the bottom of the reservoir 128 can be made of a different material than the two lips 124, 126. In some implementations, the bottom of the reservoir 128 can be formed of a clear or translucent material, e.g., to allow a user to see the fluid within the container 100. In some implementations, the geometry of the bottom of the reservoir can be an ogive curve. In some embodiments, the two lips 124, 126 can be curved to provide a stable surface. In some implementations, the bottom of the reservoir 128 has a different thickness than other portions of the container 100. For example, the bottom of the reservoir 128 can be thicker than the front side 118 and the back side 120 of the pouch 102. The bottom of the reservoir 128 can be thicker than the two lips 124, 126. In some implementations, a thicker bottom can hold more weight (e.g., hold more fluid) than a thinner bottom. In some implementations, the bottom of the reservoir 128 can have a thickness that is constant across the bottom of the reservoir 128.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fluid container 800 that is formed by a flexible, disposable pouch 802. For example, the pouch 802 can be formed of a material similar to that of pouch 102 of FIG. 1, e.g., a metal foil material, plastics, a combination of one or more metals and one or more plastics, one or more layers of material, etc.

The pouch 802 can be sized to hold a variety of fluids. For example, the pouch 802 can be sized to hold 5 ounces, 10 ounces, 15 ounces, etc. In some implementations, the pouch is sized to hold between 8 ounces and 10 ounces of fluid. In some implementations, the pouch is sized to hold between 9 and 10 ounces of fluid. In some implementations, the pouch is sized to hold between 8 and 20 ounces of fluid.

The pouch 802 includes a pre-made tear 804 on a side of the pouch below the top corner 806 of the pouch 802. The pre-made tear 804 can include, e.g., a tear that extends approximately half-way from the outside of a smooth edge of the pouch 803 to an edge of the liquid reservoir within the pouch 807 (e.g., 2 mm, 1-4 mm, etc.). The pre-made tear 804 can include, e.g., perforations that extend approximately half-way from the outside of the smooth edge of the pouch 803 to an edge of the liquid reservoir within the pouch 807. The pre-made tear can allow a user to more easily tear the corner 806 off the pouch 802. Once the user tears the corner 806 off the pouch 802, the user can access the fluid (e.g., beverage) contained within the pouch 802. The pouch 802 may also include a pre-made tear 805 in the side of the pouch opposite to tear line 804, such that the tear line 804 is approximately parallel to the pre-made tear 805, and such that the tear line 804 and the pre-made tear 805 are located at approximately the same distance from the top of the pouch. The pre-made tear extends approximately half-way from the outside of a smooth edge of the pouch 803 to an edge of the liquid reservoir within the pouch 807. The tear line 804 and pre-made tear 805 are aligned such that tearing the tear line 804 may allow a user to tear the top of the pouch entirely from the pre-made tear 804 to the pre-made tear 805, or vice versa. As the user tears the pouch along the pre-made tear 804, the pouch deforms and is configured to guide the tear linearly to connect to the pre-made tear 805. This full tear of the top of the pouch allows the user increased access to the contents of the drink. This enables users to pour additional liquid into the pouch, or to add various desired ingredients to the pouch (e.g. liquid IV, vitamin C, water flavoring powder, etc.). This also allows users to easily pour the drink out into another container.

The pouch 802 also includes a pierceable hole 810. The hole 810 can include, e.g., a perforation in the pouch 802, a section of the pouch 802 having thinner walls, etc. to allow a user to easily pierce the hole, e.g., with a straw. In some implementations, the hole 810 has a circular geometry (e.g., a 4 mm diameter, a 6 mm diameter, a diameter between 4 mm and 10 mm, a diameter between 1 mm and 10 mm, etc.); however, one or more other geometries maybe utilized (e.g., rectangular shapes, etc.). In the illustrated implementations, the pre-made tears 804, 805 are aligned with the pierceable hole 810. In other implementations, the pre-made tears can be aligned above or below the pierceable hole 810. In some implementations, the pierceable hole 810 includes concentric circles of perforations. For example, the pierceable hole 810 can include a perforation at the center of the concentric circles, and each circle of the concentric circles can provide a weakness in the pouch 802 to allow a user to easily pierce the hole. In some implementations, each circle of the concentric circles can be raised relative to the pouch 802. In some implementations, the concentric circles can contain the hole, e.g., and guide a user to pierce the hole without further tearing of the pouch 802 away from the hole 810. For example, in some implementations, each circle of the concentric circles can be a thicker material than other portions of the pouch 802. In some implementations, the perforations of the pierceable hole 810 can be different than perforations of the pre-made tears 804, 805.

The pouch 802 can include indicia to indicate the location of the pierceable hole 810. For example, text on the pouch 802 can indicate the location of the hole 810. In some implementations, colors of the pouch 802 can indicate the location of the hole 810. In some implementations, the hole 810 can act as a hole for a straw so that a user can drink the beverage through a straw. In some implementations, the hole 810 can act as a vent. For example, the hole 810 can act as a vent when a user tears the top corner 806 off the pouch 802. If the user wants to drink the beverage from the torn corner or pour the beverage from the top corner, the vent can allow air to enter the pouch 802. Allowing air to enter the pouch assists the user in drinking and pouring the beverage, so that little effort is required by the user.

The size, position, etc. of the hole 810 can vary. For example, in some implementations, the hole 810 can be located on a side of the pouch. In some implementations the hole 810 can be larger, and in some implementations the hole 810 can be smaller. In some implementations, the fluid container 800 can include multiple holes. The multiple holes can be similar or different from each other.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the fluid container 800. The pre-made tear 804 is presented normal to the view presented in FIG. 9. The pre-made tear 804 can extend horizontally from a side 812 of the pouch 802. The pre-made tear 804 can define a rectangular shaped portion in the corner 806 of the pouch 802. The pre-made tear 805 is presented normal to the view presented in FIG. 9. The pre-made tear can extend horizontally from a side 816 of the pouch 802. As discussed above, the pre-made tear is located at approximately the same distance from the top of the pouch as the pre-made tear 804. In some implementations the pre-made tear 805 can be positioned at a distance from the top of the pouch 814 that is larger or smaller compared to the distance that the pre-made tear 804 is positioned from the top of the pouch 814. In the illustrated example, the pre-made tear 804 has extends horizontal from the side 812; however, the pre-made tear may extend along other directions. For example, the pre-made tear 804 can extend perpendicular to the side 812 (to account for a tapered geometry of the side 812) or in other angles relative to the side 812, for example, at 5 degree angle (upward or downward) relative to the side 812.

In some implementations, the surfaces near the pre-made tear can be smooth, such that the user is comfortable placing his or her mouth on the pouch. For example, the tear line can be configured such that a smooth edge is left on the pouch. This can prevent a user from cutting his or her lips, fingers, etc. while drinking from the pouch.

The geometry of the pouch 802 can vary. In the illustrated embodiment, sides 812, 816 of the pouch are not parallel. For example, the sides 812, 816 are tapered. In some embodiments, the sides 812, 816 are parallel. In some implementations, the sides 812, 816 can include surface features (e.g., grips, features that increase friction, etc.) to assist a user with holding the pouch.

FIG. 10 illustrates a back view of the fluid container 800. In the illustrated implementation, the back of the pouch 802 does not include a pierceable hole; however, in some implementations, the back of the pouch 802 includes a hole similar to the hole 810. In some implementations having a hole on the back of the pouch, the hole on the back of the pouch 802 can be different than a hole on the front of the fluid container. In some implementations, the pouch 802 can have a hole on the back of the pouch, and the pouch does not have a hole on the front of the pouch. The back of the pouch 802 also includes a pre-made tear 804. The back of the pouch 802 also includes a pre-made tear 805. This allows a user to easily tear through the front and back side of the pouch and allows the use to tear either from the tear line 809 to the pre-made tear 805, or vice versa.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a left side view of the fluid container 800 and a right side view of the fluid container 800, respectively. Pre-made tear 804 is illustrated in the left side view of the fluid container 800. As illustrated, the tear line 804 appears on a front side 818 and on a back side 820 of the fluid container to define rectangular shaped portions on the front surface and back surface of the pouch 802. This allows a user to easily tear through the front side 818 and the back side 820 of the pouch. In some implementations, the front side 818, the back side 820, other portions of the pouch, etc. can include surface features (e.g., grips, features that increase friction, etc.) to assist a user with holding the pouch. Although the pre-made tear 804 is illustrated as symmetric, in some embodiments, the tear lines can be different (e.g., asymmetric). For example, the pre-made tear 804 can extend a different distance on the front side 818 than on the back side 820. In some implementations, the pre-made tear 804 can be curved. For example, the same, similar, or different curves can be used on the front and back pre-made tears. For example, the front pre-made tear 804 can have a particular curve (e.g., having a particular radius) and the back pre-made tear can have a same curve rotated at 80 degrees. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the pre-made tear 805 appears on a right side view of the pouch. This allows a user to easily tear through the front and back side of the pouch and allows the use to tear either from the tear line 804 to the pre-made tear 805, or vice versa. Similarly, although the pre-made tear 805 is illustrated as symmetric, in some embodiments, the pre-made tears can be different (e.g., asymmetric) on the front and back of the pouch. For example, the pre-made tear 805 can extend a different distance on the front side 818 than on the back side 820. In some implementations, the pre-made tear 805 can be curved. For example, the same, similar, or different curves can be used on the front and back pre-made tears. For example, the front pre-made tear 805 can have a particular curve (e.g., having a particular radius) and the back pre-made tear can have a same curve rotated at 80 degrees.

When filled with liquid, the pouch 802 is thicker at a bottom 822 of the pouch than at the top 814 of the pouch. The weight distribution of the liquid contained within the pouch 802 allows the pouch to stand upright, e.g., so that liquid does not spill from the hole 810 or an open corner of the pouch 802. The pouch 802 becomes flatter as liquid is removed from the pouch. Because the pouch 802 is flexible, a user can easily deform the pouch 802 to a desired shape. For example, the user can squeeze the pouch 802 to remove liquid from the pouch 802 at a faster rate.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the fluid container 800. The hole 810 is visible on the front side 818 of the pouch 802. In some implementations, the hole 810 is closer to the top 814 of the pouch 802 or closer to one of the sides 812, 816 of the pouch. In some implementations, the front side 818 and the back side 820 extend a smaller distance from the center of the pouch, e.g., to form a thinner pouch. As discussed above, the weight distribution of the pouch can be designed, e.g., to allow the pouch to stand upright.

FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the fluid container 800. The pouch 802 includes two lips 824, 826 that form a base extending from the bottom of the pouch 802 to stand the pouch 802 upright. The lips 824, 826 can be similar to the lips 124, 126 of FIG. 7 above. The lips 824, 826 extending from the bottom of the pouch 802 and surrounding the bottom of the reservoir 828 can provide a stable surface for the pouch 802 to stand upright regardless of the geometry of the bottom of the reservoir 828. In some implementations, the front lip 824 extends an inch, 1.5 inches, or two inches past the bottom of the reservoir 828. In some implementations, the back lip 826 extends an inch, 1.5 inches, or two inches past the bottom of the reservoir 828. In some implementations, the bottom of the reservoir 828 can be made of a different material than the two lips 824, 826. In some implementations, the bottom of the reservoir 828 can be clear or translucent, e.g., to allow a user to see the fluid within the container 800. In some embodiments, the two lips 824, 826 can be curved to provide a stable surface. In some implementations, the bottom of the reservoir 828 has a different thickness than other portions of the container 800. For example, the bottom of the reservoir 828 can be thicker than the front side 818 and the back side 820 of the pouch 802. The bottom of the reservoir 828 can be thicker than the two lips 824, 826. In some implementations, a thicker bottom can hold more weight (e.g., hold more fluid) than a thinner bottom. In some implementations, the bottom of the reservoir 828 can have a thickness that is constant across the bottom of the reservoir 828.

FIG. 15 illustrates an engineering drawing of a fluid container 1500. The fluid container 1500 can be similar to, e.g., the fluid container 100 of FIG. 1. The fluid container 1500 is formed by a flexible, disposable pouch 1502. The pouch 1502 can be a metal foil material, e.g., including aluminum, tin, copper, etc. In some implementations, the pouch 1502 can include plastics, e.g., including polyvinylidene chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), etc. In some implementations, the pouch 1502 can be formed of a combination of metals and plastics.

The pouch 1502 includes a front panel 1504 and a back panel 1506. When the front panel 1504 and the back panel 1506 are sealed together, they form a reservoir 1508 that can contain fluid, e.g., a beverage. For example, a seal 1510 surrounding the reservoir 1508 can seal the front panel 1504 to the back panel 1506. Additional foil material 1512 can be included on the bottom of the reservoir 1508, e.g., to provide a surface for the pouch 1502 to stand upright, as discussed above. In some implementations, a trim 1516 surrounds the pouch 1502 during manufacturing. The trim 1516 can be removed after or during the manufacturing process and does not remain on the finished product.

The pouch 1502 includes a pre-made tear 1514 in a portion of the seal 1510. For example, the pre-made tear provides a beginning for the user to tear a corner off the pouch 1502. The user therefore does not have to use a lot of effort to start the tear in the corner, as discussed above. The reservoir 1508 remains sealed until a user tears off a portion of the pouch 1502. This can allow a user to easily transport the container 1500 without spilling the fluid in the container. In some implementations, the pre-made tear 1514 is about 25 millimeters (mm) from the top of the pouch 1502. In this embodiment, the pre-made tear 1514 extends perpendicularly across a portion of the front panel 1504, e.g., creating a rectangular portion of the front panel 1504. In some implementations, the pre-made tear can extend different distances across the panels. In the illustrated implementation, the pre-made tear 1504 extends the same distance as a second pre-made tear 1514 in an opposite side of the panel.

The pouch 1502 includes a pierceable hole 1516 in the front panel 1504. The hole 1516 can be similar to the hole 1510 of FIG. 11. The hole 1516 can include, e.g., a perforation in the pouch 1502, a section of the pouch 1502 having thinner walls, etc. to allow a user to easily pierce the hole, e.g., with a straw, toothpick, etc. The pouch 1502 can include indicia to indicate the location of the pierceable hole 1516. For example, text on the pouch 1502 can indicate the location of the hole 1516. In some implementations, colors of the pouch 1502 can indicate the location of the hole 1516. In some implementations, the hole 1516 can act as a hole for a straw so that a user can drink the beverage through a straw. In some implementations, the hole 1516 can act as a vent. For example, the hole 1516 can act as a vent when a user tears the top corner off the pouch 1502, e.g., using the pre-made tear 1514. If the user wants to drink the beverage from the torn corner or pour the beverage from the top corner, the vent can allow air to enter the pouch 1502. Allowing air to enter the pouch assists the user in drinking and pouring the beverage, so that little effort is required by the user. The hole 1516 can have a diameter in a range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm (e.g., 6 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm, etc.). In some implementations, the hole 1516 is about 25 mm from the top of the pouch. For example, the center of the hole 1516 is about 25 mm from the top of the pouch.

The pouch 1502 can generally have a width in a range of about 100 mm to about 150 mm (e.g., 111 mm as illustrated, 105 mm). The pouch can have a height in a range of about 150 mm to about 300 mm (e.g., 15 mm as illustrated). The pouch 1502 can also have heights and widths outside of these ranges. In some implementations, the seal 1510 can have a width in a range of about 3 mm to about 10 mm (e.g., 6 mm as illustrated). The thickness of the pouch 1502 can vary depending on the amount of liquid in the pouch 1502. In some implementations, the thickness of the pouch 1502 can be in a range of about 60 mm to about 65 mm.

In some implementations, a trim 1516 surrounds the pouch 1502 during manufacturing. The trim 1516 can be removed after or during the manufacturing process and does not remain on the finished product. The trim 1516 can have a width of, e.g., between 1 mm to 5 mm, such as 3 mm.

FIG. 16 illustrates an engineering drawing of a gusset 1600 for forming the bottom of a fluid container. For example, the gusset 1600 can be used to form the bottom of the reservoir 1128 of the pouch 1102, illustrated in FIG. 17. The gusset 1600 is formed by a flexible, disposable material 1602, e.g., a metal foil material, e.g., including aluminum, tin, copper, etc. In some implementations, the material 1602 can include plastics, e.g., including polyvinylidene chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), etc. In some implementations, the material 1602 can be formed of a combination of metals and plastics.

The gusset 1600 has a width in a range of about 50 mm to about 100 mm (e.g., 74 mm as illustrated). The pouch 1600 has a height in a range of about 75 mm to about 150 mm (e.g., 105 mm as illustrated). The gusset can also have heights and widths outside of these ranges. The gusset 1600 can include a trim 1604 that surrounds the gusset 1602 during manufacturing. The trim 1604 can be removed after or during the manufacturing process and does not remain on the finished product. The trim 1604 can have a width of, e.g., between 1 mm to 5 mm, such as 3 mm or 5 mm.

FIG. 17 illustrates an engineering drawing of another gusset 1700 for forming the bottom of a fluid container. For example, the gusset 1700 can be used to form the bottom of the reservoir 1128 of the pouch 1102, illustrated in FIG. 17. The gusset 1700 is formed by a flexible, disposable material 1702, e.g., a metal foil material, e.g., including aluminum, tin, copper, etc. In some implementations, the material 1702 can include plastics, e.g., including polyvinylidene chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), etc. In some implementations, the material 1702 can be formed of a combination of metals and plastics.

The gusset 1700 can be twice as large as the gusset 1600, e.g., and can be used to form two gussets the size of the gusset 1600. For example, the gusset 1700 has a width in a range of about 100 mm to about 200 mm (e.g., 143 mm as illustrated). The gusset 1700 has a height in a range of about 75 mm to about 150 mm (e.g., 105 mm as illustrated). The pouch can also have heights and widths outside of these ranges. The gusset 2000 can include a trim 2004 that surrounds the pouch 2002 during manufacturing. The trim 2004 can be removed after or during the manufacturing process and does not remain on the finished product. The trim 2004 can have a width of, e.g., between 1 mm to 5 mm, such as 3 mm or 5 mm.

While not described in the figures, an additional embodiment of the pouch may include two or more compartments within the pouch. This enables the pouch to hold different sets of liquids and enables users to mix or keep the liquids separate. Each compartment within the pouch may include a separate venting hole and perforation line, such that a user may separately pour out the liquid contents of each compartment. Users may also use a straw to drink out of the venting hole in each compartment.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.