Process And Apparatus For Forming A Minimal Headspace Pouch

Abstract

A process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film; supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined amount of flowable material; pinching the continuous tube above a sealing region so as to form a pinched portion of the continuous tube; evacuating the headspace between the pinched portion and the predetermined amount of flowable material; and sealing the continuous tube at the sealing region to form a top seal of a previously formed pouch containing flowable material and a bottom seal of a next-to-be filled pouch. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A pouch formed according to a process, comprising the steps of:
 (A) providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film;   (B) supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined amount of flowable material;   (C) pinching the continuous tube above a sealing region so as to form a pinched portion of the continuous tube;   (D) evacuating the headspace between the pinched portion and the predetermined amount of flowable material; and   (E) sealing the continuous tube at the sealing region to form a top seal of a previously formed pouch containing flowable material and a bottom seal of a next-to-be filled pouch.   
     
     
         37 . The pouch as recited in  claim 36  containing wine. 
     
     
         38 . The pouch as recited in  claim 36 , wherein the pouch comprises an oxygen absorbent material. 
     
     
         39 . The pouch as recited in  claim 36 , wherein the pouch has a volume of between about 1 L and about 12 L. 
     
     
         40 . The pouch as recited in  claim 39 , wherein the pouch has a volume of between about 3 L and about 5 L. 
     
     
         41 . The pouch as recited in  claim 39 , wherein the headspace has a volume equal to or less than about 4 percent by volume of the pouch. 
     
     
         42 . The pouch as recited in claim  35 , wherein the pouch comprises a fitment. 
     
     
         43 . A package comprising the pouch of  claim 36  inside a secondary container. 
     
     
         44 . The package as recited in  claim 43 , wherein the secondary container is a cardboard box. 
     
     
         45 - 58 . (canceled)