Foodstuff packages and related apparatus, systems, and methods

Abstract

Bags, pouches, and/or other packages. Pouches of embodiments comprise a pair of plies which are permanently sealed to each other along their edges. The plies and permanent seals define an internal cavity. Pouches of the current embodiment further comprise dispensers in communication with the internal cavities. A portion of each ply (of a particular bag) can be releasably sealed. In some embodiments, the pouches further comprise a (pivotable) spout. If desired, the spout can be configured such that its pivoting is gravity driven. The foodstuff pouches of embodiments can define a longitudinal axis wherein the spout defines a beveled surface further defining an acute angle with the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the spout can further comprise a fitment glued to the plies. In some embodiments, the plies define a bite-shaped registration feature.

1 . A package comprising:
 at least a pair of plies each of which defines one or more edges, the plies being permanently sealed to each other along their respective edges by first regions of each of the plies, the first regions being fused together;   the plies defining respective internal and external surfaces;   the internal surfaces being cleaned to a level sufficient for contact with foodstuff intended for human consumption;   the external surfaces being adapted to being pressed by a press;   the plies being temporarily sealed to each other along second regions of each of the plies, the second regions being at least partially fused together whereby an internal pressure in the internal cavity as little as about 5 psi caused by the press is required to open the temporary seal;   the plies, the permanent seal, and the temporary seal defining an internal cavity in which the foodstuff can be stored whereby an internal pressure in the internal cavity greater than about 200 psi caused by the press is required to open the permanent seal; and   a dispenser in controllable communication with the internal cavity via the temporary seal.   
     
     
         2 . A package comprising:
 a pair of plies;   a permanent seal further comprising first regions of the pair of plies which are fused together;   a temporary seal further comprising second regions of the pair of plies which are at least partially fused together;   a cavity defined by the pair of plies, the permanent seal, and the temporary seal;   a dispenser in fluid communication with the temporary seal whereby when the temporary seal is in an open position, the dispenser is in fluid communication with the cavity.   
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 2  wherein the dispenser further comprises a spout for the foodstuff. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 3  wherein the spout is pivotable about the dispenser. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 4  wherein the pivoting of the spout is gravity driven. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 3  wherein the package defines a longitudinal axis and wherein the spout defines a beveled surface further defining an acute angle with the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 2  wherein the package is a bag. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 2  wherein the spout further comprises a fitment. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 8  wherein the fitment is glued to the plies. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the plies define a registration feature. 
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 10  wherein the registration feature is bite-shaped. 
     
     
         12 . A bag for a flowable foodstuff, the bag comprising:
 at least a pair of plies each of which defines one or more edges, the plies being permanently sealed along their respective edges;   at least a portion of each ply at which the plies are releasably sealed, the releasable seal being configured such that an internal pressure in the internal cavity as little as about 5 psi will open the temporary seal;   the plies, the permanent seal, and the temporary seal defining a cavity in which the foodstuff to be stored, the permanent seal being configured such that an internal pressure in the cavity greater than about 200 psi will open the permanent seal; and   a dispenser in fluid communication with the internal cavity via the temporary seal when the temporary seal is open.   
     
     
         13 . The bag of  claim 12  wherein the dispenser further comprises a spout for the foodstuff. 
     
     
         14 . The bag of  claim 13  wherein the spout is pivotable about the dispenser. 
     
     
         15 . The bag of  claim 14  wherein the pivoting of the spout is gravity driven. 
     
     
         16 . The bag of  claim 13  wherein the bag defines a longitudinal axis and wherein the spout defines a beveled surface further defining an acute angle with the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         17 . The bag of  claim 12  wherein the dispenser further comprises a fitment. 
     
     
         18 . The bag of  claim 17  wherein the fitment is glued to the plies. 
     
     
         19 . The bag of  claim 12  wherein at least one of the plies define a registration feature. 
     
     
         20 . The package of  claim 10  wherein the registration feature is bite-shaped.