Flexible Package With A Stable Structure

Abstract

A packaging for containing fluids or other pourable materials is described. The packaging includes contoured sides that experience an outward force due to the gravitational forces of the fluid contained in the package thereby helping the package to remain upright. The package may include a bottom gusset that rests on the surface to provide stability. The package may include strengthening ribs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package for containing a fluid, comprising:
 a front panel and a rear panel joined along at least a portion of their sides by a seal having an inwardly extending contoured section located at or about the packages midsection;   wherein when the package contains the fluid, the fluid exerts an outward force against the contoured section thereby facilitating the package to stand upright.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein one or more strengthening ribs are included in the seal. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more strengthening ribs extend to correspond to the shape of the contoured section. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the inwardly extending contoured section includes a vertex and an upper curved section above the vertex and a lower curved section below the vertex. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the inwardly extending contoured section includes a vertex and a convex upper curved section above the vertex and a lower convex section below the vertex. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the inwardly extending contoured section includes a vertex and a concave upper curved section above the vertex and a lower concave section below the vertex 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the gravitational force of the fluid above the contoured section exerts a downward force on the upper curved section, which results in an outward force against the contoured section. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the inwardly extending contoured section comprises a baffle to restrict the volume of fluid flowing up or down past the contoured section. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 1 , further comprising a bottom gusset having a bottom point that is positioned to engage a surface on which the package rests. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 9 , further comprising a bottom skirt that substantially surrounds the bottom gusset. 
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein the bottom skirt is configured to engage the surface on which the package rests. 
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the contoured section is parabolic. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the contoured section is curved. 
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 1 , further comprising a top skirt attached to the front panel and rear panel. 
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein the top skirt includes a handle.