Cascade Designs, Inc.

Lee A Getzewich

James Marson

Thomas M Shimko

The invention is directed towards a film-based polymeric cellular matrix, methods for making the polymeric cellular matrix, articles of manufacture incorporating the polymeric matrix and methods for making articles of manufacture. The polymeric cellular matrix is characterized as a plurality of generally identical cells (open-ended geometric prisms) arranged to form a repeating geometric form. The matrix is particularly suited for use as a core between two panels.

Film-based cellular matrix

A container according to a first embodiment includes a first panel bonded to all but a segment of an opposing second panel wherein the first and the second panels define an interior chamber and wherein the unbonded segments of the first panel and the second panel define a first opening having a maximum area. Present in the first opening is a two-part linear fluid impervious closure constructed of flexible material. The first part is bonded to the first panel segment of the first opening and the second part is bonded to the second panel segment of the first opening. A spout is bonded to at least the first panel to provide fluid communication between the interior chamber and the environment, and to define an orifice having an area less than the maximum area of the first opening. In a preferred embodiment, interlocking fastener strips are used as the closure. An alternative embodiment has both panels wholly bonded together at their common periphery and a slit in the first panel defines the first opening into which the closure is located and bonded. Methods for making the containers include the steps of locating the closure in the opening and using heat and pressure to effectuate the bonds. Additional heat and pressure is applied to the longitudinal ends of the closure to cause the same to become fused and to cause extrusion of closure material into any gaps that may be present between the closure and the perimeter bonds of the panels.

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Auburn, WA, United States of America

Lee A Getzewich