Vented pouch arrangement and method

A method for packaging coffee comprising:

• (a) providing a pouch arrangement including:
• (i) first and second, opposed, panel sections;
• each of said panel sections having a first end edge, a second end edge and opposite side edge portions extending between said first and second end edges;
• said first and second panel sections being sealingly secured to one another along at least a portion of said panel section side edge portions, to form a pouch arrangement having an exterior surface, an interior, side seals, and opposite first and second ends;
• said first end being an open end to provide communication with said interior;
• (ii) a base gusset member;
• said gusset member being oriented in extension between said first and second panel sections, along said second end edges thereof, to close said second end of said pouch arrangement;
• said base gusset member being constructed and arranged to support said pouch arrangement in a standing orientation, on said base gusset member and with said first and second panel sections extending upwardly therefrom, at least when said pouch arrangement is partially filled with material;
• (iii) a rib and trough closure arrangement extending between said opposite side edge portions of said panel sections;
• said rib and trough closure arrangement being constructed and arranged for selective closure of said pouch arrangement at said first end thereof opposite said base gusset member;
• and,
• (iv) a gas vent aperture in one of said first and second panel sections;
• said gas vent aperture allowing gas flow communication with said pouch arrangement interior and being constructed and arranged for permitting gas flow outwardly therethrough from said pouch arrangement;
• (b) filling said pouch arrangement with coffee through said open end to a first level;
• said first level being no greater than said rib and trough closure arrangement when said pouch arrangement is in said standing orientation;
• and
• (c) after said step of filling, sealing along said first end edges to provide a seal between said first end edges and said rib and trough closure arrangement;
• the seal also being located at least partially between the first end edges and the gas vent aperture, whereby after the seal is formed, the gas vent aperture remains in gas flow communication with the pouch arrangement interior.