BRPI0709692A2 - tear and leak resistant packaging for controlled dispensing of liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

<B> TEAR AND LEAK-RESISTANT PACKAGING FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS IN A CONTROLLED MODE. <D> The present invention relates to a foldable package that is tear resistant, that requires a greater degree of dexterity to open and that prevents unloading accidental during or after opening the package. The package includes a flexible liquid storage tank, provided with a funnel-shaped outlet passage that leads to an opening. The package also includes a reinforced tear-resistant flap portion that can prevent accidental discharge of liquid when the flap portion is folded over the marking line. The funnel-shaped outlet passage can be formed to allow the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner.

Description

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for "TRIPS AND LEAK RESISTANT PACKAGING

LIQUIDS IN A CONTROLLED MODE ".

Background of the Invention

Related Requests

The present disclosure claims the right of priority based on provisional U.S. patent application No. 60 / 788,572, filed March 31, 2006.

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to dispenser packs. More particularly, the present invention relates to veterinary liquid dispensing packages.

Over the years, designers have sought to improve container designs and processes for dispensing liquids. Conventional designs, however, suffer from several drawbacks. They are not sufficiently tear resistant to ensure that the contained liquids are used for their intended use. Several convenient ones can be opened relatively easily, such as by twisting one part of the container relative to the other. Neither is conventional design adequately preventing liquid from being accidentally discharged during the container opening process. In the dispensing field, the terms "violent reaction", "splashing" and "bursting" of liquid were used to describe the problem of accidental discharge that may occur when an opening in the container should be created by tearing a portion of the container near A tear line. In addition, current designs are susceptible to uncontrolled discharge after opening because the same typically allow the liquid to flow freely through the torn opening.

Thus, it will be advantageous to provide a tear-resistant container that requires a greater degree of dexterity to open, which prevents accidental discharge during opening, and which allows the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner.

Summary of the Invention

The advantages and objects of the present invention will be determined in part by the following description, and in part by the description, or may be taught by the practice of the present invention. Moreover, the advantages and objects of the present invention will be realized and achieved by means of the particular elements and combinations set forth in the appended claims.

One aspect of the present invention provides a collapsible liquid storage package therein, including a plurality of liquid impermeable overlapping sheets being joined between a liquid tight seal along their respective peripheral edges; a liquid reservoir enclosed between the overlapping sheets, including a funnel outlet outlet and a liquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; a reinforced closure located along the liquid tight seal configured to block the liquid discharge opening; where the funnel-shaped outlet passage extends through the discharge-opening of liquid from the flexible reservoir for the reinforced closure.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a foldable package for storing liquids therein, including a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable overlapping sheets being joined together by a liquid tight seal along their respective peripheral edges; a liquid reservoir enclosed between the overlapping sheets, including a funnel-shaped outlet passage and a liquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight sheet; and a reinforced closure located along the liquid tight seal and configured to block the liquid discharge opening; wherein the funnel outlet is configured to allow the formation of a meniscus by unlocking the liquid discharge opening to prevent liquids from leaving the foldable package. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a storage method. of liquids within the foldable package, including providing a plurality of aliquid and flexible impervious overlapping sheets; join the overlapping leaves by an airtight aliquid seal along their respective peripheral edges; providing a liquid reservoir between the overlapping sheets, the liquid reservoir including a funnel-shaped outlet passage and a liquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; eprovides a reinforced closure located along the liquid tight seal to block the liquid discharge opening; where the folding packaging prevents splashing and violent reaction of liquids during unlocking of the liquid discharge opening.

A further aspect of the present invention is advantageous over the conventional "twisting" style of packages is that once the package is opened there is only one part to discard. Thus, the risk of a child or domestic animal swallowing a twisted device can be eliminated.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only, and are intended only to provide further explanation of the present invention as claimed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated into and form part of the present specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a top plan view illustrating a liquid dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lower section of the dispenser of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is a cross section illustrating a top section of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Fig. 5a is a side view of the dispenser of Fig. 1 having a 90 degree folded top portion;

Figures 5b - d are perspective views of the dispenser of figure 1 having a spaced apart folded flap portion to allow for liquid dispensing;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 provided with a twisted upper portion about its longitudinal axis;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Fig. 6 provided with the upper portion twisted substantially 90 degrees on the longitudinal axis;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 provided with the spaced apart upper portion;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 illustrating the liquid being dispensed;

Figure 10a is a perspective view of a liquid dispensing embodiment;

Figure 10b illustrates the dimensions according to the dispenser of Figure 10a;

Figure 10c illustrates the manufacturing process of the Figure 10a dispenser;

Figure 11a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the liquid dispenser;

Figure 11b illustrates the dimensions according to the dispenser of Figure 11a;

Figure 11c illustrates the manufacturing process of the Figure 11a dispenser;

Figure 12a is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the liquid dispenser;

Figure 12b illustrates the dimensions according to the dispenser of Figure 12a;

Figure 12c illustrates the manufacturing process of the Figure 12a dispenser;

Figure 13a is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the liquid dispenser;

Figure 13b illustrates the dimensions according to the dispenser of Figure 13a; and

Figure 13c illustrates the manufacturing process of Figure 13a dispenser.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

One embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a tear resistant package 5 which is provided with a bottom layer 10e of a top layer 15 adhered to the bottom layer 10. The shape of the package in general is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 18. The bottom and top layers 10, 15 are joined together to define a base portion 20 (alternatively referred to as an "applicator") and a non-removable flap portion 30. In a preferred embodiment, the flap portion 30 may remain attached to the base portion 20 after the package 5 has been opened. Alternatively, the flap portion 30 may be removed from the base portion 20 by scissors cutting or another cutting implement. Two perspective cross-sectional views of package 5 are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Bottom layer 10 and top layer 15 may be thermoformed and stamped together resulting in a thermoformed package.

Thermoformed packaging may be made from any flexible plastics film material having adequate melt resistance. Said materials include polyolefins, with polyethylene and polypropylene being preferred. Other resins that may be used include polyethylene terephthalate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, laminates, multi-layer olefin composites, and other thermoformed materials. In one embodiment, the thermoformed package is formed of PVC - (polyvinyl chloride), PVDC (a polyvinyl dichloride chloride film), a multilayer film arranged with LDPE + EVOH (ethyl vinyl alcohol) + LDPE, OPA - (Poly Oriented Amide) - COC®, BAREX® and ACLAR®.

As can best be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the topsheet 15 is formed to form a liquid reservoir 40, a neck portion 50, and a reinforcing portion 60. The reservoir 40 is flexible and is configured to store the largest a portion of a liquid 70. The reservoir 40 and the flap portion 30 each of which may include a series of wedging ribs 35, 45. The neck portion 50 may extend slit from the reservoir 40 along the longitudinal axis 18 The neck portion 50 may include an end portion 55.

In one embodiment, the neck portion 50 may be formed as a funnel shape to gradually restrict the flow of liquid 70 away from the reservoir 40. When the package 5 is held in a vertical orientation, said funnel shape may cause the liquid to flow. 70 flows out of end portion 55 and drains back into reservoir 40. This is referred to as a "drain back" feature. In another preferred embodiment, a desired amount of gas or gas may be included within the reservoir 40 and the neck portion 50 to further encourage liquid 70 to flow out of the end portion 55 when the package 5 is filled. kept in vertical orientation. For example, in one embodiment, nitrogen may be injected into pack 5 before it is filled with liquid 70.

In one aspect of the present invention, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the reinforcement portion 60 may extend around the end portion 55 of the neck portion 50. The reinforcement portion 60 may be configured as a general shape. U or other shapes, such as a C-shape, O-shape or X-shape. In other embodiments (not shown) the reinforcement portion 60 may include two separate portions each located adjacent the end portion 55. of the neck portion 50. The marking line 80 may extend through both the reinforcing member 60 and the neck portion 50 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 50. The reinforcing portion 60 may be located to dispel the marking line 80. The reinforcing portion 60 may be disposed at the ends of the marking line 80, thereby making the package 5 more difficult to tear. from either end of the marking line 80 and therefore resistant to opening by a child, for example. The reinforcing portion 60 may further be configured to provide stiffness to the package 5, and more particularly to the neck portion 50.

During manufacture, the reinforcing portion 60 may be stamped into the package 5 by using a roll or block stamping profile as best shown in cross section of Figure 4. In one embodiment, the reinforcing portion 60 It may be formed by a plug and a female plug during the thermoforming process of the package 5 in a forming mold.

In another aspect of the present invention, the container 5 may be opened in a controlled manner. As shown in figure 5a, a user may first hold the package 5 in an upright position. When the pack 5 is held in said orientation, the liquid 70 may drain into the end portion 55 and back towards the reservoir 40. Since liquid 70 is not present in the end portion 55 when the package 5 is open, accidental sneezing can be prevented.

Still referring to Fig. 5a, the user may open the package 5 by folding the flap portion 30 over the marking line 80. The reinforcement portion 60 may form an expanded portion 67 along the marking line 80, which restricts the the coefficient by which the flap portion 30 can rotate relative to the base portion 20. In this embodiment, the user also need not remove the flap portion 30 from the base portion 20 to dispense liquid 70. Figures 5b - d illustrate the steps by which the user may fold the flap portion 30 away from the reservoir40.

In another embodiment, as shown in figures 6 and 7, the reinforcement portion 60 may further prevent the flap portion 30 from being torn along the marking line 80 when it is twisted relative to the base portion. Thus, the reinforcing portion 60 may require the user to have a greater degree of dexterity for opening the package 5 by precisely folding the flap portion 30 over the marking line 80.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the funnel shape of the neck portion 50 can prevent accidental discharge of liquid 70 after the flap portion 30 has been folded back into the applicator 20. As shown, when the package 5 is in the head down orientation, the liquid meniscus 75 may be formed in the opening of the neck portion 50 based on the funnel shape of the neck portion 50 and the viscosity of the liquid 70. The dimensions of the funnel shape including diameter and length may be dependent on the viscosity of liquid 70. Liquid 70 may be any suitable liquid such as a solvent-based or water-based liquid having a viscosity in the range of about from 0.5 χ 10 "3 to 2.0 to 10" 3 Pa.s. Thus, the package 5 of the present disclosure may be relevant for dispensing any suitable liquid as long as its viscosity can be accommodated by appropriate design of the neck portion 50.

Figure 9 illustrates a method of dispensing liquid 70 in a controlled manner. To dispense liquid 70, a user may squeeze reservoir 40 and compress top layer 15 inwardly. In one embodiment, the topsheet 15 may remain collapsed after the user has pressed the reservoir. Alternatively, the topsheet 15 may be oriented to return to its original shape after the user has squeezed the reservoir 40. In this embodiment, when the topsheet 15 moves back to its original shape, a negative pressure within the shell. reservoir 40 may prevent liquid 70 from flowing out of reservoir 40. In an illustrative embodiment, reservoir 40 may be manufactured with an initial negative internal pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure. Once the reservoir 40 is opened, the negative pressure can cause liquid 70 to flow away from the opening to prevent liquid 70 from escaping from reservoir 40. In another illustrative fashion, reservoir 40 may contain a back pocket. air into the neck portion 50 to prevent liquid 70 from the neck portion 50 prior to the opening and to prevent it from splashing during the opening process. In another aspect of the present invention, the package 5 may be configured to "suck in" or cause internal suction to maintain liquid 70 within the reservoir upon opening or until pressure is applied by the user to reservoir 40.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the package as shown in figures 10a-b may be configured to hold a specific volume of liquid. For example, a 2.2 ml package may be configured to have a bottom layer 10 measuring 0.5mm thick. The package may further be provided with a depth of 6.5 mm in cross section. As shown in Figure 10c, the double roll feeding of mat materials can be used in the thermoforming and stamping process to form the top and bottom layers 15, 10 of package 5. As illustrated, each container can be spaced one by one. each other along the material blanket.

In another example, as shown in FIGS. 11a-b, a 2.5 mL can be configured to have a bottom layer 10 measuring about 0.5 mm thick. The package may further be provided with a total package depth of about 8.5 mm in cross section. As shown in Figure 11c, the double roll feeding of blanket materials can be used in the thermoforming and stamping manufacturing process to form the top and bottom layers 15, 10 of package 5. As shown, each container can be spaced from one another. another along the blanket of materials.

In another example, as shown in figures 12a-b, a 4.9 ml package can be configured to have a bottom layer 10 measuring about 0.5 mm thick. The package may further be provided with a total package depth of about 10.5 mm in cross section. As shown in Figure 12c, the double-roll feeding of blanket materials can be used in the thermoforming and stamping manufacturing process to form the top and bottom layers 15, 10 of package 5. As illustrated, each container can be spaced from one another. another along the blanket of materials.

In yet another example, as shown in Figures 13a-b, a 7.4 ml package can be configured to have a bottom layer 10 attached to the top layer 15. The package can still be provided with a total package depth. of about 13.10 mm in cross section. As shown in figure 13c, the double material feeder of blanket materials can be used in the thermoforming and stamping manufacturing process to form the top and bottom layers 15, 10 of package 5. As illustrated, each container may be spaced one by one. another along the blanket of materials.

Other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art taking into consideration the specification and practice of the invention described herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present invention being indicated by the following claims. Thus, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrative examples in the present specification. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all modifications and variations that may come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

1. A foldable storage package for namesma liquids, comprising: A plurality of flexible, fluid-impermeable overlapping sheets being joined by a liquid-tight seal along their peripheral edges; A reservoir of liquid between the overlapping sheets, including a passageway. funnel-shaped outlet and a deliquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; a reinforced closure located along the liquid tight seal configured to block the liquid discharge opening; where the funnel outlet passage extends through the liquid discharge opening from the flexible reservoir to reinforced closing. A foldable package according to claim 1, wherein the funnel outlet passage comprises a tapered portion and an elongated neck portion provided with opposite ends; Where the tapered portion extends from the deliquid reservoir to one end of the elongated neck portion, and the elongated neck portion extends from its other end to the reinforced closure. Foldable package according to claim 1, the reinforced closure and the liquid reservoir each comprising a plurality of gripping ribs. Foldable package according to claim 1, the reinforced closure is joined to the liquid reservoir along a marking line in place along the liquid tight seal. A foldable package according to claim 4 further comprising: a reinforcing member formed in the reinforced closure and the liquid reservoir through the marking line at a location along the liquid tight seal. A foldable package according to claim 5, wherein the reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, O-shaped or X-shaped. A foldable package according to claim 5, wherein the reinforcing member is configured to unlock the liquid discharge opening by being rotated on the marking line. A foldable storage container for stamping liquids, comprising: A plurality of flexible, fluid-impermeable overlapping sheets being joined by a liquid-tight seal along their peripheral edges; A reservoir of liquid between the overlapping sheets, including a passageway. funnel-shaped outlet and a deliquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; a reinforced closure located along the liquid tight seal configured to block the liquid discharge opening where the funnel outlet is configured to allow a meniscus to form by opening of the discharge liquid to prevent liquids from leaving the folding package. A foldable package according to claim 8, wherein the funnel-shaped outlet passage comprises a tapered portion and an elongated neck portion provided with opposite ends, wherein the tapered portion extends from the deliquid reservoir to one end of the portion. of elongated neck, and the elongated neck portion extends from the other end to the reinforced closure; Where the tapered portion is configured to drain liquid from the elongated neck portion toward the liquid reservoir. A foldable package according to claim 8, wherein the reinforced closure and the liquid reservoir each comprise a plurality of gripping ribs. A foldable package according to claim 8, wherein the reinforced closure is joined to the liquid reservoir along a marking line along the liquid tight seal. A foldable package according to claim 11 further comprising: A reinforcement member formed in the reinforcement closure and a liquid reservoir through the marking line at a location along the airtight liquid seal. Foldable package according to claim 12, wherein the reinforcing member is substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, O-shaped or X-shaped. A foldable package according to claim 12, wherein the reinforcement closure is configured to unlock the liquid discharge opening by being rotated about the marking line. A method of storing liquids within the foldable package, comprising: providing a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable overlapping sheets, joining the overlapping sheets with a liquid tight seal along their respective peripheral edges; liquid between the superposed sheets, the liquid reservoir including a funnel-shaped outlet passage and a liquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; eProvide a reinforced closure located along the airtight seal to block the liquid discharge opening, where the folding package prevents sneezing and violent reaction of liquids during unlocking of the liquid discharge opening. The method of claim 15 further comprising: Configuring a funnel-shaped outlet passage to draw liquid therein back into the liquid reservoir by supporting the foldable package vertically for several seconds. A method according to claim 16 further comprising: Attaching the gusset closure to the liquid reservoir along a marking line in place along the liquid tight seal and configuring the gusset closure to unlock the discharge opening. of liquid being rotated on the marking line. A method according to claim 17 further comprising: Forming a reinforcement member at the reinforced closure and the liquid reservoir through the marking line in place along the liquid tight seal to prevent accidental release of the reinforcement. Discharge opening of liquid. A method according to claim 18 further comprising: Configuring the liquid discharge opening to allow the formation of a meniscus by unlocking the Ifquido discharge opening to prevent accidental discharge of liquids from From the folding packing. A method according to claim 19 further comprising: Configuring the overlapping sheets to collapse and discharge liquid into the liquid reservoir through the liquid discharge opening with the rotation of the reinforcement closure by the user over the demarcation line, and the compression into the liquid reservoir.