CN111094146A

CN111094146A - Self-sealing dose package

Info

Publication number: CN111094146A
Application number: CN201880060974.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马里奥·巴里奥斯; 卡罗琳娜·韦加
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Current assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2017-09-25
Filing date: 2018-09-21
Publication date: 2020-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-21
Also published as: US20200247600A1; AU2018338124B2; CN111094146B; WO2019060648A1; EP3668800A1; MX2020003015A; AU2018338124A1; EP3668800B1

Abstract

A dose package comprises a front panel and a back panel defining an interior volume therebetween. A portion of the front panel, the back panel, or both is configured to be torn, perforated, or cut to open the dose package. A first guide may be positioned in the interior volume and extend towards a second opposite edge of the dose package. A second guide may be positioned within the interior volume and extend toward the first edge. A third guide may be positioned within the interior volume. The third guide is substantially perpendicular to the first and second guides. The first, second and third guide members define a twisted fluid flow path through which fluid is configured to flow in response to exposure of the dose package to a predetermined force after the dose package has been opened.

Description

Self-sealing dose package

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from us 62/562,688 provisional patent application No. 9/25/2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

The dose package typically comprises a bendable and/or deformable plastic body defining an interior volume. A fluid may be disposed within the interior volume. A cap may be coupled to the body to seal the fluid therein, and the cap may be moved or removed to allow the fluid to be squeezed or poured from the body. However, the cover is typically made of a hard plastic that is expensive and not environmentally friendly (i.e., does not degrade quickly). Some packages do not contain a lid, but rather contain portions (e.g., corners) that are designed to be torn open to open the package. However, such packages are intended to allow all fluids to be used immediately or as a refill for the bottle, as the fluids may leak or accidentally spill after the first use due to the lack of a cap. It is therefore desirable to have an improved dose package that does not include a lid but is leak and spill proof.

Disclosure of Invention

A dose package comprises a front panel and a back panel defining an interior volume therebetween. A portion of the front panel, the back panel, or both, is configured to be torn, perforated, or cut to open the dose package. A first guide may be positioned in the interior volume. The first guide is coupled to or integral with a first edge of the dose package and extends towards a second opposite edge of the dose package. A second guide may be positioned within the interior volume. The second guide is coupled to or integral with the second edge and extends toward the first edge. A third guide may be positioned within the interior volume. The third guide is coupled to or integral with the third edge of the dose package. The third guide is substantially perpendicular to the first and second guides. The first, second and third guide members define a twisted fluid flow path through which fluid is configured to flow in response to exposure of the dose package to a predetermined force after the dose package has been opened.

In another embodiment, the dose package comprises a front panel and a back panel defining an interior volume therebetween. A portion of the front panel, the back panel, or both, is configured to be torn, perforated, or cut to form an opening in the dose package. First and second guides are positioned within the interior volume. The first and second guides are offset with respect to each other. The first and second guide members define a twisted fluid flow path through which fluid is configured to flow in response to exposure of the dose package to a predetermined force after the dose package has been opened. The fluid flow path is not defined by one or more edges of the dose package.

In yet another embodiment, the dose package comprises a front panel and a back panel defining an interior volume therebetween. An opening is formed through the upper edge of the dose package. The width of the opening is about 5% to about 50% of the width of the lower edge of the dose package. The first side edge of the dose package is substantially perpendicular to the upper edge. At least a portion of the second opposing side edge of the dose package is oriented at an angle from about 20 ° to about 90 ° relative to the first side edge, and wherein the opening is sealed using a snap lock feature or a slide mechanism.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 depicts a front view of an example of a dose package according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose package according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 depicts a front view of another example of the dose package of fig. 2 with an additional guide according to embodiments.

Fig. 4 depicts a front view of another example of the dose package of fig. 3 with additional guides, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 depicts a front view of another example of a dose package according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 depicts a front view of another example of a dose package according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 depicts a front view of another example of a dose package according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 depicts a front view of another example of a dose package according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9 depicts a front view of another example of the dose package of fig. 8, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Ranges are used throughout as a shorthand way of describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and a definition in a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a dose package 100 according to an embodiment. The dose package 100 may also or indeed be referred to as a pouch, bag, pouch, or the like. The dose package 100 may comprise a body 110. The body 110 may be made of plastic.

In one embodiment, the body 110 may include a front panel 112 and a rear panel (not shown) that at least partially overlap one another. The front panel 112 and the rear panel may be substantially identical. The front panel 112 is transparent in fig. 1 to illustrate the interior volume 120. As shown, the front panel 112 and the back panel are generally rectangular and include four outer edges 114-117. In other embodiments, the front panel 112 and the back panel may be other shapes, such as square, circular, oval, curvilinear, and the like. The front panel 112 and the rear panel may be sealed together along one or more of the edges 114 to 117 such that the body 110 defines an interior volume 120 that is visible because the front panel 112 is transparent. A consumer product (e.g., a fluid) may be disposed in the interior volume. The fluid may be or comprise a liquid, gel, paste, powder, or the like. For example, the fluid may be or comprise toothpaste, mouthwash, food condiments (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.), pet treats, fabric conditioners, fabric detergents, all purpose cleaners, hand or dish wash cleaners, bath lotions, body washes, shampoos, skin lotions, emulsions, hand sanitizers, concentrates, and the like.

The interior volume 120 may be initially completely sealed (e.g., by the sealed edges 114 through 117). When the user is ready to use the fluid in the dose package 100, the user may tear and/or remove a portion of the body 110 to form an opening (i.e., spout) 122 through one of the edges (e.g., edge 114). The interior volume 120 may include a fluid flow path 124 extending from an open end 121 to an end (e.g., opening) 122. Fluid flow path 124 may have a length of about 5mm to about 20mm, about 10mm to about 20mm, or about 15mm to about 20 mm. In another embodiment, fluid flow path 124 may have a length of up to two times (2X) or three times (3X) the length of first edge 114 or second edge 117. Fluid flow path 124 may have a width of about 2mm to about 80mm, about 4mm to about 60mm, or about 6mm to about 40 mm. Fluid flow path 124 may comprise about 25mm²To about 50mm²About 30mm²To about 45mm²Or about 35mm²To about 40mm²Cross-sectional area of (a). The cross-sectional area may be within this range for the entire length of fluid flow path 124. In at least one embodiment, the foregoing ranges may apply to a dose package having an internal volume of 400ml, and inferences may be made regarding dose packages having larger or smaller volumes.

Additionally, fluid flow path 124 may be twisted. More specifically, fluid flow path 124 may include one or more bends or turns (e.g., two bends or turns are shown: 126, 128). As shown, the first bend 126 may be at 90 ° and the second bend 128 may be at 180 °. The second bend 128 may also be considered as two 90 ° bends in close proximity. The

bends

126, 128 may be sharp or curved.

Fluid flow path 124 may be at least partially defined by one or more guides or barriers (two guides or barriers: 130, 132 are shown). As shown, first guide 130 may be coupled to or integral with first edge 114 and extend toward opposite (i.e., third) edge 116. Second guide 132 may be coupled to or integral with third edge 116 and extend toward opposite (i.e., first) edge 114. The first guide 130 and the second guide 132 may be offset from each other (e.g., parallel to each other).

As shown, greater than about 20% (e.g., about 20% to about 45%) of the total length (e.g., from 121 to 122) of fluid flow path 124 may be parallel to and between

guides

130, 132. In other embodiments, at least a portion of fluid flow path 124 may not be parallel to

guides

130, 132. The overall length of fluid flow path 124 may be greater than the length 136 of one of

guides

130, 132. For example, the total length of the fluid flow path may be about 101% to about 250% of the length 136 of the first guide 130, the second guide 132, or both. Greater than about 75% (e.g., about 75% to about 95%) of the length 136 of the guide 132 may overlap the length of the guide 130.

In one embodiment, the first guide member 130 and the second guide member 132 may be made of the same material as the front panel 112 and the rear panel. In another embodiment, the first guide 130 and the second guide 132 may be or include an adhesive that adheres the front panel 112 and the rear panel together. In yet another embodiment, first guide 130 and second guide 132 may be or include heat seal stripes that guide a fluid. The

guides

130, 132 may be formed by heat sealing the front and rear panels 112, which may be formed by plastic sealing techniques or adhesives that seal them together to form the

guides

130, 132. In yet another embodiment, the first guide 130 and the second guide 132 may be formed by sonic welding.

Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose package 200 according to an embodiment. The dose package 200 may be similar to the dose package 100 and discussion of similar features is omitted. In the dose package 200, the fluid flow path 224 may extend from the open end 221 to the end (e.g., opening) 222. Fluid flow path 224 may include one or more bends or turns (e.g., one bend or turn is shown: 226). As shown, the bend 226 may be a 90 ° turn. Fluid flow path 224 may be at least partially defined by one or more guides or barriers (one guide or barrier is shown: 230). As shown, the guide 230 may be coupled to or integral with the edge through which the opening 222 is formed (i.e., the fourth edge 217) and extend toward the opposite (i.e., second) edge 215.

Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of another example of the dose package 200 of fig. 2 with an additional guide 232 according to an embodiment. Second guide 232 may be coupled to or integral with second edge 215 and extend toward the edge through which opening 222 is formed (i.e., fourth edge 217). The first guide 230 and the second guide 232 may be parallel to each other. With the addition of second guide 232, fluid flow path 224 may include two

bends

226, 228. As shown, the first bend 226 may be at 90 °, and the second bend 228 may be at 180 °. The second bend 228 may also be considered as two 90 ° bends in close proximity.

Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of another example of the dose package 200 of fig. 3 with an additional (e.g., third) guide 234 according to an embodiment. Third guide 234 may be coupled to or integral with third edge 216 and extend toward first edge 214. The third guide 234 may be perpendicular to the first and

second guides

230 and 232. The distance between the end of the third guide 234 and the second guide 232 may be about 0.5mm to about 2mm, about 1mm to about 5mm, or about 2mm to about 50 mm. Thus, the third guide 234 may at least partially separate the interior volume into the first portion 220A and the second portion 220B. In at least one embodiment, fluid flow path 224 may begin at 223 instead of 221.

Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose package 500 according to an embodiment. The dose package 500 may be similar to the dose packages 100, 200 and discussion of similar features is omitted. The first edge 514 and the fourth edge 517 may comprise a first (e.g. larger)

recess

540, 542, respectively, proximate to a corner 544 of the dose package 500. The first and

fourth edges

514, 517 may also include second (e.g., smaller) recesses 546, 548 at least partially within the

first recesses

540, 542, respectively. The

recesses

540, 542, 546, 548 may facilitate opening of the dose package 500 close to the corners 544. For example, a portion of the dose package 500 may be torn, perforated and/or cut along/between the

recesses

546, 548 to form the opening 522 in the dose package 500.

The dose package 500 may further comprise one or more guides (two guides are shown: 530, 532) at least partially defining a fluid flow path 524 from the open end 521 to an end (e.g., opening) 522. The

guides

530, 532 may be formed of the same materials and/or in the same manner as the

guides

130, 132, 230, 232, 234 described above. In other embodiments, the

guides

530, 532 may be one unitary tubular member. The tubular member may be formed within the inner volume 520, or the tubular member may be at least partially inserted into the inner volume after opening the dose package 500 (e.g., forming a friction fit therein). The

guides

530, 532 may also or indeed be made of the same material, have additional/different materials adhered to the walls of the front and rear panels 112, 524, or be heat sealed to create the fluid flow path 524. In at least one embodiment, a portion of the

guides

530, 532 can be torn off when the opening 522 is formed.

As shown, the

guides

530, 532 may be parallel to each other and separated from the sides of the dose package 500. The

guides

530, 532 and fluid flow path 524 may include one or more bends or turns (e.g., two bends or turns are shown: 526, 528). In contrast to the

bends

126, 128, 226, 228 of fig. 1-4, the

bends

526, 528 of fig. 5 may be or include a curvature rather than an acute angle. As shown,

curved portions

526, 528 may oppose each other, forming a generally curvilinear "S-shape.

Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose package 600 according to an embodiment. The dose package 600 may be similar to the dose packages 100, 200, and/or 500 and discussion of similar features is omitted. The guides 630, 632 and the fluid flow path 624 may include one or more bends or turns. As shown, the bend may be generally helical and extend over 180 °, over 270 °, or over 360 °. Additionally, the width of the fluid flow path 624 may vary along the length of the fluid flow path 624.

The

guides

130, 132, 230, 232, 234, 530, 532, 630, 632 in fig. 1-6 may at least partially define a twisted

fluid flow path

124, 224, 524, 624, which may increase the force and/or pressure required to flow fluid out of the

dose package

100, 200, 500, 600. As will be appreciated, the force and/or pressure may depend at least in part on the properties (e.g., viscosity) of the fluid. In one example, the viscosity of the fluid may be about 8.90 x 10^-4Pas to about 0.0398 pas or about 0 pas to about 700 pas. As a result, even if the

dose package

100, 200, 500, 600 is accidentally tipped over, the fluid may not spill or leak from the

dose package

100, 200, 500, 600 without the user applying an external force (e.g., squeezing) that increases the pressure.

As will be appreciated, the viscosity of the fluid, the length of the

fluid flow path

124, 224, 524, 624, the cross-sectional area of the

fluid flow path

124, 224, 524, 624, and the number and/or shape of the bends or turns 126, 128, 226, 228, 526, 528 in the

fluid flow path

124, 224, 524, 624 may be consequential effective variables affecting the amount of force and/or pressure required to cause the fluid to flow out of the

dose package

100, 200, 500, 600.

Fig. 7 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose package 700 according to an embodiment. The dose package 700 may comprise a body 710. In one embodiment, the body 710 may include a front panel 712 and a rear panel (not shown) that at least partially overlap one another. The front panel 712 and the rear panel may be substantially identical. The body 710 may also include a base 716 on which the dose package 700 is designed to rest such that the dose package 700 is configured to stand upright on the base 716.

The dose package 700 may initially be completely sealed. When the user is ready to use the fluid in the dose package 700, the user may tear and/or remove a portion of the body 710 to form the opening 722. Fluid flow path 724 may lead to opening 722. Fluid flow path 724 may be at least partially defined by one or

more guides

730, 732. The

guides

730, 732 may distort (e.g., include one or more bends) the fluid flow path 724. Thus, the fluid flow path 724 may have many of the same properties (e.g., length, cross-sectional width, number of bends, and shape) as described above to prevent the fluid inside the dose package 700 from leaking or spilling without the application of an external force (e.g., squeezing) by the user.

Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose package 800 according to an embodiment. The dosage package 800 may comprise a body 810. The main body 810 may be made of plastic. In one embodiment, the body 810 may include a front panel 812 and a back panel (not shown) that at least partially overlap one another. The front panel 812 and the rear panel may be substantially identical.

The body 810 may include a lower edge 815 and an upper edge 817. As shown, the width 840 of the lower edge 815 may be less than the width 842 of the upper edge 817. for example, the width 842 may be about 5% to about 50%, about 5% to about 40%, about 5% to about 30%, or about 5% to about 20% of the width 840. thus, the dose package 800 may include a spout or spout proximate the upper edge 817 for easy pouring.

The upper edge 817 may have an opening formed therethrough. As shown in fig. 8, the opening may be sealed by a snap-lock feature. As shown in fig. 9, the opening may be sealed by a sliding locking mechanism (e.g., zipper) 844.

In at least one embodiment, the dose package may comprise a front panel and a back panel defining an interior volume therebetween. A portion of the front panel, the back panel, or both, is configured to be torn, perforated, or cut to open the dose package. A first guide may be positioned in the interior volume. The first guide is coupled to or integral with a first edge of the dose package and extends towards a second opposite edge of the dose package. A second guide may be positioned within the interior volume. The second guide is coupled to or integral with the second edge and extends toward the first edge. A third guide may be positioned within the interior volume. The third guide is coupled to or integral with the third edge of the dose package. The third guide is substantially perpendicular to the first and second guides. The first, second and third guide members define a twisted fluid flow path through which fluid is configured to flow in response to exposure of the dose package to a predetermined force after the dose package has been opened.

The fluid may comprise toothpaste, mouthwash, food condiments, pet treats, fabric conditioners, fabric detergents, all purpose cleaners, hand or dish wash cleaners, shower gels, body lotions, emulsions, hand sanitizers, or concentrates. The viscosity of the fluid in the internal volume is about 0Pa s to about 700Pa s. The fluid flow path has a length of about 5mm to about 3 times the length of the first edge or the second edge. The fluid flow path has a cross-sectional area of about 2mm to about 80mm over the entire length. The fluid flow path includes a bend of approximately 90 °. The fluid flow path includes a bend of approximately 180 °. The first guide is made of the same material as the front and rear panels. The first guide is formed using adhesive, heat sealing or sonic welding. The third guide separates the interior volume into two portions. The distance between the end of the third guide and the second guide is about 0.5mm to about 50 mm.

The fluid flow path includes a curvilinear bend. The opening is formed near a corner of the dose package, the corner being at the intersection of two edges of the dose package. One or both of the sides includes a recess. The first guide member is molded to conform to the recess. The fluid flow path includes a helical bend. The width of the fluid flow path changes as it travels along the central axis through the fluid flow path. The first and second guides are configured to be inserted into the interior volume of the dose package through the opening after the front panel, the back panel, or both are torn to form the opening. The first and second guides are not part of a straw for drawing fluid out of the interior volume.

Claims

1. A dose package, comprising:

a front panel and a rear panel defining an interior volume therebetween, wherein a portion of the front panel, the rear panel, or both are configured to be torn, perforated, or cut to open the dose package;

a first guide positioned in the interior volume, wherein the first guide is coupled to or integral with a first edge of the dose package and extends toward a second, opposite edge of the dose package;

a second guide positioned within the interior volume, wherein the second guide is coupled to or integral with the second edge and extends toward the first edge; and

a third guide positioned within the interior volume, wherein the third guide is coupled to or integral with a third edge of the dose package, wherein the third guide is substantially perpendicular to the first guide and the second guide, and wherein the first guide, the second guide, and the third guide define a twisted fluid flow path through which fluid is configured to flow in response to exposure of the dose package to a predetermined force after the dose package has been opened.

2. The dosage package of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises toothpaste, mouthwash, food condiments, pet treats, fabric conditioners, fabric detergents, all-purpose cleaners, hand or dish wash cleaners, shower gels, skin lotions, emulsions, hand sanitizers, or concentrates.

3. The dose package of any preceding claim, wherein the viscosity of the fluid in the internal volume is from about 0Pa s to about 700Pa s.

4. The dose package of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid flow path has a length of about 5mm to about 3 times the length of the first or second edge.

5. The dose package of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid flow path has a cross-sectional area of from about 2mm to about 80mm throughout the length.

6. The dose package of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid flow path comprises a bend of about 90 °.

7. The dose package of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid flow path comprises a bend of about 180 °.

8. The dose package of any preceding claim, wherein the first guide is made of the same material as the front and back panels.

9. The dose package of any preceding claim, wherein the first guide is formed using adhesive, heat sealing or sonic welding.

10. The dose package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third guide separates the interior volume into two portions.

11. The dose package of any preceding claim, wherein the distance between the end of the third guide and the second guide is from about 0.5mm to about 50 mm.

12. A dose package, comprising:

a front panel and a rear panel defining an interior volume therebetween, wherein a portion of the front panel, the rear panel, or both are configured to be torn, perforated, or cut to form an opening in the dose package; and

first and second guides positioned within the interior volume, wherein the first and second guides are offset relative to each other, wherein the first and second guides define a twisted fluid flow path through which fluid is configured to flow in response to exposure of the dose package to a predetermined force after the dose package has been opened, and wherein the fluid flow path is not defined by one or more edges of the dose package.

13. The dose package of claim 12, wherein the fluid flow path comprises a curvilinear bend.

14. The dose package of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the opening is formed near a corner of the dose package at the intersection of two edges of the dose package, wherein one or both sides comprise a depression, and wherein the first guide is shaped to conform to the depression.

15. The dose package of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the fluid flow path comprises a helical bend.

16. The dose package of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the width of the fluid flow path changes as one travels through the fluid flow path along a central axis.

17. The dose package of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the first and second guides are configured to be inserted into the interior volume of the dose package through the opening after the front panel, the back panel, or both are torn to form the opening.

18. The dose package of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the first and second guides are not part of a straw for drawing the fluid out of the interior volume.

19. A dose package, comprising:

a front panel and a rear panel defining an interior volume therebetween, wherein:

an opening is formed through the upper edge of the dose package,

the width of the opening is from about 5% to about 50% of the width of the lower edge of the dose package, and

the first side edge of the dose package is substantially perpendicular to the upper edge.

20. The dose package of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of a second opposing side edge of the dose package is oriented at an angle of about 20 ° to about 90 ° relative to the first side edge, and wherein the opening is sealed using a snap lock feature or a sliding mechanism.