WO2017127477A1

WO2017127477A1 - Package with rupturable opening

Info

Publication number: WO2017127477A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/014021
Authority: WO
Inventors: William S. Perell; Mitsuhiro Sumimoto
Original assignee: Poppack Llc
Priority date: 2016-01-20
Filing date: 2017-01-19
Publication date: 2017-07-27

Abstract

A package including a unique bubble seal apparatus is disclosed. The package includes a sealed container including a first layer and a second layer, the container including a hollow enclosure for holding a product. The package further includes a fluid filled bubble, a first passage separated from the bubble by a first breachable seal, the bubble sealed from the hollow enclosure by a second breachable seal. The breachable seals are located along the perimeter of the bubble at an angle of less than about 150° with respect to the center of the bubble. Upon pressure applied to the fluid filled bubble, both breachable seals may breach, allowing fluid communication between the hollow enclosure and the first passage.

Description

PACKAGE WITH RUPTURABLE OPENING

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon and claims priority to U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 62/280,904, filed on January 20, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many products, especially consumer products, are packaged in flexible bags made from a plastic or polymer film. Packages made from polymer films can offer various advantages. For instance, the polymer films can be wrapped tightly around the consumer products to eliminate void space. The resulting packages are not very bulky and are easy to handle. The polymer films can also be translucent, allowing a purchaser to view the contents prior to making the purchase. In addition, the polymer films can be printed with decorative graphics to make the product more attractive.

Although packages made from polymer films can provide various

advantages, opening such packages can be quite difficult. For example, the polymer films must have sufficient strength to prevent against rupture during the packaging process and during subsequent transportation. Increasing the strength of the film or the seals that surround the content of the package, however, increases the difficulty in opening the package.

Often these polymer films are formed into small packets or pouches to store all different types of products, such as food products including condiments, medical products, adhesives, household products, and the like. Unfortunately, small packets or pouches are often difficult to open and are likely to cause a mess, especially when they are not opened properly and contain a liquid or other flowable product. They are conventionally designed to be opened by ripping off a corner of the package, usually from a perforated edge or from a slit on the periphery of the package, and then squeezed to remove the contents from the package.

It is not easy for many people to open these packages properly due to their small size. People often rip too much of the corner, making it hard to control the release of the product. In addition to making a mess, this can lead to wasted product because it is hard for someone to get all of the contents out without getting them on their clothing or hands when the opening is too large. It would be useful for these types of packages to employ an easy opening device which would allow dispensing of the product to be easily controlled.

Some packages have been designed so that they can easily be opened by applying pressure to a breachable bubble, which creates an opening in the periphery of the package so that the opposing film layers can be separated in order to access the contents of the package.

These packages have been further modified so that the breachable bubble acts as a conduit to facilitate release of the product. These packages can be opened by applying pressure to one part of the bubble to breach the periphery of the package and another part of the bubble to access the product compartment within the package.

Although the above packages containing a breachable bubble have provided great advancements in the art, further improvements are needed. In particular, a need exists for a package containing a fluid filled bubble that can controllably release a product from the package.

SUMMARY

Provided is a package which includes a unique bubble seal apparatus. The bubble seal apparatus may include a fluid filled bubble with one or more

breachable seals and/or openings positioned along its perimeter at an angle of less than about 150° with respect to the center of the bubble. This angle effectively places the breachable seal(s) and/or opening(s) on the same side of the bubble so that when a user applies pressure to the bubble, air is forced through the one or more seals, breaching them upon pressure applied to a single point.

In one embodiment, placing pressure on the fluid filled bubble creates a passageway from the bubble to the outside environment. When applying pressure to the bubble and causing the breachable seals to breach, two opposing polymer layers separate. In other words, during breaching, the material or polymer film used to make the bubble does not breach or rupture but, instead, opposing layers of material separate causing a passageway to form. In one embodiment, a popping sound may occur when the two opposing layers of material separate. In one embodiment, the package may comprise a sealed container formed between two layers including a hollow enclosure for holding a product. One of the breachable seals may seal the bubble from the enclosure while the other breachable seal(s) may seal the bubble from one or more passages. The package is configured so that a user may apply pressure to the fluid filled bubble and/or the enclosure, breaching the one or more seals, and allowing the flow of product from the enclosure through the bubble and into the passage(s).

The passage(s), in one embodiment, may lead to the surrounding environment. In this embodiment, if pressure is applied to the fluid filled bubble and/or the enclosure, the breachable seals breach, creating a pathway from the hollow enclosure to the surrounding environment so that the product may be squeezed out and dispensed from the enclosure through the bubble and the passage(s).

In another embodiment, the first passage is located adjacent to a second fluid-filled bubble which may be separated from the surrounding environment by a third breachable seal. The package may be configured so that a user can fold the second fluid filled bubble over the first fluid filled bubble in a way that they contact each other. The user may then apply pressure to one or both of the bubbles, causing all three seals to breach. In this embodiment, while the package is still folded, it is still effectively sealed from the surrounding environment, but when the package is unfolded after the seals have been breached, product may be dispensed through a pathway comprising both bubbles and the at least one passage.

In yet another embodiment, the passage is located adjacent to a second fluid filled bubble which is separated from the surrounding environment by a third breachable seal and is also separated from the passage by a fourth breachable seal. The third and fourth breachable seals may rupture upon pressure applied to the breachable bubbles and/or the enclosure. The package again may be configured so that a user can fold the second fluid filled bubble over the first fluid filled bubble in a way that they contact each other. In this embodiment, the application of pressure may cause all four seals to breach, creating an unsealed pathway from the enclosure to the surrounding environment when the package is unfolded. In yet another embodiment, the package includes a fluid filled bubble in fluid communication with a passage. An unsealed area around the perimeter of the bubble where the first passage connects to the bubble defines an opening. The bubble may be separated from a second passage by a breachable seal. The bubble may be connected by one of the passages to another fluid filled bubble. The other bubble may be separated from the passage by a breachable seal. The angle between the opening and the first breachable seal with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. Again, the package may be configured so that a user can fold the second fluid filled bubble over the first fluid filled bubble in a way that they contact each other. The user may then apply pressure to one or both of the fluid-filled bubbles or the enclosure, breaching one or more of the breachable seals and allowing fluid communication between the enclosure, the first fluid filled bubble, the passage, and the second fluid filled bubble.

In still another embodiment, the package includes two bubbles connected by a passage which is not sealed from either bubble. The first bubble is sealed from the enclosure by one breachable seal and the second bubble is sealed from a second passage by a second breachable seal. The second passage may be in fluid communication with the environment. An unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble where the passage connects to the bubble defines an opening. The angle between the opening and the first breachable seal with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. Once again, the package is configured so that a user can fold the second fluid filled bubble over the first fluid filled bubble in a way that they contact each other. The user may then apply pressure to one or both of the bubbles, causing both breachable seals to breach, and while the package is folded and the seals have been breached, the enclosure is

substantially sealed from the surrounding environment, but when the package is unfolded after the seals have been breached, product may be dispensed from the enclosure through both passages and both breachable bubbles.

In yet another embodiment, the package includes a first fluid filled bubble in fluid communication with the hollow enclosure and a first passage. A second passage may separate the first bubble and the enclosure. An unsealed area around the perimeter of the first bubble where the hollow enclosure or the second passage connects to the bubble defines a first opening. An unsealed area around the perimeter of the first bubble where the first passage connects to the bubble defines a second opening. The angle between the first and second openings with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. A breachable seal may separate the first passage from the surrounding environment. Pressure may be applied to the enclosure and/or the fluid filled bubble, breaching the breachable seal and allowing fluid communication between the enclosure and the surrounding environment.

In a further embodiment, the package includes a first and a second fluid filled bubble, wherein the first fluid filled bubble is in fluid communication with the hollow enclosure and a first passage. The first passage separates the first and second bubbles. The second bubble may be separated from the first passage by a first breachable seal and may also be separated from the surrounding environment by a second breachable seal. Pressure may be applied to the enclosure and/or the fluid filled bubbles, breaching the breachable seals. Product may then be dispensed from the enclosure into the surrounding environment.

In still another embodiment, the package includes a passage between the hollow enclosure and the first breachable bubble, separated from the bubble by a breachable seal. The passage may comprise a channel or a section of the hollow enclosure adjacent to the breachable seal. This section of the enclosure may be narrower than the rest of the enclosure, directing the product toward the bubble.

In still another embodiment, the package includes two or more breachable seals that, when pressure is applied, may breach substantially simultaneously. The breachable seals may be adjacent to one or more fluid filled bubbles.

Alternately, the breachable seals may be adjacent to the enclosure or to a passage adjacent to a fluid filled bubble or the enclosure. In this embodiment, when pressure is applied to the fluid filled bubble(s) and/or the enclosure, the breachable seals all breach, allowing for fluid communication between the enclosure and the surrounding environment.

In still another embodiment, the package includes two or more breachable seals that, when pressure is applied, may breach sequentially. In this

embodiment, one or more of the breachable seals may be weaker than the other breachable seal(s). When a user applies pressure to the enclosure and/or the fluid filled bubble(s), one or more of the breachable seals breach, leaving at least one breachable seal intact. The enclosure may remain sealed from the surrounding environment. Pressure may then be applied to the enclosure and/or the fluid filled bubble(s) to breach any remaining breachable seals, allowing the enclosure to be in fluid communication with the surrounding environment.

In still another embodiment, a bubble seal apparatus is provided. The bubble seal apparatus comprises a fluid filled bubble, a first passage, and a second passage. The first passage may be sealed from the bubble by a first breachable seal and the second passage may be sealed from the bubble by a second breachable seal. Alternately, an unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble where a passage connects to the bubble may define an opening, placing the bubble in fluid communication with said passage. The fluid filled bubble may contain more than one opening. The breachable seal(s) and/or opening(s) may be located along the perimeter of the bubble such that the seal(s) and/or opening(s) form an angle of less than about 150° with respect to a center of the fluid filled bubble. The apparatus may be configured so that the breachable seal(s) breach when pressure is applied to the bubble, allowing fluid communication between the first passage and the second passage.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following

description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 provides a side view of one embodiment of a package made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 provides a top view of one embodiment of a package made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 provides a top view of a bubble seal apparatus made in accordance with the present disclosure; Fig. 4 provides a top view of one embodiment of a package made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 provides a top view of another embodiment of a package made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bubble seal apparatus made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 provides a top view of another embodiment of a package made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 8 provides a perspective view of a bubble seal apparatus made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 9 provides a top view of another embodiment of a package made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 10 provides a top view of a bubble seal apparatus made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 1 1 provides a top view of one embodiment of a package made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 12 provides a top view of one embodiment of a package made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 13 provides a top view of a bubble seal apparatus made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 14 provides a top view of a bubble seal apparatus made in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 15 provides a top view of a bubble seal apparatus made in accordance with the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure. In general, the present disclosure is directed to a package including a unique bubble seal apparatus. The package, in one embodiment, comprises a sealed container including a first layer and a second layer forming two sides of a hollow enclosure. The package may further comprise a fluid filled bubble separated from the hollow enclosure by a breachable seal and a passage separated from the bubble by another breachable seal. The breachable seals may be located along the perimeter of the bubble so that they form an angle with respect to the center of the bubble of less than about 150°. If pressure is applied to the bubble, both breachable seals breach, forming a pathway for the flow of product between the hollow enclosure and the passage.

The advantage of the package is that both breachable seals can be breached by applying pressure to only one part of the bubble. This is due to the seals being located along the perimeter of the bubble at an angle of less than about 150°. It has been found that locating the seals on the same side of the bubble, such as less than about 150° from each other in relation to the center of the bubble, makes it much more likely for both seals to breach at the same time compared to seals which are positioned at opposing sides of the bubble, 180° from each other.

The angle between seals may be less than about 120°, such as less than about 100°, preferably less than about 90°, more preferably less than about 80°, and especially between about 5° and about 40°.

The present disclosure is also directed to a package comprising a fluid filled bubble having an opening. An unsealed area where the enclosure connects to the bubble defines an opening. The bubble may be in fluid communication with the enclosure. An unsealed area where a passage connects to the bubble may define another opening. The bubble may be in fluid communication with the passage. The package, in one embodiment, comprises a fluid filled bubble with two openings. The openings may be located along the perimeter of the bubble so that they form an angle with respect to the center of the bubble of less than about 150°. Alternately, the package may comprise a fluid filled bubble with one opening. The bubble may be separated from the hollow enclosure or a passage by a breachable seal. The first opening and either the second opening or the breachable seal may be located along the perimeter of the bubble so that they form an angle with respect to the center of the bubble of less than about 150°.

Another advantage of the package is that the user has improved control when dispensing a product from the hollow enclosure. This is a result of the seal(s) and/or opening(s) being located along the perimeter of the bubble at an angle of less than about 150°. When the seal(s) and/or opening(s) are positioned at opposing sides of the bubble, 180° from each other, unintended spillage may occur when the user attempts to open the package and/or dispense product from the hollow enclosure through the fluid filled bubble. It has been found, however, that locating the seals and/or openings on the same side of the bubble, such as less than about 150° from each other in relation to the center of the bubble, significantly improves flow control of the product by providing a slower flowrate.

A first embodiment of a package is shown by Fig. 1 . Reference numeral 10 generally indicates a package in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The package 10 may include a first layer 1 1 and a second layer 12. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 are portions of a singular sheet of flexible polymer film. In another

embodiment, the first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 are separate sheets of flexible polymer film. It should be understood that the package 10 can have any suitable shape depending upon various factors including the type of product contained in or to be received in the package.

The first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 can be made from any suitable polymer. Polymers that may be used to form the package include, for instance, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, mixtures thereof, copolymers thereof, terpolymers thereof, and the like. In addition, the package can also be made from any suitable elastomeric polymer.

The first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 can each comprise a single layer of material or can comprise multiple layers. For instance, the first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 can each include a core layer of polymeric material coated on one or both sides with other functional polymeric layers. The other functional polymeric layers may include, for instance, an oxygen barrier layer, an ultraviolet filter layer, an anti-slip layer, a printed layer, and the like. It should also be understood that the first layer 1 1 can comprise different material than the second layer 12 and vice versa. For instance, the first layer 1 1 can comprise a printed layer and an anti-slip layer, while the second layer 12 can comprise only a printed layer.

The first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 can each be translucent or transparent. If translucent or transparent, for instance, the contents of the package 10 can be viewed from the outside. In another embodiment, however, the first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 can each be opaque. For instance, in one embodiment, the package 10 can display various graphics that identify, for instance, the brand and the description of the product inside. In other

embodiments, the first layer 1 1 can be translucent or transparent while the second layer 12 is opaque, and the first layer 1 1 can be opaque while the second layer 12 is translucent or transparent.

The first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 may also be made from other materials conventionally known in the art for making packets for food items, personal care products, household products, medical products and the like. For example either one or both of layer 1 1 and layer 12 may optionally include foil, such as aluminum foil or tin foil, paper (with wood and/or cotton content) fabric, cellophane, or biodegradable matter. A thin web made of materials such as Mylar or plastic or aluminum forms a flexible film with hermetic properties, and is commonly used as a tear-resistant packaging material. Either layer 1 1 or 12 may be made of a polymer lined with foil. It should also be known that the entirety of layer 1 1 or layer 12 is not necessarily made from the same material. For example, one material may be used to form the sections of either one or both of the layers that contacts the product while the package is sealed, while the other sections of the layer(s) are made from a different material. This embodiment may be advantageous as one material may be useful for keeping the product fresh while another material may be more useful for creating a bubble, passages, and breachable seals.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 may be sealed together to form a hollow enclosure 14. The enclosure 14 may be configured to receive at least one consumer product 15. The consumer product 15 may be any flowable fluid liquid, syrup, gel, slurry, dispersion, paste, lubricant, oil, emulsion, or the like. Further, in other embodiments, the consumer product 15 may be a gas. In addition, the consumer product 15 may be any granular solid or pourable powder such as sugar, salt, pepper, medications, and the like. The particles of the granular solid or powder may roll, slide, cascade, and tumble past each other in a fluid manner. Some powders may require a tap or shake of the package 10 in addition to gravity for discharge from the enclosure 14. The consumer product 15 may be of varying viscosity. A consumer product 15 with low viscosity may flow under gravity out of the enclosure 14. Alternately, a consumer product 15 with higher viscosity may be squeezed out of the enclosure 14.

The consumer product 15 may be, for example, a food product. In one embodiment, the consumer product 15 may be a cold food product. For example, in one embodiment, the consumer product 15 may be a condiment such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, salad cream, salad dressing, steak sauce, barbeque sauce, relish, tartar sauce, vinegar, and the like. Alternately, the consumer product 15 may be a personal care product. For example, in one embodiment, the consumer product 15 may be shaving cream, soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, lip balm, perfume, sunscreen, toothpaste, mouthwash and the like.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 6, an adhesive layer 13 may provide a seal between the first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive layer 13 may have a chemical composition such that the adhesive layer 13 possesses the capability to form a strong bond with itself under the application of pressure. Further, the adhesive layer 13 may have the capability to form a strong bond without the need for the application of elevated temperatures. It should be understood that the adhesive layer 13 may require heat to form the seal between the two layers 1 1 and 12.

In one embodiment, the adhesive layer 13 may comprise a cold seal adhesive (also known as a cohesive, contact adhesive, or self-seal adhesive). For example, the adhesive layer 13 may be a natural rubber-based cold seal adhesive, a synthetic polymer-based cold seal adhesive, or a natural rubber- and synthetic polymer-based cold seal adhesive. Natural rubber-based cold seal adhesives generally contain a natural rubber elastomer, such as a latex, as the predominant ingredient. Other ingredients such as tackifying resins, plasticizers, extenders, stabilizers, antioxidants, or other ingredients may be added to the natural rubber elastomer to modify the adhesive characteristics of the adhesive. Synthetic polymer-based cold seal adhesives generally contain both cohesive components, such as synthetic elastomers, and adhesive components. For instance, a wide variety of synthetic polymers, copolymers, and polymer mixtures may be included in the synthetic polymer-based cold seal adhesive composition, such as acrylic copolymers and styrene butadiene rubbers as base polymers and styrene-acrylic copolymers as secondary polymers, aqueous based polyurethanes and

polyurethane isomers, and copolymers of vinyl acetate and ethylene.

Natural rubber-based and synthetic polymer-based cold seal adhesives generally include a combination of natural rubber elastomers and synthetic polymers as the predominant ingredient. For instance, copolymers of vinyl acetate and ethylene may be combined with natural rubbers to formulate cold seal adhesives.

It should be understood that the adhesive layer 13 is not limited to natural rubber-based cold seal adhesives, synthetic polymer-based cold seal adhesives, or natural rubber-based and synthetic polymer-based cold seal adhesives, but may comprise any cold seal adhesive or any adhesive that possesses the capability to form a strong bond with itself under the application of pressure and without the need for the application of elevated temperatures. Further, it should be

understood that adhesive layer 13 is not limited to cold seal adhesives. For example, the adhesive layer 13 may comprise a heat seal adhesive, a drying adhesive, an emulsion adhesive, a light curing adhesive, or any other adhesive configured to seal a first layer 1 1 and a second layer 12 together.

Alternatively, the package may not include an adhesive layer and the first layer 1 1 and the second layer 12 may be thermally or ultrasonically bonded to each other.

Packages in accordance with the present disclosure contain a fluid filled bubble 20. The fluid filled bubble 20 can be separated from the hollow enclosure 14 and/or the outside environment by a breachable seal 30. Throughout the disclosure, reference will be made to breachable seals. Breachable seals are parts of the package 10 where layer 1 1 and layer 12 are sealed together, but with a weaker seal than the surrounding parts of the package so that they may readily rupture when a user applies pressure to an adjacent fluid-filled bubble or to an adjacent enclosure. In one embodiment, the breachable seal(s) may be

resealable after breaching for resealing the apparatus.

The breachable seals may be of varying strength. In one embodiment, one breachable seal may be stronger than another breachable seal due to a higher temperature and/or pressure and/or dwell-time during seal formation. That is, one seal may be fused together more than another seal. When the breachable seals are of varying strength, sequential breaching may occur. For instance, when pressure is applied, the weaker breachable seal may breach first. Additional pressure may be applied to breach the additional breachable seal(s).

Fluid filled bubble 20 may be filled with a fluid. The fluid may be, for example, a liquid or a gas. The fluid may be a compressible gas. In one embodiment, the fluid may be air.

The fluid may be trapped in fluid filled bubble 20 until one or more breachable seals are breached. Applying pressure to the fluid filled bubble 20 may breach the breachable seal(s). The gas may be compressed by applied pressure, creating an expansive force. For instance, when pressure is applied to the fluid filled bubble, the atmosphere within the bubble applies pressure to the breachable seal, causing the breachable seal to breach. If it is a small bubble, a consumer can simply pinch the bubble between his thumb and forefinger. Slightly larger bubbles may require thumb-to-thumb pressure. Alternately, a consumer may use both hands to apply pressure to the bubble. Pressure can also be applied to the bubble by placing the bubble against a flat surface and applying pressure with one's fingers, palm, elbow, or other solid item such as a salt or pepper shaker.

In one embodiment, fluid filled bubble 20 may be in fluid communication with the surrounding environment. The surrounding environment may be the general space or location of the consumer. For instance, the surrounding environment may be ordinary air. Alternatively, the surrounding environment may be a controlled space, such as the inside of another container. The fluid filled bubble 20 may be filled with a gas or liquid from the surrounding environment. In one embodiment, the fluid filled bubble 20 may be filled with air that is temporarily trapped within the bubble 20. In this embodiment, air may diffuse into and out of the space defined by fluid filled bubble 20. For example, air may diffuse from the surrounding environment into the space defined by fluid filled bubble 20. In a further embodiment, when the bubble 20 is filled with air from the surrounding environment, a user may apply pressure to fluid filled bubble 20 and optionally the enclosure 14, breaching the breachable seals.

In another embodiment, fluid filled bubble 20 may be in fluid

communication with hollow enclosure 14 of the package 10. Enclosure 14 may contain a consumer product 15, which may be a liquid. Alternately, product 15 may be a solid or a gas. Product 15 may be present in both enclosure 14 and fluid filled bubble 20. Thus, in one embodiment, the fluid-filled bubble may be a product-filled bubble. In this embodiment, when pressure is applied to the fluid filled bubble, the product within the bubble applies pressure to the breachable seal, causing the breachable seal to breach.

Each fluid filled bubble may provide a distinct breaching sound when the bubble is breached. The breaching sound may be caused by the trapped fluid escaping from the sealed area containing the bubble when the bubble is breached. For example, in one embodiment, a fluid filled bubble may provide a popping sound, similar to a small balloon popping, when the bubble is breached. In other embodiments, a fluid filled bubble may provide, for example, a peeping sound, a snapping sound, or a whistling sound.

In one embodiment, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the package 10 includes a first passage 40. First passage 40 may be sealed from the bubble 20 by a second breachable seal 31 . The passage 40 may be in fluid communication with an outside environment. Passage 40 may comprise a channel configured to discharge the contents of the package in a controlled manner. For example, passage 40 may be elongated to create flow drag along the sides of the passage, creating a laminar flow which can be easily directed by a user. As shown in Fig. 1 , the passage 40 may be formed by an unsealed area between layers 1 1 and 12.

Passage 40 may assume a circuitous or serpentine shape. A serpentine passage may have a curving, winding, or snake-like shape. For example, a serpentine passage 40 may assume the shape of a concave or convex curve.

Alternately, a serpentine passage 40 may comprise a series of alternating concave and convex curves. The series of curves may contain a number of alternating curves, such as two or more, such as three or more, such as four or more, such as five or more, such as eight or more, such as up to ten or more alternating curves. The circuitous or serpentine-shaped passage may slow the speed at which the fluid or product 15 is dispensed, providing for more controlled release of the product 15.

In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 3, breachable seals 30 and 31 are located along the perimeter 24 of fluid filled bubble 20, creating an angle with respect to the center 25 of the bubble 20 of less than about 150°. In a preferred embodiment, the bubble 20 is circular. Alternatively, the bubble 20 may take any other shape, such as the shape of any regular polygon. In addition to the perimeter shape of the fluid filled bubble 20, the bubble 20 may also have different 3-dimensional shapes. For instance, the fluid filled bubble 20 may include two opposing lobes that extend outwardly from each side of the package 10. In an alternative embodiment, however, the fluid filled bubble 20 may only include a single lobe projecting from only one side of the package 10. The perimeter 24 of the bubble 20, comprising the edge of the surrounding sealed area, defines an area of package 10. A center point 25 can be determined at the geometric center of the area. This should be taken as the average position of all mathematical points along the perimeter 24 of the bubble 20. In a preferred embodiment, the center point is simply halfway across any diameter of a circular perimeter.

Each breachable seal 30 and 31 contains at least a portion along the perimeter 24 of the bubble 20. A length of the portion of the perimeter 24 sealed by each of breachable seals 30 and 31 can be measured. A midpoint 26 is defined halfway along the length of the portion of perimeter 24 sealed by breachable seal 30 and a midpoint 27 is defined halfway along the length of the portion of perimeter 24 sealed by breachable seal 31 . The angle between breachable seals 30 and 31 with respect to the center of the circle is determined by measuring the angle between midpoint 26, center point 25, and midpoint 27, wherein center point 25 is the vertex.

One embodiment of the package includes another passage 41 which is in fluid communication with the enclosure 14 and is separated from the bubble 20 by breachable seal 30. In this embodiment, when pressure is applied to the bubble 20, both breachable seals 30 and 31 breach, allowing for fluid communication between the hollow enclosure 14 and passage 40. Passage 40 may lead to the outside environment. In this case, a pathway is created between the hollow enclosure 14 and the surrounding environment comprising passage 40, the bubble 20, and passage 41 . The product may then be controllably dispensed by squeezing the enclosure 14, forcing the product 15 through the pathway.

Passage 41 may comprise a channel or may be a section of the enclosure

14 which is adjacent to breachable seal 30. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the part of the enclosure 14 adjacent to breachable seal 30 is narrower than another part of the enclosure 14 not adjacent to breachable seal 30, allowing a user to easily control the flow of product. The narrow section may be curved or meander in order to facilitate a slow release of the product 15. Passage 41 may be formed similarly to passage 40.

In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 10, passage 41 may assume a circuitous or serpentine shape. Optionally, more than one of passages 40, 41 , and 42 may assume a circuitous or serpentine shape.

In yet another embodiment, shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the breachable seals may breach sequentially. For instance, one of breachable seals 30 and 31 may be weaker than the other. Breachable seals 30 and 31 are located along the perimeter 24 of fluid filled bubble 20, creating an angle with respect to the center 25 of the bubble 20 of less than about 150°. The first breachable seal 30 may separate the bubble 20 from the enclosure 14 or from passage(s) adjacent the enclosure. A second breachable seal 31 may separate the bubble from the environment or a passage 40 in fluid communication with the environment. In this embodiment, one of breachable seals 30 and 31 may breach when pressure is applied to bubble 20 and/or enclosure 14. The remaining breachable seal 30 or 31 may remain intact. When only one seal is breached, the product 15 is still separated from the surrounding environment. The user may then apply additional pressure to breach the remaining breachable seal, allowing fluid communication between the enclosure 14 and the surrounding environment.

In some embodiments, the fluid filled bubble 20 may comprise an opening. The opening may be defined by an unsealed area along the perimeter 24 of the fluid filled bubble 20. The opening may place the bubble 20 in fluid communication with the hollow enclosure 14 or an adjacent passage. A breachable seal may be adjacent the bubble 20. The angle between the breachable seal and the opening may be less than about 120°, such as less than about 100°, preferably less than about 90°, more preferably less than about 80°, and especially between about 5° and about 40°.

For instance, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 1 and 13, an unsealed area along the perimeter 24 of the bubble 20 defines an opening 35. Breachable seal 30 is located along the perimeter 24 of fluid filled bubble 20. The angle between the opening 35 and the breachable seal 30 with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. The perimeter 24 of the bubble 20, comprising the edge of the surrounding sealed area, defines an area of package 10. A center point 25 can be determined at the geometric center of the area. This should be taken as the average position of all mathematical points along the perimeter 24 of the bubble 20. In a preferred embodiment, the center point is simply halfway across any diameter of a circular perimeter. Breachable seal 30 and the opening 35 defined by an unsealed area along the perimeter 24 contain at least a portion along the perimeter 24 of the bubble 20. A length of the portion of the perimeter 24 sealed by breachable seal 30 can be measured. A midpoint 26 is defined halfway along the length of the portion of perimeter 24 sealed by breachable seal 30. A length of the portion of the perimeter 24 defining an unsealed area can also be measured. A midpoint 27 is defined halfway along the length of the portion of perimeter 24 defining an unsealed area. The angle between breachable seal 30 and the opening 35 with respect to the center of the circle is determined by measuring the angle between midpoint 26, center point 25, and midpoint 27, wherein center point 25 is the vertex.

In this embodiment, the package 10, shown in Fig. 1 1 , includes an opening 35, which is defined by an unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 20 where the passage 40 connects to the bubble 20. Bubble 20 may be in fluid communication with passage 40. Passage 40 may be in fluid communication with an outside environment. Passage 40 may comprise a channel configured to discharge the contents of the package 10 in a controlled manner. Enclosure 14 may be separated from bubble 20 by a breachable seal 30. The breachable seal 30 may be located along the perimeter of the bubble 20. The angle between the opening 35 and the first breachable seal 30 with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. Pressure may be applied to enclosure 14 and/or bubble 20, breaching breachable seal 30 and discharging product 15 through breachable seal 30, bubble 20, and passage 40.

In an alternate embodiment, shown in Fig. 12 and 14, an unsealed area along the perimeter 24 of the fluid filled bubble 20 defines an opening 39. Fluid filled bubble 20 may be in fluid communication with passage 41 . Passage 41 may be in fluid communication with the enclosure 14. Breachable seal 31 is located along the perimeter 24 of fluid filled bubble 20. The angle between the opening 39 and the breachable seal 31 with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. A center point 25 can be determined at the geometric center of the area. A midpoint 27 is defined halfway along the length of the portion of perimeter 24 sealed by breachable seal 31 . A midpoint 26 is defined halfway along the length of the portion of perimeter 24 defining an unsealed area. The angle between breachable seal 31 and the opening 39 defined by an unsealed area along the perimeter 24 with respect to the center of the circle is determined by measuring the angle between midpoint 26, center point 25, and midpoint 27, wherein center point 25 is the vertex.

In this embodiment, the package 10, as shown in Fig. 12, includes an unsealed area along the perimeter of bubble 20 where the enclosure 14 defines an opening 39. Enclosure 14 may be in fluid communication with bubble 20. Bubble 20 is separated from passage 40 by breachable seal 31 . Passage 40 may be in fluid communication with an outside environment. The angle between the opening 39 and the breachable seal 31 with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. Pressure may be applied to enclosure 14 and/or to bubble 20, breaching breachable seal 31 and allowing fluid communication between the enclosure 14 and the surrounding environment.

Referencing Figs. 4-7, other embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include a second fluid filled bubble 21 . The bubble 21 may be circular or may take any other shape, such as the shape of any regular polygon. The bubble 21 may also have different 3-dimensional shapes. For instance, the fluid filled bubble 20 may include two opposing lobes that extend outwardly from each side of the package 10. In an alternative embodiment, however, the fluid filled bubble 20 may only include a single lobe projecting from only one side of the package 10. Fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 may share the same 3-dimensional shape, or they may have different 3-dimensional shapes. The bubble 21 may be separated from the surrounding environment by a breachable seal 32. Fluid filled bubble 21 is located adjacent to passage 40. A passage 42 may be separated from the bubble 21 by breachable seal 32 and may be in fluid communication with the surrounding environment. Passage 42 may assume a circuitous or serpentine shape.

In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, bubble 21 is separated from passage 40 by a breachable seal 33. In this embodiment, seals 32 and 33 may be breached upon pressure to fluid filled bubble 21 . In this case breachable seals 30 and 31 may be breached by applying pressure to bubble 20 and breachable seals 32 and 33 may be breached by applying pressure to bubble 21 , allowing fluid

communication between the enclosure and the surrounding environment through a pathway comprising passage 42, bubble 21 , passage 40, bubble 20 and optional passage 41. The breachable seals may be breached sequentially or substantially simultaneously.

In an alternate embodiment, pressure may be applied to one of the fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 to breach any and/or all of the breachable seals 30, 31 , 32, and 33. For example, in one embodiment, the user may apply pressure to fluid-filled bubble 20, breaching breachable seals 30, 31 , 32, and 33 and allowing fluid communication between the enclosure and the surrounding environment.

In a further embodiment, pressure may be applied to the enclosure 14 to breach one or more of breachable seals 30, 31 , 32, and 33. Pressure may be applied to the enclosure 14 separately from or in addition to applying pressure to one or both of fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 . For example, in one particular embodiment, the user may apply pressure to enclosure 14 and optionally may apply pressure to fluid filled bubble 20, breaching breachable seals 30, 31 , 32, and 33 and allowing fluid communication between the enclosure and the surrounding environment.

In certain embodiments, the breachable seals 30, 31 , 32, and 33 may breach sequentially. For instance, one or more of the breachable seals may be weaker than the other breachable seal(s). When pressure is applied to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of the fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 , one or more of the breachable seals 30, 31 , 32, and 33 may breach. Any combination of the breachable seals may breach. In this embodiment, at least one of breachable seals 30, 31 , 32, and 33 remains intact. Pressure may then be applied to the bubble(s) and/or the enclosure 14, breaching the remaining seals.

In any embodiment including two bubbles, the package 10 may be configured to be folded so that one side of bubble 21 contacts one side of bubble 20. In certain embodiments, folding the package 10 may create a fold line. For example, the fold line may generally be a crease in the package 10. Alternatively, however, the fold line may be included in the package 10 before the package 10 is folded, to assist in folding to ensure that the folding is done at the proper location. With the package in a folded configuration, a user may apply pressure to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of the fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 to breach the breachable seals.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, when pressure is applied to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of bubbles 20 and 21 , one or more of breachable seals 30 and 31 adjacent to the first fluid-filled bubble 20 may breach, while the breachable seals 32 and 33 adjacent to the second fluid-filled bubble 21 may remain intact. A user may apply pressure to fluid-filled bubbles 20 and 21 and/or the enclosure 14 to breach seals 30 and 31 . When only seals 30 and 31 are breached, the enclosure 14 remains sealed from the surrounding environment.

In a particular embodiment, the package 10 may be in a folded

configuration. When the package is in a folded configuration, a user may apply pressure to fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 to cause breachable seals 30 and 31 to breach. Breachable seals 33 and 32 may remain intact. When seals 30 and 31 are breached, the enclosure 14 remains sealed from the surrounding environment. The package may be unfolded, and product 15 may then be pushed through passage 41 , breachable seal 30, bubble 20, breachable seal 31 , and passage 40. For instance, product 15 may be present in bubble 20, making fluid filled bubble 20 a product filled bubble. To breach the remaining breachable seals 33 and 32, the user may apply pressure to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of bubbles 20 and 21 . For instance, the user may apply pressure to product filled bubble 20, breaching seals 33 and 32. Product 15 may then be further dispensed through breachable seal 33, bubble 21 , breachable seal 32, and passage 42 into the surrounding environment. In an alternate embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, when pressure is applied to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of bubbles 20 and 21 , at least one of breachable seals 32 and 33 adjacent to the second fluid filled bubble 21 may breach, while the breachable seals 30 and 31 adjacent to the first fluid filled bubble 20 may remain intact.

In yet another embodiment, a breachable seal adjacent to bubble 20 and a breachable seal adjacent to bubble 21 may breach, while the other breachable seals adjacent the bubbles 20 and 21 remain intact. For example, in one embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, a user may apply pressure to one or both of the fluid-filled bubbles 20 and 21 to cause breachable seals 30 and 32 to breach.

In some embodiments, one of the bubbles 20 or 21 may be in fluid communication with the enclosure or an adjacent passage. For example, fluid filled bubble 21 may be in fluid communication with passage 40. In one

embodiment, shown in Fig. 5, an unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 21 where the passage 40 connects to the bubble 21 may define an opening 37. Pressure may be applied to the enclosure and/or the fluid or product-filled bubbles 20 and 21 , breaching the breachable seals and allowing fluid communication between enclosure 14 and the surrounding environment.

In one particular embodiment, shown in Fig. 5, fluid filled bubble 21 is not sealed from passage 40. In this embodiment, as well as any other embodiment including two bubbles, the package 10 may be configured to be folded so that one side of bubble 21 contacts one side of bubble 20. This configuration is shown by Fig. 6. In Fig. 6, the part of the seal shown adjacent to bubble 21 is weaker than the portion of the seal adjacent to bubble 20 and is indicated as breachable seal 32. Breachable seal 30 is not visible from the viewing angle in Fig. 6. Folding the package in this manner substantially creates a seal in passage 40, sealing bubble 20 from bubble 21 . While the package is folded, a user may apply pressure to one or both of the fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 to cause breachable seals 30, 31 , and 32 all to breach. The enclosure 14 is now sealed from the surrounding

environment by only the fold through passage 40. After the seals have been breached, the package may be unfolded, allowing fluid communication between the enclosure 14 and the surrounding environment. In another embodiment, fluid filled bubble 21 may be in fluid communication with the passage 42. An unsealed area along the perimeter of bubble 21 where the passage 42 connects to bubble 21 may define an opening.

In yet another embodiment, fluid filled bubble 21 may be in fluid

communication with passage 40 and passage 42. An unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 21 where the passage 40 connects to the bubble 21 may define an opening 37. An unsealed area along the perimeter of bubble 21 where the passage 42 connects to bubble 21 may define a second opening.

In still another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, fluid filled bubble 20 may be in fluid communication with passage 41 . An unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 20 where the passage 41 connects to the bubble 20 may define an opening 39. Fluid filled bubble 20 may be separated from the passage 41 by breachable seal 31. The angle between the opening 39 and the breachable seal 31 with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°.

Alternately, bubble 20 may be in fluid communication with enclosure 14. An unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 20 where the enclosure 14 connects to the bubble 20 may define an opening 39.

In still another embodiment, shown in Fig. 9, fluid filled bubble 20 is not sealed from adjacent passage 40. An unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 20 where the passage 40 connects to the bubble 20 may define an opening 35. Fluid filled bubble 20 may be separated from the enclosure 14 and passage 41 by a breachable seal 30. The angle between the opening 35 and the breachable seal 30 with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. The package 10 may be in a folded or unfolded configuration. For instance, the package 10 may be configured to be folded so that one side of bubble 20 contacts one side of bubble 21. A user may apply pressure to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of bubbles 20 and 21 , breaching the breachable seals 30, 32, and 33. In this embodiment, the enclosure 14 is now sealed from the surrounding environment by only the fold through passage 40. After the seals have been breached, the package may be unfolded, allowing fluid communication between the enclosure 14 and the surrounding environment.

In one embodiment, bubbles 20 and 21 are both in fluid communication with adjacent passage 40. With the package in a folded or unfolded configuration, pressure may be applied to the enclosure or one or more of the fluid filled bubbles, breaching one or more of the breachable seals. In a preferred embodiment, shown in Fig. 7, enclosure 14 is sealed from fluid filled bubble 20 by breachable seal 30. The bubble 20 is in fluid communication with passage 40. The package includes a second fluid filled bubble 21 which is located adjacent to and in fluid communication with passage 40. Bubble 21 is sealed from the surrounding environment by breachable seal 32. The package is configured to be folded so that that one side of bubble 21 contacts one side of bubble 20 as shown in Fig. 6. If pressure is applied to one or both of the bubbles 20 and 21 , breachable seals 30 and 32 breach. The enclosure 14 is now sealed from the surrounding environment by only the fold through passage 40. After the seals have been breached, the package may be unfolded, allowing fluid communication between the enclosure 14 and the surrounding environment. In this embodiment, bubble 20 is not sealed from passage 40. In this case, an opening 35, indicated in Fig. 3 by a bracket, is defined through the perimeter 24 of the bubble 20 which leads to passage 40. A length is defined from the nearest sealed point 22 along the perimeter 24 of bubble 20 to the opening 35 on one side of the opening 35 to the nearest sealed point 23 along the perimeter 24 of bubble 20 to the opening 35 on the opposite side of opening 35. A midpoint 28 is defined halfway along this length. The angle between midpoint 28, center point 25, and midpoint 26 is generally less than about 150°. In a preferred embodiment the angle is less than 120°, such as less than 100°. In an especially preferred embodiment the angle is about 90°. The angle may further be less than about 80°, such as between about 5° and about 40°.

In a further embodiment, shown in Fig. 15, fluid filled bubble 20 is in fluid communication with both the hollow enclosure 14 and the first passage 40. An unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 20 where the passage 41 or the enclosure 14 connects to the bubble 20 defines an opening 39. An unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 20 where the passage 40 connects to the bubble 20 defines an opening 35. The angle between the opening 39 and the opening 35 with respect to the center of the bubble may be less than about 150°. A

breachable seal 33 may separate passage 40 from the surrounding environment. Pressure may be applied to the enclosure 14 and/or bubble 20, breaching the breachable seal 33 and allowing fluid communication between the enclosure 14 and the surrounding environment.

In another embodiment, the package 10 may comprise a first and a second fluid filled bubble, wherein the first fluid filled bubble 20 is in fluid communication with the hollow enclosure 14 and the first passage 40. The bubble 20 contains openings 35 and 39. Passage 40 may connect the first bubble 20 to a second fluid filled bubble 21 . Bubble 21 may be separated from passage 40 by breachable seal 33 and optionally may be separated from passage 42 and/or the surrounding environment by breachable seal 32. Alternately, bubble 21 may be in fluid communication with passage 40 and may be separated from passage 42 and/or the surrounding environment by breachable seal 32. Pressure may be applied to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of bubbles 20 and 21 , breaching the breachable seals. Product may then be dispensed from the enclosure into the surrounding environment.

In any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the breachable seals may be breached substantially simultaneously. A user may apply pressure to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 , breaching all of the breachable seals at substantially the same time.

Alternately, in some of the previously mentioned embodiments the breachable seals may be breached sequentially. As previously mentioned, the breachable seals may be of varying strengths. A user may apply pressure to the enclosure 14 and/or one or both of fluid filled bubbles 20 and 21 , breaching at least one breachable seal. At least one breachable seal is left intact. Additional pressure may then be applied, breaching the additional breachable seal(s).

In any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the angle between the breachable seal 30 and opening 35 or the breachable seal 31 and opening 39 defined by an unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble 20 with respect to the center of bubble 20 is less than about 150°. The angle may further be less than about 120°, such as less than about 100°. In especially preferred

embodiments the angle is about 90°. The angle may further be less than about 80°, such as between about 5° and about 40°.

Although embodiments containing one or two breachable bubbles are illustrated in the drawings, it should also be understood that the package 10 may contain more breachable bubbles as desired. For example, in one embodiment the package 10 may contain three or more breachable bubbles or four or more, five or more, and even up to six or more breachable bubbles.

In one embodiment, the package 10 may contain a fluid filled bubble 20 or 21 that is separated from fluid communication with the environment by an adjacent breachable seal. In this embodiment, the package 10 may not contain a passage 40 or 42 in fluid communication with the environment. When the breachable seal is breached, product may be directly dispensed from the bubble into the

surrounding environment through the opening formed by the breached seal.

In any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the width and/or length of the passages 40, 41 , and 42 may vary depending on the desired flow

characteristics of the consumer product 15.

In another embodiment, one or more of the passages 40, 41 , and 42 may be a tapered passage, with the width at one end of the passage being narrower or wider than the width at the other end of the passage, depending on the desired flow characteristics of the consumer product 15. For example, in one particular embodiment, passage 40 may be tapered, with a width adjacent to breachable seal 31 being wider than the width adjacent to breachable seal 33.

In yet another embodiment, breachable seals may be formed at various distances along the passage. For example, one of the passages 40, 41 , and 42 may contain two or more, three or more, or even four or more breachable seals. In one particular embodiment, a breachable seal may be located at the end of passage 42, separating the passage 42 from the surrounding environment. The multiple breachable seals may provide the user with additional control over the discharge flow of product 15.

The embodiments of the present disclosure which include two breachable bubbles have advantages over packages previously disclosed with two breachable bubbles due to the angle between either breachable seal 30 or opening 37 and either breachable seal 31 or opening 35 being less than about 150°. The angle allows the bubble seal apparatus to be configured so that the enclosure 14, bubble 20, and bubble 21 are not oriented linearly, meaning that the second bubble does not require the length of the package to be extended and instead, the second bubble 21 can be oriented beside bubble 20. This allows the apparatus to be implemented more easily by small condiment packages.

It should be understood that embodiments of the package may further include features that are commonly known in the art. For example, some embodiments of the package further comprise a one-way valve. The one-way valve allows product to be dispensed, but does not let any fluid from the surroundings into the enclosure 14. The one-way valve may be positioned in any of passages 40, 41 or 42.

Other embodiments of a package of the present disclosure may further comprise other compartments for storing and discharging other fluids as well.

These other compartments may have a similar bubble seal apparatus for releasing the contents. For example, one condiment such as ketchup may be sealed in one section, while another condiment such as mustard may be sealed in another compartment.

In other embodiments, any of passages 40, 41 and 42 may be configured as flow conduits, such as those disclosed in US 2014/0294324 to Perell, that are initially weakly sealed and can be expanded by forcing fluid through them.

Pressure can be applied to the fluid so that it forces the opposing layers apart, creating a channel. For example, referencing Fig. 2, if passage 40 is configured as an initially sealed flow conduit, and the fluid separates the entire conduit, then the bubble 20 may be in fluid communication with the surrounding environment.

An embodiment of the package may further include a discharge spout located at the end of one of the passages proximate the perimeter of the package for guiding the discharge of the stored fluid. A discharge spout may comprise an open chute formed of semi rigid material which may be bent to steer the discharge of the fluid. Alternatively, the discharge spout may be a covered tube for guiding the discharge.

This disclosure is further directed toward a bubble seal apparatus 50. One embodiment of the apparatus is shown by Fig. 3. Alternate embodiments of the bubble seal apparatus containing one or more openings are disclosed in Fig. 13, 14, and 15. In Fig. 3, the apparatus 50 comprises a fluid filled bubble 20 and two passages 40 and 41. The bubble 20 is located between the two passages 40 and 41 and is separated from each by a breachable seal 31 and 30, respectively. As described above, the perimeter of the bubble defines an area and a center point 25 can be determined at the center of the area. Bubble seals 30 and 31 each seal at least a part of the perimeter 24 of the bubble 20, and a length of the perimeter 24 of the bubble 20 taken up by each seal 30 and 31 can be determined. A midpoint 26 can be defined halfway along the length of the portion of perimeter 24 of the bubble 20 sealed by breachable seal 30 and a midpoint 27 can be defined halfway along the length of the portion of perimeter 24 of the bubble 20 sealed by breachable seal 31. The angle between the midpoint 26 of breachable seal 30 and midpoint 27 of breachable seal 31 with respect to the center point 25 of the area taken up by the bubble 20 is generally less than about 150°. The angle may be less than about 120°, such as less than about 100°, preferably less than about 90°, more preferably less than about 80°, and especially between about 5° and about 40°. The breachable seals 30 and 31 are configured to be ruptured upon pressure applied to the fluid filled bubble 20, allowing fluid communication between the first passage 40 and the second passage 41 . Both seals may be breached when pressure is applied to a single point on the fluid filled bubble. Alternately, the seals may breach sequentially, as one of the breachable seals may remain intact when pressure is applied to a single point on the fluid filled bubble.

The arrow 60 in Fig. 8 represents pressure being applied by a user to the fluid filled bubble 20. Preferably, pressure is applied to a point on the bubble 20 which will force the breaching fluid through both of the seals 30 and 31. For example, pressure may be applied to a part of the bubble 20 not adjacent to either of the seals 30 and 31 so as to not block the flow of fluid through the seal.

Pressure may be most effectively applied to the bubble 20 at a point away from and equidistant from each of seals 30 and 31 . This is shown in Fig. 8, where the two smaller arrows represent the flow of the breaching fluid as it forces open the seals into passages 40 and 41 .

Any of the other features described previously in this description may also be combined in packages using such a bubble seal apparatus.

These and other modifications and variations may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged either in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

What Is Claimed:

1 . A package comprising:

a sealed container including a first layer and a second layer, the sealed container including a hollow enclosure for holding a product, the first layer forming one side of the hollow enclosure and the second layer forming a second and opposite side of the hollow enclosure;

a fluid filled bubble, defining a perimeter, the perimeter of the fluid filled bubble enclosing an area that defines a center point;

a first passage leading to the enclosure and being connected to the fluid filled bubble at a first location;

a second package leading to an outside environment and being connected to the fluid filled bubble at a second location; and

wherein the first location and the second location are located along the perimeter of the bubble such that the first location and the second location form an angle of less than about 150° when measured respective to the center point of the area defined by the perimeter of the bubble.

2. A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the package further comprises at least one breachable seal positioned at the first location or the second location.

3. A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the package further includes a first breachable seal located at the first location and a second breachable seal located at the second location and wherein applying pressure to the breachable bubble causes the first breachable seal and the second breachable seal to breach forming fluid pathways between the fluid filled bubble, the first passage, and the second passage.

4. A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein a fluid can be dispensed from the hollow enclosure through the first passage, through the fluid filled bubble, and through the second passage.

5. A package comprising:

a sealed container including a first layer and a second layer, the sealed container including a hollow enclosure for holding a product, the first layer forming one side of the hollow enclosure and the second layer forming a second and opposite side of the hollow enclosure; a fluid filled bubble, a perimeter of the fluid filled bubble defining an area, a center point defined at the center of the area, the hollow enclosure separated from the bubble by a first breachable seal, a first midpoint defined halfway along the length of the first seal;

an unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble where a first passage connects to the bubble defining an opening, a second midpoint defined halfway along the length of the opening;

wherein the first breachable seal and the opening are located along the perimeter of the bubble such that the first midpoint and the second midpoint form an angle of less than about 150° when measured respective to the center point of the area defined by the perimeter of the bubble; and

wherein applying pressure causes the breachable seal to breach forming a pathway that allows for fluid communication between the hollow enclosure and the first passage.

6. A package as defined in claim 5, further comprising a second breachable seal, wherein the bubble is sealed from the first passage by the second breachable seal, a second midpoint defined halfway along the length of the second seal;

wherein the first breachable seal and the second breachable seal are located along the perimeter of the bubble such that the first midpoint and the second midpoint form an angle of less than about 150° when measured respective to the center point of the area defined by the perimeter of the bubble; and

wherein applying pressure causes the breachable seals to breach forming a pathway that allows for fluid communication between the hollow enclosure and the first passage.

7. A package comprising:

a fluid filled bubble, a perimeter of the fluid filled bubble defining an area, a center point defined at the center of the area, an unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble where the hollow enclosure connects to the bubble defining an opening, a first midpoint defined halfway along the length of the opening;

an unsealed area along the perimeter of the bubble where a first passage connects to the bubble defining a second opening, a second midpoint defined halfway along the length of the second opening;

the first passage separated from the surrounding environment by a first breachable seal;

wherein the first and second openings are located along the perimeter of the bubble such that the first midpoint and the second midpoint form an angle of less than about 150° when measured respective to the center point of the area defined by the perimeter of the bubble; and

wherein applying pressure causes the breachable seal to breach forming a pathway that allows for fluid communication between the hollow enclosure and the surrounding environment.

8. A package as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first midpoint and the second midpoint form an angle of less than about 120°, such as less than about 100°, preferably less than about 90°, more preferably less than about 80°, especially between about 5° and about 40° when measured respective to the center point of the area defined by the perimeter of the bubble.

9. A package as defined in one of claims 1 -7 wherein applying pressure causes the breachable seals to breach substantially simultaneously.

10. A package as defined in one of claims 1 -7, wherein applying pressure causes the breachable seals to breach sequentially.

1 1 . A package as defined in one of claims 1 -7, wherein the hollow enclosure contains a condiment.

12. A package as defined in one of claims 1 -7, wherein the hollow enclosure contains a personal care product.

13. A package as defined in one of claims 1 -7, further comprising a second passage in fluid communication with the enclosure.

14. A package as defined in claim 13, wherein the second passage is separated from the enclosure by a third breachable seal.

15. A package as defined in claim 13, wherein the second passage is separated from the bubble by a third breachable seal.

16. A package as defined in claim 13, wherein the second passage comprises a channel.

17. A package as defined in claim 13, wherein the second passage comprises a section of the enclosure adjacent to the first fluid filled bubble.

18. A package as defined in claim 17, wherein the section of the enclosure adjacent to the first fluid filled bubble is narrower than a different section of the enclosure not adjacent to the bubble.

19. A package as defined in claim 13, wherein the pathway includes the first passage, the bubble, and the second passage.

20. A package as defined in claim 13, wherein at least one of the first passage and the second passage assumes a circuitous or serpentine shape.

21 . A package as defined in claim 13, further comprising a one-way valve located within the first passage or the second passage.

22. A package as defined in claim 21 , further comprising a one-way valve located in the first passage.

23. A package as defined in claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 wherein the first passage is in fluid communication with an outside environment.

24. A package as defined in one of claims 1 -7, wherein the pathway allows for fluid communication between the hollow enclosure and the outside environment, the pathway comprising the first passage, the bubble, and the second passage.

25. A package as defined in any one of claims 1 -7, wherein the first passage is located adjacent to a second fluid filled bubble.

26. A package as defined in claim 25, wherein the second breachable bubble is in fluid communication with the first passage and the environment.

27. A package as defined in claim 25, wherein the second breachable bubble is in fluid communication with a third passage, the third passage being in fluid communication with an outside environment.

28. A package as defined in claim 25, wherein the second breachable bubble is in fluid communication with the first passage and is separated from the environment by a third breachable seal.

29. A package as defined in claim 25, wherein the second bubble is in fluid communication with the environment and is separated from the first passage by a third breachable seal.

30. A package as defined in claim 25, wherein the second bubble is separated from the first passage by a third breachable seal and from the environment by a fourth breachable seal.

31 . A package as defined in claim 30, wherein applying pressure to the second bubble ruptures the third breachable seal and the fourth breachable seal allowing fluid communication between the enclosure and the environment.

32. A package as defined in claim 25, wherein the second breachable bubble is separated from a third passage by a third breachable seal, the third passage being in fluid communication with an outside environment.

33. A package as defined in claim 25, wherein the second breachable bubble is adjacent a third passage, the third passage separated from the outside environment by a breachable seal.

34. A package as defined in claim 25, wherein the package is configured to be folded so as to substantially form a seal within either the first or second passage.

35. A package as defined in claim 34, wherein when the package is folded, the first bubble and the second bubble are in contact with each other.

36. A package as defined in claim 35, wherein the user may apply pressure to one or both of the bubbles, causing one or more breachable seals to breach.

37. A package as defined in claim 36, wherein while the package is folded and the seals have been breached, the enclosure is substantially sealed from the surrounding environment and when the package is unfolded after the seals have been breached, the hollow enclosure is in fluid communication with the outside environment.

38. A bubble seal apparatus comprising:

a fluid filled bubble, a perimeter of the fluid filled bubble defining an area, a center point defined at the center of the area, the bubble sealed from an enclosure of the package by a first breachable seal, a first midpoint defined halfway along the length of the first seal; a first passage in fluid communication with an outside environment, the first passage separated from the bubble by a second breachable seal, a second midpoint defined halfway along the length of the second seal;

wherein the first breachable seal and the second breachable seal are located along the perimeter of the bubble such that the first midpoint and the second midpoint form an angle of less than about 150° when measured respective to the center point of the area defined by the perimeter of the bubble, and

wherein applying pressure causes both breachable seals to breach forming a pathway allowing for fluid communication between the enclosure and the outside environment, the pathway including the bubble and the first passage.

39. An apparatus as defined in claim 38, wherein the first midpoint and the second midpoint form an angle of less than about 120°, such as less than about 100°, preferably less than about 90°, more preferably less than about 80°, especially between about 5° and about 40° when measured respective to the center point of the area defined by the perimeter of the bubble.

40. A package comprising:

a first passage in fluid communication with the enclosure;

a first fluid filled bubble, a perimeter of the fluid filled bubble defining an area, a center point defined at the center of the area, the bubble sealed from the first passage by a first breachable seal, a first midpoint defined halfway along the length of the first seal;

a second passage located between the first fluid filled bubble and a second fluid filled bubble, the second passage separated from the first bubble by a second breachable seal, a second midpoint defined halfway along the length of the second seal;

wherein the first breachable seal and the second breachable seal are located along the perimeter of the bubble such that the first midpoint and the second midpoint form an angle of less than about 150° when measured respective to the center point of the area defined by the perimeter of the bubble, and wherein applying pressure causes both breachable seals to breach forming a pathway allowing for fluid communication between the hollow enclosure and the second passage, the pathway including the bubble and the first passage.