U.S. patent application number 11/562248 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for unit dose flexible container.
Invention is credited to Keith M.K. Anderson, Larry P. Backes.
Application Number | 20070119862 11/562248 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38069266 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070119862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Backes; Larry P. ; et
al. |
May 31, 2007 |
UNIT DOSE FLEXIBLE CONTAINER
Abstract
A pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for
delivery of a precise amount of orally administered liquids across
a broad range of viscosities is provide with the container being
formed of generally opposed pliable sheets, a first seal joining
the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a
liquid-containing chamber, a second seal joining the first and
second pliable sheets and partially defining a pressure relieving
chamber adjacent to the liquid-containing chamber, a boundary seal
joining the first and second pliable sheets between the
liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber, a
precisely measured single dose volume of fluent liquid disposed
within the liquid-containing chamber, the boundary seal being
lighter than the first and second seals so that upon application of
pressure to the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber the fluid
transfer region seal opens to permit the liquid to flow from the
liquid-containing chamber into the pressure relieving chamber, a
sealed outlet adapted for fluid communication with the pressure
relieving chamber for flow of the liquid from the pressure
relieving chamber out of the liquid container and sized based on
the viscosity of the liquid and the geometry of the dispensing
device, the outlet seal adapted to open upon application of fluid
pressure from liquid in the pressure relieving chamber for
dispensing the liquid from the liquid container and prevent
spilling and splashing of the liquid prior to delivery, control the
delivery rate of the liquid to the recipient, and provide tactile
force flow rate information feedback to the administrator.
Inventors: |
Backes; Larry P.;
(Libertyville, IL) ; Anderson; Keith M.K.;
(Libertyville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mr. Jeffrey C. Nichols;Baxter International Inc.
One Baxter Parkway
Deerfield
IL
60015-4633
US
|
Family ID: |
38069266 |
Appl. No.: |
11/562248 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60740391 |
Nov 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/94 ; 222/107;
222/541.3; 222/541.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/095 20130101;
B65D 75/5866 20130101; B65D 75/5855 20130101; B65D 75/30 20130101;
B65D 81/3266 20130101; B65D 75/58 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/094 ;
222/107; 222/541.3; 222/541.4 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/22 20060101
B65D035/22; B65D 35/00 20060101 B65D035/00; B65D 47/10 20060101
B65D047/10 |
Claims
1. A pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for
delivery of a precise amount of orally administered liquids across
a broad range of viscosities, the container comprising a first and
second generally opposed pliable sheets, a first seal joining the
first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a
liquid-containing chamber, a second seal joining the first and
second pliable sheets and partially defining a pressure relieving
chamber adjacent to the liquid-containing chamber, a boundary seal
joining the first and second pliable sheets between the
liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber and
partially defining the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure
relieving chamber, a precisely measured single dose volume of
fluent liquid disposed within the liquid-containing chamber, the
boundary seal including a fluid transfer region seal forming at
least a portion of the boundary seal which is lighter than the
first and second seals so that upon application of pressure to the
liquid in the liquid-containing chamber the fluid transfer region
seal opens to permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing
chamber into the pressure relieving chamber, the geometry of the
portion based on the viscosity of the liquid, an outlet adapted for
fluid communication with the pressure relieving chamber for flow of
the liquid from the pressure relieving chamber out of the liquid
container and sized based on the viscosity of the liquid and the
geometry of the dispensing device, and a lighter outlet seal
adapted to open upon application of fluid pressure from liquid in
the pressure relieving chamber for dispensing the liquid from the
liquid container, the lighter outlet seal being located in the
outlet at the periphery of the liquid container for closing the
outlet and the pressure relieving chamber, and inhibiting ingress
of foreign matter into the outlet and pressure relieving chamber
prior to administering the liquid, and for working in combination
with the dispensing device to prevent spilling and splashing of the
liquid prior to delivery, control the delivery rate of the liquid
to the recipient, provide tactile force flow rate information
feedback to the administrator.
2. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 1
further comprising a perimeter seal joining the first and second
pliable sheets at their perimeters, the outlet seal defining a
portion of the perimeter seal.
3. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 2
wherein the first and second seals form at least a portion of the
perimeter seal of the first and second pliable sheets.
4. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 1
wherein the outlet seal is lighter than the fluid transfer region
seal.
5. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 4
wherein the fluid transfer region seal and the outlet seal are
formed for peeling release of the first pliable sheet from the
second pliable sheet upon application of selected separating forces
to the respective seals.
8. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 1
further comprising a liquid chamber dividing seal separating the
liquid-containing chamber into a first liquid-containing
sub-chamber and a second liquid-containing sub-chamber, at least a
portion of said liquid chamber dividing seal comprising a liquid
chamber fluid transfer region seal, a first component of said
fluent oral liquid contained within the first liquid-containing
sub-chamber, and a second component of said fluent oral liquid
contained with the second liquid-containing sub-chamber, said
liquid chamber fluid transfer region seal being lighter than said
first and second seals.
9. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 1
wherein the boundary seal constitutes a first boundary seal and the
fluid transfer region seal constitutes a first fluid transfer
region seal, the container further comprising a second boundary
seal located between the dispensing device and liquid-containing
chamber, the second boundary seal including a second fluid transfer
region seal forming at least a portion of the second boundary seal
in which the seal joining the first and second pliable sheets is
formed lighter than the first and second seals so that upon
application of pressure to the liquid-containing chamber both the
first and second fluid transfer region seals are adapted to rupture
in sequence to permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing
chamber into the dispensing device.
10. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 9
wherein the outlet seal is lighter than the first and second fluid
transfer region seals.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to liquid containers
and more particularly to a pliable single use liquid container and
dispensing device for delivery of an orally administered fluent
liquid. Liquid containers are prevalent in numerous areas such as
medicines, nutritional supplements, and confections to name a
few.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Many orally administered medicines are available in liquid
or otherwise fluent or flow able formulations. For example,
children's oral medicines are commonly formulated to be liquid
because it is easier for children to swallow the medicine in liquid
form than in a solid form, such as pills. Of course, many adult
medicines are also available in liquid or fluent form.
[0003] These liquid formulations are formulated to be administered
with a predetermined unit dose. However, economic packaging for
unit doses has been difficult to develop. Thus the liquid
formulations are packaged in bulk container and options are also
supplied for administering a unit dose from these bulk containers.
There are a number of conventional options for measuring a proper
dose of liquid oral medicine. For example, a person could to pour
the medicine into a measuring spoon. Another option is to provide
the person with a graduated cylinder that has a spoon integrally
formed at its open end. Medicine is poured into the cylinder until
the level of the medicine rises to meet a mark corresponding to the
proper dose. The dose is administered by tipping the cylinder so
the medicine runs out onto the spoon that is then taken into the
mouth. Fluent oral medicines are also sometimes sold in bottles
that have a cap that can function as a dosing cup into which the
medicine can be poured. It is also common, particularly with
children's medicines, to provide a dual-purpose cap having an
eyedropper or syringe extending into a bottle of medicine to draw a
dose of the medicine from a container and squirt it into the mouth.
Another alternative is an oral syringe. These conventional dosing
devices have several drawbacks.
[0004] Dosing errors can occur when a patient measures his or her
own dose or it is measured by a parent or other family member.
Patient- or parent-administered doses are often measured under less
than ideal circumstances. A patient's ability to measure an
accurate dose may be compromised by symptoms of an illness or the
environment. In the case of a parent measuring a dose for a child,
the parent may be distracted by the conduct of the child, who may
be upset, hurting, or crying. The administrator may be tired or the
administration may be given in environmental conditions which
impede accurate measuring. Similarly, the person may use the
measuring cup from a different medicine, either inadvertently or
out of convenience.
[0005] Several of the devices available to deliver a dose of
medicine to another person have little in the way of flow rate
control. In addition, they provide no sensory cue that the flow
rate is appropriate for the receiver. This leads to a "gushing" of
medicine out of the mouths of the patient. Caregivers concerned
that the lost volume due to the gushing may try to supplement an
additional volume without knowing the volume actually lost. This
can lead to inadvertent under dosing or over dosing the patient.
Some elderly people may not always remember what the proper dose
is, especially if they have to keep track of the proper dose for
many different medicines they are taking at the same time.
Furthermore, a portion of the measured dose could spill out of the
dosing device on its way to the mouth.
[0006] Another problem with conventional dosing methods from a bulk
container is that many consumers may feel that it is not convenient
to measure an accurate does and either overdose or under dose. For
example a consumer my not want to measure out an accurate dose and
instead just take a small drink from a bottle. Even over the
counter medicines may need to be accurately measured.
[0007] Some conventional dosing devices can also be unsanitary. For
example, a residue of medicine and saliva is likely to remain on
the dosing device. A thorough washing could remove this residue,
but this is often inconvenient, especially if a person has just
self-administered medicine to combat illness and there is no
healthy person available to wash the device. If more than one
person uses the same dosing device, failure to wash the device
thoroughly after each, may lead to the people spreading germs to
each other.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a product that allows
convenient accurate unit dosing of fluent oral medicines and that
avoids the aforementioned problems.
[0009] Similar issues are found in administering nutritional
supplement continue to gain in popularity. Historically,
nutritional supplements consisted of vitamins in pill format.
Today, there are various formulations of vitamins, minerals, and
protein supplements. Many formulations are being provided in liquid
form for convenient use during activity, and for those who prefer
liquid delivery to pills.
[0010] Nutritional supplements also represent an area of greatest
over dose potential. Many supplements are formulated many times
higher than the government's daily nutritional requirements because
the FDA does not regulate nutritional supplements as they would a
medication. The "more is better" perception is quite strong among
those that take nutritional supplements.
[0011] Similarly the nutriceutical field is an area in which
nutritional supplements are expanding into. Designed for both
competitive athletes and very busy persons who do not have time to
eat proper meals, nutriceuticals provides a fast, convenient means
for delivering calories and depleted vitamins and minerals. Many
athletes like runners and skiers compete with nutriceutical
products attached to their jerseys. The products are inconvenient,
as they require tearing in order to open them. In addition, the
torn off portion of the package becomes an environmental issue
requiring the athlete to carefully store the tiny tear off pieces
until completion of the event.
[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for a product that allows
economical, convenient accurate unit dosing of fluent oral
nutritional supplements and nutriceuticals that avoids the
aforementioned problems.
[0013] Another area where one may find someone receiving an oral
single unit dose is in the confections industry which is becoming
more and more competitive. Aimed primarily at youth, manufacturers
are increasingly considering unique packaging as a means of
differentiating themselves from their competitors. Packaging that
adds an element of fun while delivering the confection is being
sought after.
[0014] It is conceivable that a provider of a confection such as a
chocolate confections might want to package a liquid chocolate in
this delivery system and utilize a powder separated from a liquid
which is then mixed immediately prior to administration.
[0015] Accordingly, there is a need for a packaging product that
allows convenient accurate dosing of fluent oral liquids, whether
initially packaged as a fluent or mixed just prior to
adminstration. In addition this packaging must not add an
appreciable expense to the cost of manufacture.
[0016] Whiting, U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,531, teaches of a condiment
package containing a single use of ketchup, mustard, etc. However,
whiting requires a tearing open of the package for dispensing. If
one were to try to open the package by just squeezing the package,
the pressure that would need to be generated to separate the seal
would cause the liquid to gush or splatter upon separation of the
seal. Conversely if one attempts to make the seal such that a
slight pressure will separate the seal then premature actuation of
the seal may occur from routine handling.
[0017] Redmond, U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,939, teaches a re-closable
outlet on a disposable package. Redmond also incorporates folding
in the design of his invention. O'Reilly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,966,
teaches a bag in a bag method incorporating 3 plies of film in the
design. In addition, O'Reilly uses baffles to prevent spilling and
splashing from occurring during delivery of the liquid. Finally,
Staar, U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,264, teaches thermoforming the package
to dispense pasty liquids at a constant rate. Staar incorporates a
blocking wall to achieve a constant flow rate. Such a construction
would add an unacceptable expense to many packaged products.
[0018] None of the aforementioned patents teach a method for
providing an adjustable flow rate based on tactile information
feedback to the administrator, across a range of fluid viscosities,
in an economic package. None of the aforementioned patents teach
how to prevent inadvertent discharge of the fluid without the use
of a baffle or blocking wall. None of the aforementioned patents
teach a method for preserving the cleanliness of the fluid path
prior to dispensing. None of the disclosures describe a device
which can economically package a unit dose, prevent premature
rupture during routine shipping and handling and provide for the
accurate, controlled administration at the desired time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] A pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device
for delivery of a precise amount of orally administered liquids
across a broad range of viscosities, the container is provided with
the container including a first and second generally opposed
pliable sheets, a first seal joining the first and second pliable
sheets and partially defining a liquid-containing chamber, a second
seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially
defining a pressure relieving chamber adjacent to the
liquid-containing chamber, a boundary seal joining the first and
second pliable sheets between the liquid-containing chamber and the
pressure relieving chamber and partially defining the
liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber, a
precisely measured single dose volume of fluent liquid disposed
within the liquid-containing chamber, the boundary seal including a
fluid transfer region seal forming at least a portion of the
boundary seal which is lighter than the first and second seals so
that upon application of pressure to the liquid in the
liquid-containing chamber the fluid transfer region seal opens to
permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing chamber into
the pressure relieving chamber, the geometry of the portion based
on the viscosity of the liquid, an outlet adapted for fluid
communication with the pressure relieving chamber for flow of the
liquid from the pressure relieving chamber out of the liquid
container and sized based on the viscosity of the liquid and the
geometry of the dispensing device, and a lighter outlet seal
adapted to open upon application of fluid pressure from liquid in
the pressure relieving chamber for dispensing the liquid from the
liquid container, the lighter outlet seal being located in the
outlet at the periphery of the liquid container for closing the
outlet and the pressure relieving chamber, and inhibiting ingress
of foreign matter into the outlet and pressure relieving chamber
prior to administering the liquid, and for working in combination
with the dispensing device to prevent spilling and splashing of the
liquid prior to delivery, control the delivery rate of the liquid
to the recipient, provide tactile force flow rate information
feedback to the administrator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1A is a front elevation of one embodiment of a
container of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 1B is a side elevation thereof;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a section taken through the cutting plane 2A-2A
shown on FIG. 1A;
[0023] FIG. 2B is the section of FIG. 2A except that the shape of
the container is deformed as if someone were squeezing the
container;
[0024] FIG. 2C is the section of FIG. 2B except that a fluid
transfer seal of the container has opened;
[0025] FIG. 2D is a sectional view similar to the sectional views
of FIGS. 2A-2C except that both the fluid transfer seal and outlet
seal have opened and liquid is flowing out of the container;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a person administering a dose
of liquid from the single use container of the present invention to
a recipient's mouth;
[0027] FIG. 4A is a front elevation of a single use liquid
container of the present invention which is particularly suited for
viscous liquids and has an untapered dispensing device;
[0028] FIG. 4B is a section taken through the cutting plane 4B-4B
shown on FIG. 4A;
[0029] FIG. 5A is a front elevation of a single use liquid
container of the present invention having a dispensing device which
is particularly suited for liquids with low viscosity and has a
short tapered region separating two untapered regions;
[0030] FIG. 5B is a section taken through the cutting plane 5B-5B
shown in FIG. 5A;
[0031] FIG. 6A is a front elevation of a single use liquid
container of the present invention having a dispensing device that
has a short tapered region adjacent an outlet; This embodiment
would likely be used for more viscous fluids
[0032] FIG. 6B is a section taken through the cutting plane 6B-6B
shown in FIG. 6A;
[0033] FIG. 7A is a front elevation of a single use liquid
container of the present invention which is particularly suited for
viscous liquids and has two spaced apart boundary seals separating
the liquid-containing chamber from the fluid dispensing device;
[0034] FIG. 7B is a section taken through the cutting plane 7B-7B
which is shown on FIG. 7A;
[0035] FIG. 8A is a front elevation of a single use liquid
container of the present invention having a liquid chamber dividing
seal that separates the liquid/powder-containing chamber into two
chambers;
[0036] FIG. 8B is a section taken through the cutting plane 8B-8B
which is shown on FIG. 8A;
[0037] FIG. 8C is a section similar to the section shown in FIG. 8B
except that the container has been deformed as if someone were
squeezing it;
[0038] FIG. 8D is a section similar to the sections shown in FIGS.
8B and 8C except that the liquid chamber dividing seal has opened
as if someone had squeezed the container;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective of a package of single use, pliable
liquid box containers with a piece of a box of the package broken
away to show the liquid containers held therein;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a schematic, fragmentary section of a sheet of
cardstock laminated to a gas and/or water vapor barrier film;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective package including a of a box
containing an overpouch which in turn holds a plurality of liquid
containers;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a perspective of a package of single use liquid
containers including a box having a piece of the box broken away to
show two different groups of single use liquid containers hold
different doses of liquid;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a front elevation of a set of two different
groups of single use liquid containers illustrating the different
sizes of the containers;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a perspective of a ribbon of single use liquid
containers of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a perspective of a package of single use liquid
containers including a box showing one overpouch containing liquid
containers that hold a first type of liquid and a second overpouch
holding liquid containers that contain a different type of
liquid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, a first
embodiment of a single use pliable container (generally indicated
at 1) includes a single dose volume of liquid 2. The container
further comprises first and second generally opposed pliable sheets
designated at 3 and 5, respectively. A first seal 7 extends around
a lower perimeter of the sheets 3, 5 and joins the sheets to
partially define a liquid-containing chamber 9. A second seal 13
extends along most of an upper perimeter of the sheets 3, 5 and
joins the sheets to partially define a pressure relieving chamber
15 adjacent the liquid-containing chamber 9. A boundary seal 17
joins the first and second sheets 3, 5 between the
liquid-containing chamber 9 and the pressure relieving chamber 15.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B the entire boundary seal
17 constitutes a fluid transfer region seal. However, it will be
understood that the extent of the fluid transfer region seal may be
limited to only a portion of the boundary seal 17 without departing
from the scope of this invention. The liquid-containing chamber 9
is defined by the first seal 7, the boundary seal 17, and the first
and second pliable sheets 3, 5. The pressure relieving chamber 15
is defined by the second seal 13, the boundary seal 17, an outlet
seal 33, and the first and second pliable sheets 3, 5.
[0047] The volume of liquid 2 corresponding to a single dose is
sealed within the liquid-containing chamber 9. The liquid 2 may be
over-the-counter or prescription medicine, nutritional supplements,
confections, or other liquids one might consume orally. Although a
"liquid" is described herein, the present invention is suitable for
any substance in a flow able or "fluent" form, whether liquid or
solid across a range of viscosities. The second seal 13 is
discontinuous in an end portion 25 of the pressure relieving
chamber 15 to define an outlet (generally indicated at 27) from the
pressure relieving chamber 15 to the outside of the container 1.
The outlet seal 33 joins the first and second sheets 3, 5 at the
outlet 27 to sealingly close the outlet and separate the pressure
relieving chamber 15 from the exterior of the container 1, thereby
preventing contaminants from entering the pressure relieving
chamber 15 prior to use.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first and
second seals 7, 13 form part of a perimeter seal joining the first
and second pliable sheets 3, 5 substantially around their
perimeters. The first and second seals 7, 13 need not be located at
the perimeter of the container 1. However, the arrangement makes an
efficient use of the material forming the first and second sheets
3, 5. The outlet seal 33 is a continuation of the second seal 13
around the perimeter, but as described below, is a lighter
seal.
[0049] The fluid transfer region seal 17 and outlet seal 33 are
lighter than the first and second seals 7, 13. For purposes of this
application, the strength of a seal is defined by the force that is
required to separate the first and second sheets 3, 5 at the seal
or to rupture the seal. Thus, lighter seals separate or rupture
upon application of a smaller separating force than stronger seals.
For example, the first and second seals 7, 13 may comprise
conventional permanent heat welds. The fluid transfer region seal
17 and outlet seal 33 may comprise peal seals. Instruction on how
to form a peal seal may be found in many references including U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,309,673; 6,319,243; 5,865,793; 5,577,369 and 5,209,347
which are hereby incorporated by reference. As noted in the
foregoing patents, it is possible to vary the strength of a peal
seal by varying the materials selected, seal geometry, temperature,
pressure and/or time used to form the seal. It is also noted that
the width of any seal can be increased to increase the strength of
the seal, and vice-versa. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that various adhesives could also be used to form the seals 7, 13,
17, 33. It is preferable, for reasons to be described later, for
the outlet seal 33 to be lighter or rupture at a lower pressure
than the fluid transfer region seal 17. For example, the outlet
seal 33 may comprise a seal formed by the heat and pressure
associated with the shearing action of a knife or other cutting
tool used to cut the first and second sheets (not shown). Those
skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of sealing
technologies can be applied to form the various seals 7, 13, 17, 33
in the pliable single dose container 1 without departing from the
scope of this invention.
[0050] It is contemplated that a variety of single- or multi-layer
films or film laminates could be used to form the sheets 3, 5. The
first and second sheets 3, 5 should be made of materials (e.g.,
polymers) that are compatible with the technologies used to form
the various seals 7, 13, 17, 33. For example the realm of single
and multiple layer polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene,
or the realm of foils and foil/polyolefin laminates. Those skilled
in the art will know how to select or design films that are
suitable for use with any of the conventional sealing
technologies.
[0051] The sheets 3, 5 also have to be chemically and physically
compatible with the particular liquid 2 in the container 1. The
oral liquid 2 should not leach undesirable chemicals out of the
sheets 3, 5 or otherwise react chemically with the sheets 3, 5. It
may be desirable for the first and second sheets 3, 5 to be
transparent to allow viewing of the contents of the liquid
containing chamber 9 prior to use. On the other hand, the first and
second sheets 3, 5 may be opaque if needed to protect the liquid 2
from exposure to light, which can degrade some liquids. In some
cases, it may be necessary or desirable to include a gas barrier
and/or a water vapor barrier layer (not shown) in the first and
second sheets to prevent water vapor from escaping the
liquid-containing chamber. A gas vapor barrier may also be
necessary or desirable to prevent oxidation of the liquid.
Information regarding the construction of films having gas vapor
barrier properties is provided references such as in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,692,361; 5,098,202; and 6,083,587. Films that include water vapor
barriers are described in such references as U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,912,101; 6,541,087 and 6,410,124. The materials used in the
sheets 3, 5 may also be selected to block light or other
electromagnetic radiation if this is necessary or desirable to
protect the liquid. Such films are described in such references as
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,455,161; 6,391,946; and 6,306,936.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the volume of the
liquid-containing chamber 9, is selected in coordination with the
volume of the liquid 2 to be contained so that the fluid pressure
from the dose of liquid in the liquid-containing chamber 9 presses
the first and second sheets 3, 5 outwardly, as shown in FIGS. 1A
and 1B. Film resins are selected specifically with a certain amount
of stiffness so that fluid pressure can increase when the first and
second sheets 3, 5 are pressed by the user. Should the film be too
elastic, upon seeking to apply pressure to the fluid within the
chamber 9, the film may stretch and the administrator would have
difficulty in creating sufficient fluid pressure to cause the fluid
transfer region seal to open. The volume of liquid 2 in the chamber
9 may be closely the same as the volume of the chamber (i.e., the
chamber is substantially filled by the liquid). This will
facilitate dispensing of the liquid 2, as will be described later.
At the same time, care must be taken so the fluid pressure created
in the liquid-containing chamber 9 during handling prior to use is
maintained below the level that will rupture fluid transfer region
seal 17.
[0053] In the embodiment shown FIGS. 1A and 1B, the pressure
relieving chamber 15 has a geometry that generally tapers from the
boundary seal 17 to the outlet 27. The taper is formed by the shape
of the second seal 13, which runs along both sides 47 of the
pressure relieving chamber. The particular geometry of the
pressure-relieving chamber may be tailored to suit the fluid
properties of the oral liquid 2. As will be described later, the
geometry of the pressure relieving chamber 15, and the size of
outlet 27 are important because they moderates the flow of the
liquid 2 out of the container 1 upon rupture of the outlet seal 33
and forms the flow into a controlled stream 63 (FIG. 3) during
dispensing of the liquid. When the geometry of the pressure
relieving chamber 15 and the size of outlet 27 are selected based
on the viscosity of the oral fluid, the administrator will receive
a sensory feedback of the tactile force required to control the
flow rate of the liquid exiting outlet 27. A higher tactile force
feedback is associated with a high flow rate and conversely a lower
tactile force feedback reflects a low flow rate. One feature of the
present invention is that the geometry of the pressure relieving
chamber 15 may be varied to suit oral liquids having different
fluid properties (e.g., different viscosities). Accordingly, the
pressure relieving chamber 15 may be shaped differently from the
shapes described herein without departing from the scope of this
invention.
[0054] The perimeter of the container 1 may be sized and configured
such that the container fits in the palm of the user (FIG. 3) The
perimeter of the container 1 is also tapered at the end portion 25
so that is has a shape that fits comfortably into a person's mouth
especially the mouth of a child. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B, for example, the end portion 25 is tapered. The shape of
the liquid containing chamber 9 is designed to fit comfortably
between the thumb and fingers of the administrator's hand thus
allowing the generation of fluid pressure sufficient enough to
cause the fluid transfer region seal 17 to open naturally. The
shape of the end portion 25 is related to the geometry of the
pressure relieving chamber 15, but may be unrelated without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0055] Basic operation of a pliable single dose liquid container of
the type shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, is shown in FIGS. 2A-2D in
conjunction with FIG. 3. By squeezing the container 1, person can
deform the container 1 as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Increased fluid
pressure in the liquid-containing chamber 9 from the squeezing
results in separating forces (indicated by arrows 53) being applied
to the fluid transfer region seal 17. As shown in FIG. 2C, the
separating forces 53 can eventually cause the fluid transfer region
seal 17 to open which, in the case of a peal seal, takes the form
of the first and second sheets 3, 5 peeling apart at the fluid
transfer region seal 17. Generally, it is desirable for the fluid
transfer seal 17 to open in a way that is predetermined in size and
direction. Consequently, the oral liquid 2 flows into the pressure
relieving chamber 15 and the person squeezing the container 1 can
feel a drop in resistance to squeezing. This reduces the pressure
in the fluid and signals the user to reduce the pressure applied by
squeezing before any of the liquid 2 is expelled from the container
1.
[0056] Moreover when properly configured the volume of the pressure
reducing chamber is supplied so that the pressure of the fluid
falls below the pressure which is necessary to separate the outlet
seal and expel the fluid from the device. As shown in FIG. 2D,
additional squeezing of the container 1 causes separating forces
(indicated by arrows 55) on the outlet seal 33 to open in a similar
controlled manner. Because the outlet seal 33 is lighter than the
fluid transfer region seal 17, fluid pressure does not build up as
much in the opening of the outlet seal as it did during in the
opening of the fluid transfer region seal. Consequently, there is
less of a tendency for the oral liquid 2 to spurt out upon rupture
of the outlet seal 33 as there would be if the outlet seal 33 were
made stronger. The person squeezing the container 1 will also feel
a drop in resistance to squeezing upon rupture of the outlet seal
33. This will signal the user that fluid liquid 2 has begun to flow
through the outlet 27. As shown in FIG. 3, a person 51 can dispense
the single dose of oral liquid 2 from the container 1 to a person's
mouth 61 by continuing to squeeze the container 1. Although FIG. 3
shows a person 51 administering a dose of liquid 2 to another
person's mouth 61, it is understood that a person could also
administer a dose of liquid to himself or herself without departing
from the scope of this invention.
[0057] During the dispensing of the oral liquid 2, the pressure
relieving chamber 15 throttles the flow from the liquid-containing
chamber 9 to the person's mouth 61. The person 51 squeezing the
container is provided continuous tactile feedback about the
dispensing from the resistance to the squeezing. In this way, the
person 51 administering the dose can feel whether there is still
liquid 2 in the container 1 and can feel how fast the liquid is
flowing from the outlet 27. The shape of the pressure relieving
chamber 15 also forms the flow of liquid 2 into a controlled stream
63, as shown in FIG. 3. The tactile feedback and directional
control provided by the container 1 are especially advantageous
when a parent administers a dose of medicine to a child at night
because these features allow the parent to successfully and
reliably administer an accurate dose of medicine in the dark.
[0058] FIGS. 4A-8D show a number of additional exemplary
embodiments which will be described to illustrate some of the ways
the basic single use oral liquid container could be modified to
suit a variety of needs. The embodiments are intended to be
representative of the design flexibility and adaptability of
containers of the present invention. The embodiments are not
intended to be an exhaustive list of containers that are within the
scope of this invention. Each of the embodiments shown in FIGS.
4A-8D is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A
and 1B except as noted. Reference numbers used to identify parts of
the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-8D correspond to the reference
numbers used to describe the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B
except that the 100s digit will be indexed from one embodiment to
the next.
[0059] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a container 101 having a pressure
relieving chamber 115 that is not tapered. This construction
permits a highly efficient use of materials in the manufacture of
the container 101. In addition, this embodiment would be utilized
for liquids that are extremely viscous in nature. The container 101
is otherwise the same in construction and operation as container
1.
[0060] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a container 201 having a pressure
relieving chamber 215 that has a short tapered region 265 between a
boundary seal 217 and an outlet 227 of the container 201. The short
tapered region 265 separates a first, wider untapered portion 267
from a second narrower untapered portion 269 including the outlet
227. The outlet 227 is sealed by an outlet seal 233 as in the
previous embodiments. This embodiment is particularly suitable for
relatively non-viscous fluids.
[0061] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a container 301 having a dispensing
device 315 including an untapered portion 371 and a short tapered
portion 373 adjacent an outlet 327 of the container 301. The
untapered portion 371 extends roughly 60% of the length of the
dispensing device 315. The tapered portion 373 curves sharply to
its intersection with the outlet 327. This embodiment is
particularly suitable to very viscous liquids.
[0062] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a container 401 having first boundary
seal 479 forming a first fluid transfer region seal and a second
boundary seal 475 forming a second fluid transfer region seal 477.
The first and second boundary seals 479, 475 are similar to the
first boundary seal 17 of the container 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B
except that the first and second boundary seals 479, 475 are more
narrow in width in comparison to the boundary seal 17 of the
container 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Each fluid transfer region
seal 481, 477 is co-extensive with the respective boundary seal
479, 475. However, the fluid transfer region seals 481, 477 could
easily be limited (for example) to aligned portions of the first
and second boundary seals 479, 475. It is also contemplated that
the first and second boundary seals 479, 475 could have different
strengths. This embodiment could be ideal for applications where
the environmental forces surrounding the container are harsher. For
instance, should someone place a single use liquid container into a
brief case or shaving kit where that container may feel pressure
from other items resting on it during the course of travel then
seal 475 would provide an added safety precaution against premature
dispensing. In addition, this embodiment could provide an
additional level of child proofing to the invention
[0063] The container 501 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B has a liquid
chamber dividing seal 585. The liquid chamber dividing seal 585
divides the liquid-containing chamber into a primary
liquid-containing chamber 589 and a secondary liquid or
powder-containing chamber 591. As illustrated the entire dividing
seal 585 is formed more lightly than a perimeter seal 507, 513 to
facilitate a controlled opening. However, it is only necessary for
a portion of the dividing seal 585 to be formed for such a
controlled Opening. The container 501 further includes a boundary
seal 517 separating the liquid container chambers 589, 591 from a
dispensing device 515. To provide controlled activation it is
preferred that the dividing seal 585 is lighter than the boundary
seal 517. The primary chamber 589 may hold one liquid component 593
and the secondary chamber 591 may hold a different liquid or powder
component 595. This container 501 is suited for use when there is a
need to maintain the liquids as separate components 593, 595 until
use. For example, the individual components 593, 595 may be more
stable than the combination of the components so that the shelf
life of the product can be increased by keeping the components 593,
595 separate.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 8C-8D, when a person squeezes the
container 501, the liquid chamber dividing seal 585, which is
lighter than the first and second seals 507, 513 opens to establish
fluid communication between the primary and secondary chambers 589,
591 and to allow mixing of the components 593, 595. After mixing,
further squeezing of the container 1, boundary seal 517 opens. Once
boundary seal 517 has opened, continued squeezing opens the outlet
seal 533 of container 501 as has been previously described for
other embodiments. Additional mixing of the components 593, 595
will occur throughout the opening process.
[0065] Referring back to FIGS. 2A-2D, for convenience, a liquid
container 1 of the present invention may be designed to allow
one-handed opening as shown in FIG. 3. This can be done by making
the fluid transfer region seal 17 sufficiently weak that an adult
having average hand strength can squeeze the container 1 hard
enough in one hand to cause the fluid transfer region seal 17 to
open(and any other open able seals) in that container as well as
the outlet seal 33. At the same time the fluid transfer region seal
17 should be strong enough to prevent accidental opening of fluid
transfer region (e.g., during transport and handling) seal.
Furthermore, the fluid transfer region seal 17 should also be
strong enough that it is difficult for children to open the
container 1 to provide adequate childproofing.
[0066] In contrast, the outlet seal 33 may be substantially lighter
because with little or no fluid in the pressure relieving chamber
15, the outlet seal 33 should not be subjected to any fluid
pressure except during the opening sequence (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D).
Furthermore, it is anticipated that a weak outlet seal 33 will be
desirable for most applications because the weakness of the outlet
seal 33 facilitates opening of the outlet 27 without much buildup
of fluid pressure in the dispensing device, which decreases the
tendency for the liquid material 2 to spurt out upon opening of the
outlet seal 33. For example, an outlet seal strength of only one
pound per inch is sufficient to prevent the spurting out of liquid
upon opening of the fluid transfer region seal and can adequately
prevent ingress of soil and microbes. It is also contemplated that
the outlet seal 33 may be as strong as or stronger than the fluid
transfer region seal 17, in circumstances in which additional
protection against unintended opening is desired for example,
without departing from the scope of this invention. Permanent seals
will have a minimum seal strength of 12 pounds per inch. It is not
uncommon to have permanent seal strengths in the 25 to 30 pound per
inch range. In the cases of permanent seals, the strength of the
film determines the failure strength as the film breaks before the
seal peels. In a preferred embodiment the strength of the fluid
transfer region seal will be in the 3 to 7 pounds per inch range.
This is sufficient strength for the seal to resist peeling during
shipping and handling, and yet the average human hand can generate
internal pressures sufficient to cause this seal to peel.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, a package (generally indicated at 602)
includes a plurality of single use pliable liquid or otherwise
fluent oral liquid containers (generally indicated at 601) may be
packaged together in a box 604 (broadly, "a receptacle") for sale
to consumers. Thus, instead of a bottle containing a single volume
of liquid for multiple doses to be measured by the user, a box 604
of single dose containers 601 is provided. The single dose
containers 601 require no measuring in use and may have particular
benefit for over-the-counter liquids. The box 604 has a gas and/or
water vapor barrier 606 to increase shelf life of the containers.
The box 604 may be formed out of laminated sheets of material
having gas and /or water vapor barrier properties. As shown in FIG.
10 for example, laminated sheets 635 may be formed of a barrier
film 606 having gas vapor barrier properties laminated to cardstock
618 (or cardboard). U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,480, which is incorporated
herein by reference, teaches how to construct a corrugated
cardboard laminate having a vapor barrier film.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, it is not essential to the present
invention that the box 604 comprises a gas and/or water vapor
barrier 606. As noted earlier, it may be desirable for the first
and second sheets 3, 5 of each container 1 to comprise a gas and/or
water vapor barrier to increase shelf life by reducing the flow of
water vapor out of the container 1 or by reducing the flow of
oxygen into the container 1. If the containers 601 already have
enough of a gas and/or water vapor barrier to provide the desired
shelf life, the gas and/or water vapor barrier 606 may be omitted
from the box 604. However, it may be difficult or expensive to
obtain sheets having gas and/or water vapor barriers that can be
made into a container 601 and that are also compatible with the
particular oral liquid in the container. A gas and/or water vapor
barrier 606 may be provided in the box 604 as an alternative to or
in combination with a gas and/or water vapor barrier in the
containers 601 themselves. Because the box 604 will not come in
direct contact with the liquid, a wider range of materials may be
used to form the gas and/or water vapor barrier 606 in the box 604
without concern about compatibility of the gas and/or water vapor
barrier with the liquid. The gas vapor barrier 606, if provided,
completely surrounds an interior 616 of the box 604 until the
consumer opens the box. Thus, the box 604 is resistant to the
transmission of water vapor and oxygen between the interior 616 and
exterior of the box. Accordingly, the containers 601 are maintained
in a protective environment that is conducive to long shelf
life.
[0069] Furthermore, a packet 608 containing an oxygen scavenger,
such as iron oxide or a similar oxygen scavenging chemical, may be
placed inside the box 604 to eliminate oxygen from the interior 616
of the box 604 and to maintain a low-oxygen environment for the
containers 601. The box 604 may also be designed to be less pliable
than the containers 601 to shield the containers from the physical
abuse of rough handling. For example, the cardstock 618 is selected
to be durable enough to protect the containers 601 from damage if
someone drops the box 604. Likewise, the box can be opaque to
protect the containers 601 from exposure to light, including
ultraviolet light, which may degrade the liquid in each
container.
[0070] In order to allow printing to be placed on the exterior of
the box 604, the laminated sheets 635 may be positioned so the
cardstock layer 618 faces outward. Thus, printing on the cardstock
618 will be visible on the exterior of the box 604. The exterior
surface of the box 604 may be designed to receive printed brand
names 626, product logos 632, and directions and precautions 628
for use of the containers 601.
[0071] FIG. 11 shows an alternative package 702 containing a
plurality of single use pliable oral liquid containers 701. The
containers 701 are first placed in an overpouch 724. The overpouch
may be formed by partially sealing two sheets of gas and/or water
vapor blocking film together leaving an opening for receiving the
containers 701 therein. Then the containers 701 may be sealed
within the overpouch 742. For additional protection, the overpouch
742 may be placed inside a cardboard or cardstock box 704. Any
directions 728, brand names 726, or the like can be printed on the
box 704. The overpouch 742 is resistant to transmission of water
vapor or oxygen through the overpouch. Accordingly, the containers
701 are in a protective environment that is conducive to long shelf
life. Packet 708 of oxygen scavenging material may be sealed inside
the overpouch 742 with the containers 701 for additional
protection.
[0072] Different single use containers may be packaged together in
the same package, whether it be a gas and/or water vapor barrier
package or otherwise. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, the
contents of a single package 802 could comprise a plurality of
containers 801 containing a first (smaller) dose of oral liquid and
a second plurality of containers 801A containing a second (larger)
dose of the liquid together in a single box 804. FIG. 13 shows a
set of containers 899 including a plurality of containers 801
containing a smaller dose and a plurality of containers 801A
containing a larger dose that would be suitable for packaging
together. Referring again to FIG. 12, the package 802 could include
containers (801, 801A, etc.) holding any number of different doses.
Thus, a family including multiple children of different ages and/or
sizes could meet all its needs by purchasing one package 802 of
single use liquid oral containers 801, 801A notwithstanding the
fact that different children require different doses of the oral
medicines, nutritional supplements, or confections.
[0073] As one variation, the package 602, 702, 802 could include
two or more different liquids. These liquids might include two or
more groups of single use containers, each group containing one of
the following: a pain reliever; an allergy medicine; an anti-motion
sickness drug; and an antacid. The drugs could be packaged together
for convenience of travelers, who may not have room to pack a full
package of each medicine separately. Other combinations of drugs
could be packaged together in a similar manner. In order to allow
the consumer to easily and reliably distinguish the containers
containing different drugs in the same package the liquid oral
medicines could be formulated to have distinct appearances. For
example, the color or concentration of the liquid oral medicine may
be altered so the different containers have a different color.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of single use containers
901 may be provided in a continuous ribbon 962 of detachably
connected containers. The ribbon 962 may comprise a series of
individual containers 901 connected along a portion of their
perimeter seals 907, 913. Perforations 954 between individual
containers 901 may be provided to allow easy detachment of
containers 901 from the ribbon 967. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that conventional form-fill-seal processes can be
modified to produce a ribbon 962 of containers 901. Several
advantages may be obtained by packaging a plurality of containers
901 as ribbon 962. The ribbon helps maintain the containers 901 in
organized relation to one another, which facilitates packing the
containers in a smaller package. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 for
example, ribbons of containers 701, 801, 801A have been packed in
each box 704, 804. Furthermore, in packages having more than one
type (i.e., having a different liquid or different dosage) of
container, each group of containers may be integrated in a separate
ribbon as shown in FIG. 12. Connecting all containers of each
specific type within the package also allows consumers to more
readily and reliably ascertain what dose and what liquid is
contained within any particular container.
[0075] When packages contain more than one type of container, each
type of container may be enclosed in its own sub-package. As shown
in FIG. 15, for example, a package 1002 includes a first group of
containers 1001 sealed within a flexible pouch 1041 and a second
group of flexible containers 1001A sealed in second flexible pouch
1088. Both pouches 1041, 1088 may be packaged in the same box 1004,
which may or may not comprise a gas and/or water vapor barrier. One
or more of the sub-packages could comprise a box. If desired, the
pouches 1041, 1088 (or boxes) could be provided with a gas and/or
water vapor barrier as described above. Packaging the different
containers in sub-packages makes it less likely that a consumer
will grab the wrong type of container by mistake. Also if the
sub-packages comprise gas and/or water vapor barriers, the consumer
can open only the sub-package of the container that is needed,
thereby maintaining the protective environment for other containers
until they are needed.
[0076] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising," `including," and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0077] In view of the above, its will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained.
[0078] As various changes could be made in the above constructions,
products, and methods without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *