U.S. patent application number 11/727982 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for tear and spill resistant package for dispensing liquids in a controlled manner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wyeth. Invention is credited to Giovanni Mazzarino.
Application Number | 20070228073 11/727982 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38460602 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070228073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mazzarino; Giovanni |
October 4, 2007 |
Tear and spill resistant package for dispensing liquids in a
controlled manner
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a pliable package that is
tear resistant, requires a greater degree of dexterity to open, and
prevents accidental discharge during or after opening of the
package. The package includes a flexible, liquid storage reservoir
having a funnel-shaped outlet passageway leading to a opening. The
package also includes a reinforced tear resistant tab portion that
may prevent accidental discharge of liquid when the tab portion is
bent about the score line. The funnel-shaped outlet passageway may
be shaped to allow the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled
manner.
Inventors: |
Mazzarino; Giovanni;
(Catania, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WYETH/FINNEGAN HENDERSON, LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Assignee: |
Wyeth
|
Family ID: |
38460602 |
Appl. No.: |
11/727982 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60788572 |
Mar 31, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/107 ;
222/541.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/42 20130101;
A61J 1/067 20130101; B65D 75/5811 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/107 ;
222/541.6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/00 20060101
B65D035/00; B65D 47/10 20060101 B65D047/10 |
Claims
1. A pliable package for storing liquids therein, comprising: a
plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable superposed sheets being
joined together by a liquid-tight seal along their respective
peripheral edges; a liquid reservoir enclosed between the
superposed sheets, including a funnel-shaped outlet passageway and
a liquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight
seal; and a reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight seal,
configured to block the liquid discharge opening; wherein the
funnel-shaped outlet passageway extends across the liquid discharge
opening from the flexible reservoir to the reinforced closure.
2. The pliable package of claim 1, wherein the funnel-shaped outlet
passageway comprises a tapered portion and an elongate throat
portion having opposing ends; and wherein the tapered portion
extends from the liquid reservoir to one end of the elongate throat
portion, and the elongate throat portion extends from its other end
to the reinforced closure.
3. The pliable package of claim 1, wherein the reinforced closure
and the liquid reservoir each comprise a plurality of gripping
ribs.
4. The pliable package of claim 1, wherein the reinforced closure
is joined to the liquid reservoir along a score line at the
location along the fluid-tight seal.
5. The pliable package of claim 4, further comprising: a
reinforcing member formed in the reinforced closure and the liquid
reservoir across the score line at the location along the
fluid-tight seal.
6. The pliable package of claim 5, wherein the reinforcing member
is substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, O-shaped, or X-shaped.
7. The pliable package of claim 5, wherein the reinforced closure
is configured to unblock the liquid discharge opening upon being
rotated about the score line.
8. A pliable package for storing liquids therein, comprising: a
plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable superposed sheets being
joined together by a liquid-tight seal along their respective
peripheral edges; a liquid reservoir enclosed between the
superposed sheets, including a funnel-shaped outlet passageway and
a liquid discharge-opening at a location along the liquid-tight
seal; and a reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight seal
and configured to block the liquid discharge opening; wherein the
funnel-shaped outlet passageway is configured to allow the
formation of a meniscus upon unblocking the liquid discharge
opening in order to prevent liquids from exiting the pliable
package.
9. The pliable package of claim 8, wherein the funnel-shaped outlet
passageway comprises a tapered portion and an elongate throat
portion having opposing ends; wherein the tapered portion extends
from the liquid reservoir to one end of the elongate throat
portion, and the elongate throat portion extends from its other end
to the reinforced closure; and wherein the tapered portion is
configured to drain liquids from the elongate throat portion toward
the liquid reservoir.
10. The pliable package of claim 8, wherein the reinforced closure
and the liquid reservoir each comprise a plurality of gripping
ribs.
11. The pliable package of claim 8, wherein the reinforced closure
is joined to the liquid reservoir along a score line at the
location along the fluid-tight seal.
12. The pliable package of claim 11, further comprising: a
reinforcing member formed in the reinforced closure and the liquid
reservoir across the score line at the location along the
fluid-tight seal.
13. The pliable package of claim 12, wherein the reinforcing member
is substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, O-shaped or X-shaped.
14. The pliable package of claim 12, wherein the reinforced closure
is configured to unblock the liquid discharge opening upon being
rotated about the score line.
15. A method of storing liquids inside a pliable package,
comprising: providing a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable
superposed sheets; joining the superposed sheets by a liquid-tight
seal along their respective peripheral edges; providing a liquid
reservoir between the superposed sheets, the liquid reservoir
including a funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge
opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; and providing a
reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight seal for blocking
the liquid discharge opening; wherein the pliable package prevents
spillage and kickback of the liquids during unblocking of the
liquid discharge opening.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: configuring the
funnel-shaped outlet passageway to drain liquids, therein, back
into the liquid reservoir upon holding the pliable package upright
for several seconds.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: joining the
reinforced closure to the liquid reservoir along a score line at
the location along the fluid-tight seal and configuring the
reinforced closure to unblock the liquid discharge opening upon
being rotated about the score line.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: forming a
reinforcing member in the reinforced closure and the liquid
reservoir across the score line at the location along the
fluid-tight seal, for preventing accidental unblocking of the
liquid discharge opening.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: configuring the
liquid discharge opening to allow the formation of a meniscus upon
unblocking the liquid discharge opening in order to prevent
accidental discharge of liquids from the pliable package.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: configuring the
superposed sheets to collapse and discharge liquids in the liquid
reservoir through the liquid discharge opening upon a user's
rotation of the reinforced closure about the score line, and inward
compression of the liquid reservoir.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure claims the right to priority based on
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/788,572 filed on Mar.
31, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] I. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to dispensary
packages. More particularly, the present invention relates to
veterinary packages for dispensing liquids.
[0004] II. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Over the years, designers have sought to improve container
designs and processes for dispensing liquids. Conventional designs,
however, suffer from many drawbacks. For instance, typical
container designs are not adequately childproof. They are not
sufficiently tear resistant to insure that the enclosed liquids are
used for their intended uses. Many containers can be opened
relatively easily, such as by twisting one part of the container
relative to another. Nor do conventional designs adequately prevent
liquid from being accidentally discharged during the process of
opening the container. In the field of dispensing, the terms
"kickback," "splashback," and liquid "pops" have been used to
describe the problem of accidental discharge that may occur when an
opening in the container must be created by tearing a portion of
the container along a score line. In addition, current designs are
susceptible to uncontrolled discharge after opening because they
typically permit liquid to freely flow through the torn
opening.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a container
that is tear resistant, requires a greater degree of dexterity to
open, prevents accidental discharge during opening, and allows the
liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The advantages and purposes of the invention will be set
forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. Moreover, the advantages and purposes of the invention
will be realized and attained by means of the elements and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
[0008] One aspect of the invention provides a pliable package for
storing liquids therein, including a plurality of flexible,
liquid-impermeable superposed sheets being joined together by a
liquid-tight seal along their respective peripheral edges; a liquid
reservoir enclosed between the superposed sheets, including a
funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge opening at a
location along the liquid-tight seal; and a reinforced closure
located along the liquid-tight seal, configured to block the liquid
discharge opening; wherein the funnel-shaped outlet passageway
extends across the liquid discharge opening from the flexible
reservoir to the reinforced closure.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention provides a pliable package
for storing liquids therein, including a plurality of flexible,
liquid-impermeable superposed sheets being joined together by a
liquid-tight seal along their respective peripheral edges; a liquid
reservoir enclosed between the superposed sheets, including a
funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge opening at a
location along the liquid-tight seal; and a reinforced closure
located along the liquid-tight seal and configured to block the
liquid discharge opening; wherein the funnel-shaped outlet
passageway is configured to allow the formation of a meniscus upon
unblocking the liquid discharge opening in order to prevent liquids
from exiting the pliable package.
[0010] Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of
storing liquids inside a pliable package, including providing a
plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable superposed sheets;
joining the superposed sheets by a liquid-tight seal along their
respective peripheral edges; providing a liquid reservoir between
the superposed sheets, the liquid reservoir including a
funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge opening at a
location along the liquid-tight seal; and providing a reinforced
closure located along the liquid-tight seal for blocking the liquid
discharge opening; wherein the pliable package prevents spillage
and kickback of the liquids during unblocking of the liquid
discharge opening.
[0011] A further aspect of the invention that is advantageous over
the conventional "twist off" style of packages is that once the
package is opened there is only one piece to discard. Thus, the
risk of a pet or child of swallowing a twist off device may be
eliminated.
[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detail description are only
exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the
invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the
drawings,
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top plan view depicting a liquid dispenser
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view depicting a lower section
of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view depicting an upper section
of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5a is a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 having an
upper portion bent 90 degrees;
[0019] FIGS. 5b-d are perspective views of the dispenser of FIG. 1
having a tab portion bent away to allow liquid dispensing;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1
having an upper portion twisted about a longitudinal axis;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 6
having the upper portion twisted substantially 90 degrees about the
longitudinal axis;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1
having the upper portion bent away;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1
depicting liquid being dispensed;
[0024] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
liquid dispenser;
[0025] FIG. 10b illustrates the dimensions according to the
dispenser of FIG. 10a;
[0026] FIG. 10c illustrates the manufacturing process of the
dispenser of FIG. 10a;
[0027] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
liquid dispenser;
[0028] FIG. 11b illustrates the dimensions according to the
dispenser of FIG. 11a;
[0029] FIG. 11c illustrates the manufacturing process of the
dispenser of FIG. 11a;
[0030] FIG. 12a is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of
the liquid dispenser;
[0031] FIG. 12b illustrates the dimensions according to the
dispenser of FIG. 12a;
[0032] FIG. 12c illustrates the manufacturing process of the
dispenser of FIG. 12a;
[0033] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of
the liquid dispenser;
[0034] FIG. 13b illustrates the dimensions according to the
dispenser of FIG. 13a; and
[0035] FIG. 13c illustrates the manufacturing process of the
dispenser of FIG. 13a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0037] One embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
includes a tear resistant package 5 that has a bottom layer 10 and
a top layer 15 adhered to the bottom layer 10. The package shape is
generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 18. The bottom and
top layers 10, 15 are together shaped to define a base portion 20
(alternatively referred to as an "applicator") and a non-removable
tab portion 30. In a preferred embodiment, the tab portion 30 may
remain attached to the base portion 20 after the package 5 is
opened. Alternatively, the tab portion 30 could be removed from the
base portion 20 by cutting with scissors or another cutting
implement. Two cross-sectional perspective views of the package 5
are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The bottom layer 10 and top layer 15
may be thermoformed and stamped together resulting in a
thermoformed pack.
[0038] The thermoformed pack may be made from any of the
thermoformable plastic flexible film materials having the adequate
melt strength. These materials include the polyolefins, with
polyethylene and polypropylene being preferred. Other resins that
may be used include polyethylene terephalate, polyethylene
terephalate glycol modified, high density polyethylene, laminates,
multilayered composites comprised of olefins, and other
thermoformable materials. In one embodiment, the thermoformed pack
is formed of PVC-(Poly Vinyl Chloride), PVDC-(Poly Vinyl Di
Chloride film), a multilayer sandwich film of LDPE+EVOH (Ethyl
Vinyl Alcohol)+LDPE, OPA-(Oriented Poly Amide)-C.O.C.RTM.
BAREX.RTM., and ACLAR.RTM..
[0039] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top layer 15 is shaped
to form a liquid reservoir 40, a neck portion 50, and a reinforcing
portion 60. The reservoir 40 is flexible and is configured to store
a majority of a liquid 70. The reservoir 40 and the tab portion 30
each may include a series of gripping ribs 35, 45. The neck portion
50 may extend away from the reservoir 40 along the longitudinal
axis 18. The neck portion 50 may include an end portion 55.
[0040] In one embodiment, the neck portion 50 may be formed as a
funnel-shape to gradually restrict the flow of liquid 70 away from
the reservoir 40. When the package 5 is held in an upright
orientation, this funnel-shape may cause liquid 70 to flow out of
the end portion 55 and drain back into the reservoir 40. This is
referred to as a "drain back" feature. In another preferred
embodiment, a desired amount of air or gas may be included within
the reservoir 40 and neck portion 50 to further encourage the
liquid 70 to flow out of the end portion 55 when the package 5 is
held in the upright orientation. For example, in one embodiment,
nitrogen may be injected into package 5 prior to its being filled
with liquid 70.
[0041] In one aspect of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the reinforcing portion 60 may extend around the end portion 55 of
the neck portion 50. The reinforcing portion 60 may be configured
as a general U-shape or other shapes, such as for example, a
C-shape, O-shape or X-shape. In other embodiments (not shown), the
reinforcing portion 60 may include two separated portions each
located adjacent to the end portion 55 of the neck portion 50. A
score line 80 may extend through both the reinforcing member 60 and
the neck portion 50 along a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of the neck portion 50. The reinforcing
portion 60 may be located to span the score line 80. The
reinforcing portion 60 may be disposed at the ends of the score
line 80, thereby making the package 5 more difficult to initiate a
tear from either end of the score line 80 and therefore resistant
to opening, by a child, for instance. The reinforcing portion 60
may also be configured to provide rigidity to the package 5, and
more particularly, to the neck portion 50.
[0042] During manufacture, the reinforced portion 60 may be stamped
into the package 5 through the use of a roller or block stamping
profile as best shown in the cross-section of FIG. 4. In one
embodiment, the reinforced portion 60 may be formed by a male plug
and a female plug during the process of thermoforming the package 5
into a forming mold.
[0043] In another aspect of the invention, the container 5 may be
opened in a controlled fashion. As shown in FIG. 5a, a user may
first hold the package 5 in an upright orientation. When the
package 5 is held in this orientation, the liquid 70 may drain out
of the end portion 55 and back toward the reservoir 40. Since the
liquid 70 is not present in the end portion 55 when the package 5
is opened, accidental spillage may be avoided.
[0044] Still referring to FIG. 5a, the user may open the package 5
by folding the tab portion 30 about the score line 80. The
reinforcing portion 60 may form an expanded portion 67 along score
line 80, which restricts the rate at which the tab portion 30 may
rotate relative to the base portion 20. In this embodiment, the
user also need not remove the tab portion 30 from the base portion
20 to dispense the liquid 70. FIGS. 5b-d illustrate the steps by
which the user may fold the tab portion 30 away from the reservoir
40.
[0045] In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
reinforcing portion 60 also may prevent the tab portion 30 from
being torn along the score line 80 when it is twisted relative to
the base portion 20. Thus, the reinforcing portion 60 may require a
user to have a greater degree of dexterity to open the package 5 by
precisely folding the tab portion 30 about the score line 80.
[0046] In still another embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, the
funnel-shape of the neck portion 50 may prevent accidental
discharge of liquid 70 after the tab portion 30 has been folded
back on the applicator 20. As shown, when the package 5 is in an
upside down orientation, a liquid meniscus 75 may be formed at the
opening of the neck portion 50 based on the funnel-shape of the
neck portion 50 and the viscosity of the liquid 70. The dimensions
of the funnel-shape, including diameter and length, may be
dependent upon the viscosity of the liquid 70. Liquid 70 may be any
type of suitable liquid such as a water-based or solvent-based
liquid having a viscosity in the range of about 0.5.times.10.sup.-3
to 2.0.times.10.sup.-3 Pas. Thus, package 5 of the present
disclosure may be relevant to the dispensing of any suitable liquid
so long as its viscosity may be accommodated via appropriate design
of the neck portion 50.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates one mode of dispensing the liquid 70 in a
controlled manner. To dispense the liquid 70, a user may squeeze
the reservoir 40, and compress the top layer 15 inwardly. In one
embodiment, the top layer 15 may remain collapsed after the user
squeezes the reservoir. Alternatively, the top layer 15 may be
biased to return to its original shape after the user squeezes the
reservoir 40. In this embodiment, when the top layer 15 moves back
to its original shape, a negative pressure within the reservoir 40
may prevent the liquid 70 from flowing out of the reservoir 40.
[0048] In one illustrative embodiment, the reservoir 40 may be
manufactured with an initial negative internal pressure that is
less than atmospheric pressure. Once the reservoir 40 is opened,
the negative internal pressure may cause the liquid 70 to flow away
from the opening to prevent the liquid 70 from escaping the
reservoir 40. In another illustrative embodiment, the reservoir 40
may contain an air pocket in the neck portion 50 to prevent liquid
70 from being in the neck portion 50 before opening and prevent it
from spilling during the opening process. In another aspect of the
invention, the package 5 may be configured to "aspirate," or cause
an internal suction to maintain the liquid 70 within reservoir 40
after opening or until pressure is applied by a user to the
reservoir 40.
[0049] In still another aspect of the invention, the package as
shown in FIGS. 10a-b may be configured to hold a specific volume of
liquid. For example, a 2.2 ml package may be configured to have a
bottom layer 10 measuring 0.5 mm in thickness. The package also may
have a total package depth of 6.5 mm in cross-section. As shown in
FIG. 10c, dual roll feeding of web materials may be used in the
thermoforming and stamping manufacturing process to form the top
and bottom layers 15, 10 of the package 5. As illustrated, each
container may be spaced apart from one another along the web of
materials.
[0050] In another example, as shown in FIGS. 11a-b, a 2.5 ml
package may be configured to have a bottom layer 10 measuring about
0.5 mm in thickness. The package also may have a total package
depth of about 8.5 mm in cross-section. As shown in FIG. 11c, dual
roll feeding of web materials may be used in the thermoforming and
stamping manufacturing process to form the top and bottom layers
15, 10 of the package 5. As illustrated, each container may be
spaced apart from one another along the web of materials.
[0051] In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 12a-b, a 4.9 ml
package may be configured to have a bottom layer 10 measuring about
0.5 mm in thickness. The package also may have a total package
depth of about 10.5 mm in cross-section. As shown in FIG. 12c, dual
roll feeding of web materials may be used to form the top and
bottom layers 15, 10 of the package in the thermoforming and
stamping manufacturing process to form the top and bottom layers
15, 10 of the package 5. As illustrated, each container may be
spaced apart from one another along the web of materials.
[0052] In still another example, as shown in FIGS. 13a-b, a 7.4 ml
package may be configured to have a bottom layer 10 attached to a
top layer 15. The package also may have a total package depth of
about 13.10 mm in cross-section. As shown in FIG. 13c, dual roll
feeding of web materials may be used in the thermoforming and
stamping manufacturing process to form the top and bottom layers
15, 10 of the package 5. As illustrated, each container may be
spaced apart from one another along the web of materials.
[0053] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims. Thus, it should be understood that the invention
is not limited to the illustrative examples in this specification.
Rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications and
variations that come within the scope of the following claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *