U.S. patent application number 12/810316 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for rigid holding container with breachable perimeter bubble.
Invention is credited to William S. Perell, Leif B. Sorensen.
Application Number | 20100300901 12/810316 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40853370 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100300901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perell; William S. ; et
al. |
December 2, 2010 |
RIGID HOLDING CONTAINER WITH BREACHABLE PERIMETER BUBBLE
Abstract
A rigid holding container has a flexible cover sheet extending
over the holding area for scaling the contents. The container has a
wide, flat perimeter lip which provides a firm base for the seal
between the cover sheet and the container. A breaching bubble is
formed in the seal, under the cover and over the perimeter lip. The
consumer breaches the bubble by pressing the bubble against the lip
between the thumb and forefinger. The pressure compresses the air
in the bubble causing the bubble to expand laterally. The expanding
bubble breaches along the perimeter of the lip, producing a peel
flap of flexible cover material. The consumer pulls the peel flap
while holding the rigid container down, to remove the cover
sheet.
Inventors: |
Perell; William S.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Sorensen; Leif B.; (Cape Canaveral,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 1449
GREENVILLE
SC
29602-1449
US
|
Family ID: |
40853370 |
Appl. No.: |
12/810316 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 23, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/88100 |
371 Date: |
August 11, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61009491 |
Dec 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
61046655 |
Apr 21, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/326 20130101;
B65D 2575/362 20130101; B65D 75/327 20130101; B65D 77/38 20130101;
B29D 22/003 20130101; B65B 5/026 20130101; B65D 77/30 20130101;
B65B 31/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/205 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/24 20060101
B65D081/24 |
Claims
1. A container, which is sealed against the exterior environment,
and which provides easy access to an item contained therein,
comprising: an item compartment; an access opening into the item
compartment; a rigid support for supporting the item compartment
and forming part of the container; a flexible closure for closing
the item compartment and forming part of the container; a
peripheral seal between the rigid support and the flexible closure,
and circumscribing the access opening for closing the item
compartment located inside the peripheral seal; a breachable bubble
between the rigid support and the flexible closure located outside
the perimeter seal; a breachable seal formed along an edge of the
breachable bubble and wherein the breachable bubble is spreadable
under applied pressure into the breachable seal, which spreading
separates the flexible closure from the rigid support, until the
spreading bubble produces an edge breach through the breachable
seal to the exterior environment.
2. The container of claim 1, further comprising: a flexible peel
tab formed by the flexible closure material along the edge breach
as the bubble breaches, for peeling the flexible closure away from
the rigid support to disengage the perimeter seal for opening the
item compartment and providing access to the contained item.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein the flexible peel tab is
proximate a fringe of the flexible closure.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein: the breachable bubble defines
a volume, and the volume within the breachable bubble displaces the
flexible closure away from the rigid support, and the edge breach
is created by pressing the flexible closure against the rigid
support creating pressure in the breachable bubble.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the rigid support outside the
peripheral seal carrying the breachable bubble, forms an overhang
extending beyond the item compartment.
6. The container of claim 5, further comprising a void adjacent to
the overhang on the rigid support side.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein: the breachable bubble defines
a volume, and the volume within the breachable bubble displaces the
rigid support away from the flexible closure, and the edge breach
is created by pressing the rigid support against the flexible
closure creating pressure in the breachable bubble.
8. The container of claim 6, wherein: the breachable bubble defines
a volume, and the volume within the breachable bubble displaces the
flexible closure away from the rigid support and displaces the
rigid support away from the flexible closure forming a double
displacement, and the edge breach is created by pressing the
displacements together.
9. The container of claim 2, wherein the flexible closure has at
least one triangular shaped corner, and the peel tab is located
proximate that corner and is triangular in shape.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the breachable bubble is
elongated, and extends along one end of the item compartment.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the peripheral seal is
frangible for permitting disengagement of the flexible closure from
the rigid support along the peripheral seal.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the peripheral seal has a
frangible portion extending partially around the access opening
permitting partial disengagement of the flexible closure; and a
destruct portion extending partially around the access opening
preventing complete detachment of the flexible closure from the
rigid support.
13. The container of claim 1, further comprising an item contained
within the item compartment.
14. The container of claim 13, wherein the rigid support functions
as a serving tray for the contained item after the item compartment
has been accessed.
15. The container of claim 14, wherein the item in the serving tray
is vacuum packed.
16. The container of claim 14, wherein the item in the serving tray
is in a controlled atmosphere.
17. The container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
storage compartments.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein the breachable bubble
contains a gas, the gas comprising an antimicrobial agent.
19. The container of claim 18, wherein the antimicrobial agent
comprises ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, beta-propiolactone,
ozone, carbon dioxide, a halogen gas, or mixtures thereof.
20. The container of claim 1, wherein the breachable bubble is
positioned at one side of the container, the side of the container
having a length, the length of the breachable bubble being greater
than half the length of the side of the container.
21. The container of claim 1, wherein the item compartment contains
a gas and the breachable bubble contains a gas and wherein the gas
within the item compartment is different than the gas contained
within the breachable bubble.
22. A plurality of individual stackable containers, which are
sealed against the exterior environment, and which provide easy
access to items contained therein, comprising: item compartment in
each individual container for the contained items; access opening
into each item compartment for accessing the contained item;
compartment support for supporting the item compartment forming
part of each individual container; flexible closure for closing the
item compartment forming part of each individual container;
peripheral seal between the compartment support and the flexible
closure forming each individual container, pressed into sealing
engagement, and circumscribing the access opening for closing the
item compartment located inside the perimeter seal; an overhang
formed by the compartment support and extending beyond the item
compartment outside the perimeter seal; breachable bubble between
the compartment support and the flexible closure forming each
individual container, pressed into sealing engagement, and carried
on the overhang; an under void adjacent to the overhang, on the
compartment support side; breachable seal formed along the edge of
each breachable bubble; the breachable bubbles spreadable under
applied pressure into the breachable seal thereof, which spreading
separates the flexible closure from the compartment support, until
the spreading bubble produces an edge breach through the breachable
seal to the exterior environment.
23. The stackable containers of claim 22, wherein the lower surface
of each individual container engages the upper surface of the
individual container thereunder.
24. The stackable containers of claim 23, wherein the lower surface
and upper surface of each individual container is planar to
facilitate stacking.
25. The stackable containers of claim 22, wherein the compartment
supports are rigid.
26. The stackable containers of claim 22, wherein the compartment
supports are semi-rigid.
27. The stackable containers of claim 22, wherein the compartment
supports are flexible.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is based upon and claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/009,491, filed on Dec.
31, 2007, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/046,655, filed on Apr. 21, 2008.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Thermo-formed plastic containers are used to hold many
different items and products. Such containers, for instance, are
used to hold food items including meal ready-to-eat ("IMRE")
rations, medical products, and various general merchandise. In some
applications, the containers may be vacuum packaged in a sealed
container containing a reduced pressure environment.
[0003] In one embodiment, the thermo-formed container may comprise
a rigid, molded base that is sealed around the perimeter to a clear
plastic film. Such containers, for instance, are used to package
sliced lunch meats. Such containers, however, can be difficult to
open. The containers, for instance, typically include a frayed
corner where the rigid base has been partially separated from the
plastic film top. In order to open the container, a user can grasp
the plastic film in the corner and peel the film away from the
rigid base.
[0004] Unfortunately, difficulties can arise in attempting to
separate the two parts of the container. These problems can become
more enhanced in operating rooms where technicians are attempting
to open the package wearing gloves. In addition, the frayed corner
can provide a space for collecting or harboring contaminants, such
as microorganisms, in between the plastic film and the rigid base
prior to opening.
[0005] In view of the above, a need currently exists for a
thermo-formed container as described above that includes an
improved mechanism for opening the container.
SUMMARY
[0006] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a rigid
holding container that includes a breachable bubble for
facilitating opening of the container. For example, in one
embodiment, the container includes a rigid support that defines an
item compartment.
[0007] As used herein, the term "rigid" includes not only rigid
containers but semi-rigid containers. Specifically, a rigid
container as used herein refers to any container made from a
material that retains its shape. A flexible closure, which may
comprise a single or multi-layer film, is attached to the rigid
support for closing the item compartment and forming part of the
container. More particularly, a peripheral seal is located between
the rigid support and the flexible closure. The peripheral seal
circumscribes an access opening into the item compartment.
[0008] In accordance with the present disclosure, a breachable
bubble is present between the rigid or semi-rigid support and the
flexible closure and is located outside of the peripheral seal. A
breachable seal is formed along an edge of the breachable bubble.
The breachable bubble is spreadable under applied pressure into the
breachable seal. The spreading separates the flexible closure from
the rigid support until the spreading bubble produces an edge
breach through the breachable seal to the exterior environment. In
this manner, the rigid support becomes separated from the flexible
closure allowing a user to peel the flexible closure away from the
rigid support to produce the access opening.
[0009] The following is a list of different embodiments and
features that may be incorporated into the container.
FOOD TRAY EMBODIMENT
[0010] The holding container may be a cardboard, aluminum or
thermo-formed serving tray for packaged foods. The cover sheet may
be thin tear-away film, which is transparent to permit viewing the
food. The cover-lid seal preserves the food.
Stacking
[0011] Packaged foods are stacked during shipment, in the stores,
and in the consumers freezer. The bubble in the under-packages is
not affected by the tray of the over-package because of a perimeter
lip. Vertical stacking registration prevents the weight of the
upper trays from pressing down on the bubbles of the lower
trays.
UNDER BUBBLE EMBODIMENT
[0012] The trays of packaged foods may be presented in individual
outer cardboard cartons. Placing the bubble on the underside of the
lip isolates the bubble from the carton. The under bubble
embodiment may include a wraparound cover over the perimeter of the
tray. The wrap-around cover protects the lip surfaces during normal
handling and packaging. When the wrap-around cover is peeled away,
these lip surfaces are free of pathogens and other
contaminants.
MULTIPLE BUBBLE EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The serving tray may have multiple bubbles in multiple
locations around the lip. There may be a primary bubble for first
use, and a secondary bubble for back-up in case the primary bubble
fails. The serving tray may contain more than one item which are
accessed by separate bubbles. Each item is not exposed to adjacent
items until the consumer removes one or more of the separate
covers.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,364 issued on Apr. 27, 2004 to the
present inventor shows a breaching bubble which forms opposed peel
flaps along perimeter breach. The flaps are peeled back by the user
to open a chamber and present a product. The subject matter of U.S.
Pat. No. 6,726,364 is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety into this disclosure. Breachable bubbles are also
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,394; U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,371; U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0231292; U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2006/0126970; U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2007/0295766; U.S. Patent Application Publication
No, 2007/0286535; U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2007/0235369; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0237431;
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0241024; U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2007/0235357; and U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2007/0284375, which are all
incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set
forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification,
including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
container made in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of the container illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view with cutaway portions of an
alternative embodiment of a container made in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view with cutaway portions illustrating
multiple containers being stacked together in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of a container
made in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is a plan view of still another embodiment of a
container made in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0023] 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
[0024] 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 invention.
[0025] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a sealed
container having an improved opening mechanism. In one embodiment,
the container includes a rigid base that is sealed along at least
one side to a film. The film can be transparent or translucent so
that one can view the contents of the container. In an alternative
embodiment, the film can be opaque, especially when the contents
are light sensitive. In still another embodiment, the film can be
printed with a design or text and can be made to include
transparent or translucent sections in addition to opaque sections.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the container further
includes a breachable bubble located in between the film and the
rigid base. By breaching the bubble, a portion of the film and the
rigid base separate allowing a user to peel the film away from the
rigid base to open the container.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, for instance, one exemplary
embodiment of a container 10 made in accordance with the present
disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the container 10 includes a
rigid support 12 that defines an item compartment 14. The item
compartment 14 can have any suitable size and shape and can be
designed to hold various different items. For example, the item
compartment 14 may be configured to hold food items, medical
instruments, general merchandise, and the like.
[0027] The rigid support 12 can be made from any suitable material
capable of retaining the desired shape. The rigid support 12, for
instance, may be made from a paperboard including cardboard, a
metal such as aluminum, or from any suitable plastic or polymeric
material. In one embodiment, for instance, the rigid support can be
made from a plastic material that is thermo-formed. Suitable
plastics that may be used to form the rigid support 12 include, for
instance, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyester, a polyamide
such as nylon, mixtures thereof, and the like. The rigid support
12, for instance, may be made from any suitable homopolymer or
copolymer.
[0028] Attached to the rigid support 12 is a flexible closure 16.
The flexible closure 16, in the embodiment illustrated, covers an
access opening to the item compartment 14. More particularly, the
flexible closure 16 is attached to the rigid support 12 by a
peripheral seal 18. The peripheral seal 18, for instance, can
create a fluid-tight attachment between the flexible closure 16 and
the rigid support 12.
[0029] The flexible closure 16 can generally comprise any suitable
planar material. For example, the flexible closure 16 can be made
from paper, a fabric such as a woven or nonwoven fabric, or a film
material. When made from a film material, the flexible closure can
be made from any suitable polymer. Polymers that may be used to
form the flexible closure 16 include, for instance, polyolefins
such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides,
polyvinyl chloride, mixtures thereof, copolymers and terpolymers
thereof, and the like. In addition, the flexible closure 16 can
also be made from any suitable elastomeric polymer.
[0030] When the flexible closure 16 is made from a polymer, the
flexible closure can include a single layer of material or can
include multiple layers. For instance, in one embodiment, the
flexible closure can 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, a
heat sealing layer for thermally bonding the flexible closure to
the rigid support 12, an oxygen barrier layer, an ultraviolet
filter layer, an anti-blocking layer, a printed layer, and the
like.
[0031] The flexible closure 16, especially when made from polymer
materials, can be translucent or transparent. If translucent or
transparent, for instance, the contents of the item compartment 14
can be viewed from the outside of the container. In other
embodiments, however, the flexible closure can be opaque. For
instance, in one embodiment, light sensitive materials may be
contained in the container.
[0032] The manner in which the flexible closure 16 is attached to
the rigid support 12 can also vary depending upon the particular
application and the different materials used to construct the
container. For instance, the flexible closure can be attached to
the rigid support through thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, adhesive
bonds, or the like.
[0033] In accordance with the present disclosure, the container 10
as shown in FIGS. 1-3 further includes a breachable bubble 20. In
the embodiment illustrated, the breachable bubble 20 is formed in
between the rigid support 12 and the flexible closure 16. In other
embodiments, however, the breachable bubble 20 may be formed in
between only one of the above container components as long as the
bubble is capable of producing a peelable edge between the rigid
support and the flexible closure as will be described in greater
detail below.
[0034] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the breachable
bubble 20 is also located outside of the peripheral seal 18. The
breachable bubble 20 is surrounded by and defined by a seal 22 that
is at least partially breachable. For example, the bubble seal 22
can include a breachable portion 24 that faces the outermost edge
of the container 10. The breachable portion 24 represents a portion
of the bubble seal 22 that more easily separates than the remainder
of the seal. The breachable portion 24 can be made using any
suitable method or technique. For instance, less adhesive may be
used in this portion if the bubble seal 22 is made using an
adhesive. If the bubble seal 22 is made by applying heat and
pressure to form a thermal bond, the breachable portion 24 may be
made by varying the pressure of the seal bar, varying the
temperature, or varying the amount of time the seal bar is in
contact with the materials along the breachable portion.
[0035] In other embodiments, the breachable portion 24 or the
entire bubble seal 22 may comprise a peel seal. Various different
methods and techniques are used to form peel seal portions. For
example, in one embodiment, the breachable portion 24 of the bubble
seal 22 or the entire bubble seal may include a first portion that
is adhesively secured to a second portion along the seal. The first
portion may be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The
adhesive may comprise, for instance, any suitable adhesive, such as
an acrylate.
[0036] The second and opposing portion of the peel seal, on the
other hand, may comprise a film coated or laminated to a release
layer. The release layer may comprise, for instance, a
silicone.
[0037] When using an adhesive layer opposite a release layer as
described above, the bubble seal is resealable after the bubble is
breached.
[0038] In an alternative embodiment, each opposing portion of the
peel seal may comprise a multi-layered film. The major layers of
the film may comprise a supporting layer, a pressure sensitive
adhesive component, and a thin contact layer. In this embodiment,
the two portions of the peel seal can be brought together and
attached. For instance, the thin contact layer of one portion can
be attached to the thin contact layer of the opposing portion using
heat and/or pressure. When the locking bubble 18 is breached, and
the peel seal is peeled apart, a part of the sealed area of one of
the contact layers tears away from its pressure sensitive adhesive
component and remains adhered to the opposing contact layer.
Thereafter, resealing can be affected by re-engaging this torn away
contact portion with the pressure sensitive adhesive from which it
was separated when the layers were peeled apart.
[0039] In this embodiment, the contact layer can comprise a film
having a relatively low tensile strength and having a relatively
low elongation at break. Examples of such materials include
polyolefins such as polyethylenes, copolymers of ethylene and
ethylenically unsaturated comonomers, copolymers of an olefin and
an ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, and the like. The
pressure sensitive adhesive contained within the layers, on the
other hand, may be of the hot-melt variety or otherwise responsive
to heat and/or pressure.
[0040] In still another embodiment, the breachable portion 24 of
the bubble seal 22 or the entire bubble seal can include a
combination of heat sealing and adhesive sealing. For instance, in
one embodiment, the bubble seal may comprise a first portion that
is heat sealed to a second portion. Along the breachable portion,
however, may also exist a peel seal composition that may, in one
embodiment, interfere with the heat sealing process of the bubble
seal to produce a breachable portion. The peel seal composition,
for instance, may comprise a lacquer that forms a weak portion
along the bubble seal.
[0041] In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive may be spot coated
over the length of the breachable point. Once the breachable
portion is breached, the adhesive can then be used to reseal the
two portions together after use.
[0042] The breachable bubble 20 is expandable to open the container
10 by external pressure applied by a consumer. For small bubbles,
the consumer may simply pinch a bubble or bubbles between his thumb
and forefinger. Slightly larger bubbles may require thumb-to-thumb
pressure. Pressure can also be applied to the bubble by placing the
bubble against a flat surface and applying pressure with one's
fingers or palm. For example, when the container 10 is to be opened
in an operating room, a nurse or physician may want to apply
pressure to the bubble by laying the bubble adjacent to a surface
and applying pressure in order to facilitate opening of the
container, especially when the attendants in the operating room are
wearing medical or surgical gloves.
[0043] When pressure is applied to the breachable bubble 20, the
atmosphere within the bubble applies pressure to the bubble seal 24
which causes the two layers of material used to form the bubble to
separate. Separation occurs along the breachable portion 24
creating an edge breach.
[0044] Once the edge of the container is breached, a pair of
opposing flaps are formed. At least one of the flaps forms a
peelable tab that can be grasped by the user for manually peeling
the flexible closure 16 away from the rigid support 12.
[0045] Of particular advantage, the peelable tab is formed by
breaching the bubble as opposed to being formed during the
manufacturing process of the container 10 itself. In this manner,
the outside perimeter of the container 10 can be completely sealed
against the environment to prevent any contamination of the
container or the product contained inside. Also of advantage is
that the breachable bubble does not provide any small spaces or
locations where contaminants such as microorganisms may harbor. In
addition, opening the container by breaching the bubble may be much
easier than opening many of the conventional containers made in the
past that are intended to include peel away corners.
[0046] As described above, once the bubble 20 is breached, a
peelable tab is formed that allows the user to peel the flexible
closure 16 away from the rigid support 12. In this regard, the
peripheral seal 18 can be designed to be completely frangible so
that the flexible closure 16 can be completely separated from the
rigid support 12. Alternatively, the peripheral seal 18 can be
designed so as to only be partially frangible. In this embodiment,
once the flexible closure is peeled away from the rigid support,
the flexible closure 16 will remain connected to the rigid support
12.
[0047] In general, the breachable bubble 20 can have any suitable
shape. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the
breachable bubble 20 can have a triangular-like shape. In
particular, the breachable bubble 20 illustrated in the figures has
a heart-like shape positioned within the corner of the container
10. In other embodiments, however, the breachable bubble can have a
circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, or any other
suitable shape.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the breachable bubble 20 is
positioned on an overhang 30 that is generally in the same plane as
the top of the rigid support 12. In accordance with the present
disclosure, the breachable bubble 20 can be designed so as to
project upwards and downwards, only project upwards, or only
project downwards. For example, in FIG. 3, the breachable bubble
includes a top portion 26 and a bottom portion 28. The top portion
26 extends above the overhang 30 while the bottom portion 28
extends below the overhang 30.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative configuration of a
container generally 10 made in accordance with the present
disclosure is illustrated. Like reference numerals have been used
to indicate similar elements. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
4, the container 10 includes a flexible closure 16 attached to a
rigid support 12. The rigid support 12 further includes an overhang
30 where a breachable bubble 20 is positioned. In this embodiment,
the breachable bubble 20 only extends in a downward direction.
Thus, the bubble 20 includes only a bottom portion. The embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4 is well suited to applications where it may
be desirable to breach the bubble by placing the bubble against an
adjacent surface and applying pressure.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, still another embodiment of a plurality
of containers generally 10 made in accordance with the present
disclosure are illustrated. Each container 10 includes a rigid
support 12 attached to a flexible closure 16. Each container 10
further includes an overhang 30 where a breachable bubble 20 is
located. In this embodiment, each breachable bubble 20 only extends
in an upward direction. Thus, each bubble 20 only includes a top
portion.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the containers can also be designed so
as to stack conveniently together during shipment, in retail
stores, and at the location of use. When designing a container that
is intended to stack together, the breachable bubble 20 can be
designed so as to not interfere with the stacking arrangement. For
example, in one embodiment, the container can include an overhang
where the breachable bubble is Located so that the bubble does not
contact an opposing container.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, still another embodiment of a container
10 made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. In this
embodiment, the container 10 includes a rigid support 12 that has
been molded to have multiple compartments. Each compartment can be
sealed by a different flexible closure or, alternatively, a single
flexible closure can cover all of the compartments. As shown in
FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the container 10 can include multiple
breachable bubbles 20. For example, in the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 6, the container 10 includes four breachable bubbles
positioned at each of the corners. In particular, a breachable
bubble is present for each subcompartment formed by the rigid
support 12. Each breachable bubble 20 can be used to open and
access one of the subcompartments.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, still another embodiment of a container
10 made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The
reference numerals used in the previous figures have also been used
in this figure to show similar elements. As illustrated, the
container 10 includes a rigid support 12 attached to a flexible
closure 16 by a peripheral seal 18. The rigid support 12 defines an
item compartment 14. The container 10 further includes an overhang
30 where a breachable bubble 20 made in accordance with the present
disclosure is positioned. In this embodiment, the breachable bubble
has an elongated shape and extends a substantial portion along a
length of the end of the container. For example, the breachable
bubble 20 can extend greater than one-half the distance of the side
of the container 10, such as greater than about 60% of the distance
of the side of the container, such as greater than about 80% of the
side of the container. By creating an elongated breachable bubble
20 as shown in FIG. 7, the bubble may be easier to breach for the
user, especially when pressure is applied to the bubble as it rests
against an adjacent surface.
[0054] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, for instance, may be
particularly well suited for containing sterile medical supplies
including bandages, surgical instruments, implants, and the like.
Such items must typically be delivered to an operating room
contained in a package in a sterile condition. The package then
must be opened by a medical personnel while wearing medical or
surgical gloves. The presence of the gloves can interfere with the
ability to open a sealed package. By having an elongated bubble as
shown in FIG. 7, however, one can breach the bubble by placing the
bubble against an adjacent surface and applying pressure. In one
embodiment, for instance, the bubble 20 may extend downwardly as
shown in FIG. 4. Once breached, the elongated bubble may produce a
relatively large peelable tab that can be grasped by a user even
when wearing gloves.
[0055] It should be understood, however, that the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 7 may equally be applicable to hold various
other items, such as food items or other general merchandise. For
instance, such packages may also be easily opened by the elderly
and those that suffer from hand ailments such as arthritis.
[0056] As described above, in one embodiment, the container made in
accordance with the present disclosure can be liquid tight and/or
gas tight. In one embodiment, the item compartment 14 can be made
with a controlled atmosphere. For instance, the contents of the
container can be vacuum sealed. In this embodiment, for instance,
the pressure within the item compartment 14 can be less than
atmospheric pressure. In other embodiments, however, the item
compartment 14 can be constructed so as to have a pressure greater
than atmospheric pressure.
[0057] The gas contained within the item compartment 14 can also
vary depending upon the particular application. For instance, in
one embodiment, the item compartment can simply contain air either
below atmospheric pressure, at atmospheric pressure, or above
atmospheric pressure.
[0058] In an alternative embodiment, however, the item compartment,
prior to opening, may contain reduced oxygen levels. For instance,
oxygen may be contained in the item compartment in an amount less
than about 5% by volume. In one embodiment, for instance, the item
compartment can be filled with an inert gas during construction of
the container. Suitable inert gases that may be used include, for
instance, nitrogen gas or any of the other noble gases.
Constructing the container so that the item compartment is vacuum
sealed and/or contains an oxygen-starved environment may be well
suited to packaging food items that may otherwise spoil faster.
[0059] In still another embodiment, the item compartment can
contain an antimicrobial agent that may create a substantially
sterile environment. For instance, antimicrobial agents that may be
contained in the item compartment include various gaseous
chemosterilizers such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide,
beta-propiolactone, ozone, carbon dioxide, a halogen gas, or the
like.
[0060] The fluid contained within the breachable bubble can also
vary depending upon the particular application. For instance, in
one embodiment, the breachable bubble can contain air at any
suitable pressure. In other embodiments, however, an inert gas may
be placed within the bubble. In still another embodiment, the
breachable bubble may contain any of the antimicrobial agents
described above to ensure that the entire package remains sterile
and does not harbor any contaminants.
[0061] It should also be understood that the atmosphere within the
item compartment can be the same or different than the atmosphere
within the breachable bubble. For instance, in one embodiment, the
fluid or gas contained within the item compartment can be different
than the fluid or gas contained within the breachable bubble. In
one particular embodiment, for instance, the item compartment may
contain an inert gas or may otherwise contain an oxygen-starved gas
mixture, while the breachable bubble may contain a gaseous
themosterilizer.
[0062] In still another embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may
comprise a coating that can be present on the inside surface of the
item compartment and on the inside surface of the breachable
bubble.
[0063] The containers made according to the present disclosure can
be made using any suitable manufacturing process. For example, when
formed from plastic materials, the container can be made using
similar packaging machines to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,685,130 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,645, which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0064] These and other modifications and variations to the present
invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art,
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention, 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 both 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.
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