U.S. patent application number 15/359110 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-15 for stick pack design.
The applicant listed for this patent is Unither Pharmaceuticals. Invention is credited to John Bordeau, Kevin Haehl, Hanumantharao Tatapudy, Michael Valenti.
Application Number | 20170166380 15/359110 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57868282 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170166380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Valenti; Michael ; et
al. |
June 15, 2017 |
STICK PACK DESIGN
Abstract
A stick pack having a top sealed portion with a top edge, a
horizontal notch parallel with the top edge and passing through the
stick pack, and further including a horizontal perforation line
parallel with the top edge. The stick pack also has a bottom edge
portion with a bottom sealed edge, a longitudinal seal extending
from the top sealed edge to the bottom edge; and a spout formed at
least partially in the top sealed portion but not extending past
the top sealed edge. The stick pack is configured to be folded
along its longitudinal axis to fold the notch, and only when the
notch is folded can a user easily tear the top sealed edge along
the horizontal perforation line to expose the spout.
Inventors: |
Valenti; Michael;
(Rochester, NY) ; Tatapudy; Hanumantharao;
(Suffern, NY) ; Bordeau; John; (Lima, NY) ;
Haehl; Kevin; (Pittsford, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Unither Pharmaceuticals |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
57868282 |
Appl. No.: |
15/359110 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62259808 |
Nov 25, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 35/08 20130101;
B65B 31/00 20130101; B65D 75/06 20130101; B65D 75/5811 20130101;
B65D 65/40 20130101; B31B 2160/10 20170801; B65D 81/2084 20130101;
B65B 9/10 20130101; B65D 2215/04 20130101; B65B 61/18 20130101;
B31B 70/14 20170801; B31B 2155/00 20170801; B65D 75/52
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/58 20060101
B65D075/58; B65B 61/18 20060101 B65B061/18; B65D 75/06 20060101
B65D075/06; B65D 81/20 20060101 B65D081/20; B65D 35/08 20060101
B65D035/08; B65B 31/00 20060101 B65B031/00; B65B 9/10 20060101
B65B009/10; B65D 65/40 20060101 B65D065/40 |
Claims
1. A stick pack comprising: a top sealed portion comprising a top
edge, a horizontal notch parallel with the top edge and passing
through the stick pack, and further comprising a horizontal
perforation line parallel with the top edge; a bottom edge portion,
wherein the bottom edge portion comprises an elongated sealed
portion proximate a central compartment of the stick pack; a
longitudinal seal extending from the top sealed edge to the bottom
edge; and a spout formed at least partially in the top sealed
portion but not extending past the top sealed edge; wherein the
stick pack is configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis
to fold the notch, wherein only when the notch is folded can a user
easily tear the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation
line to expose the spout.
2. The stick pack of claim 1, wherein the stick pack packaging
comprises a foil laminate.
3. The stick pack of claim 1, wherein the horizontal perforation
line is a laser-scored perforation line.
4. The stick pack of claim 1, wherein the horizontal perforation
line is intermittent.
5. The stick pack of claim 1, wherein the central compartment
comprises an inert gas.
6. The stick pack of claim 1, wherein the stick pack packaging
comprises a polyethylene terephthalate layer.
7. The stick pack of claim 1, further comprising a security
feature.
8. The stick pack of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
central sealed portions formed in the central compartment, wherein
the plurality of central sealed portions are configured to impart a
complex flow pattern on the contents within the central compartment
when a user squeezes the central compartment.
9. The stick pack of claim 1, wherein the spout comprises a
plurality of channels.
10. The stick pack of claim 9, wherein the spout is bifurcated
along at least a portion of its length, the bifurcation defined at
least in part by a central sealed region.
11. The stick pack of claim 1, wherein the bottom edge portion
comprises an outer wall that extends downwardly from the sealed
portion to a bottom edge to define a central cylindrical space
configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger.
12. A stick pack comprising: a central compartment; a top sealed
portion comprising a top edge, a horizontal notch parallel with the
top edge and passing through the foil laminate, and further
comprising a horizontal perforation line parallel with the top
edge; a bottom sealed portion comprising a bottom sealed edge; a
spout extending from the central compartment and formed at least
partially in the top sealed portion; a plurality of central sealed
portions formed in the central compartment, wherein the plurality
of central sealed portions are configured to impart a complex flow
pattern on the contents within the central compartment when a user
squeezes the central compartment wherein the stick pack is
configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis to fold the
notch, wherein only when the notch is folded can a user easily tear
the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation line to expose
the spout.
13. The stick pack of claim 12, wherein the stick pack packaging
comprises a foil laminate.
14. The stick pack of claim 12, wherein the horizontal perforation
line is formed in the outermost layer of the foil laminate.
15. The stick pack of claim 12, wherein the horizontal perforation
line is a laser-scored perforation line.
16. The stick pack of claim 12, wherein the horizontal perforation
line is intermittent.
17. The stick pack of claim 12, wherein the central compartment
comprises an inert gas.
18. The stick pack of claim 12, wherein the stick pack packaging
comprises a polyethylene terephthalate layer.
19. The stick pack of claim 12, further comprising a security
feature.
20. The stick pack of claim 12, wherein the bottom sealed edge is
proximate the central compartment of the stick pack, and wherein
the bottom sealed portion further comprises an outer wall that
extends downwardly from the sealed portion to a bottom edge to
define a central cylindrical space configured to receive at least a
portion of a user's finger.
21. The stick pack of claim 12, wherein the spout comprises a
plurality of channels.
22. The stick pack of claim 21, wherein the spout is bifurcated
along at least a portion of its length, the bifurcation defined at
least in part by a central sealed region.
23. A stick pack comprising: a central compartment; a top sealed
portion comprising a top edge, a horizontal notch parallel with the
top edge and passing through the foil laminate, and further
comprising a horizontal perforation line parallel with the top
edge; a bottom sealed portion comprising a bottom sealed edge; and
a spout extending from the central compartment and formed at least
partially in the top sealed portion, wherein the spout is
bifurcated along at least a portion of its length, the bifurcation
defined at least in part by a central sealed region; wherein the
stick pack is configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis
to fold the notch, wherein only when the notch is folded can a user
easily tear the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation
line to expose the spout.
24. The stick pack of claim 23, wherein the stick pack packaging
comprises a foil laminate.
25. The stick pack of claim 23, wherein the horizontal perforation
line is formed in the outermost layer of the foil laminate.
26. The stick pack of claim 23, wherein the horizontal perforation
line is intermittent.
27. The stick pack of claim 23, wherein the central compartment
comprises an insert gas.
28. The stick pack of claim 23, wherein the stick pack packaging
comprises a polyethylene terephthalate layer.
29. The stick pack of claim 23, further comprising a security
feature.
30. The stick pack of claim 23, further comprising a plurality of
central sealed portions formed in the central compartment, wherein
the plurality of central sealed portions are configured to impart a
complex flow pattern on the contents within the central compartment
when a user squeezes the central compartment.
31. The stick pack of claim 23, wherein the bottom sealed edge is
proximate the central compartment of the stick pack, and wherein
the bottom sealed portion further comprises an outer wall that
extends downwardly from the sealed portion to a bottom edge to
define a central cylindrical space configured to receive at least a
portion of a user's finger.
32. A method of manufacturing a stick pack, the method comprising
the steps of: cutting a stick pack out of a laminate material,
wherein the stick pack comprises a top edge, a bottom edge, and two
opposing longitudinal edges; scoring, using a laser, a horizontal
perforation line into the outermost layer of the laminate material
from one longitudinal edge to the other longitudinal edge; creating
a horizontal notch through the laminate material near the top edge,
wherein the horizontal notch is aligned along the horizontal
perforation line; sealing the two opposing longitudinal edges
together to form a longitudinal sealed edge; sealing the bottom
edge of the stick pack to form a central compartment which is open
at the top edge; filling, through the top edge, the central
compartment at least partially with a content; and sealing the top
edge to enclose the contents within the central compartment,
wherein a spout is formed in the top region near the top edge.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of filling,
through the top edge, the central compartment at least partially
with an inert gas.
34. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of forming
a plurality of central sealed elements in the central compartment,
wherein the plurality of central sealed portions are configured to
impart a complex flow pattern on the contents within the central
compartment when a user squeezes the central compartment.
35. The method of claim 32, wherein the bottom edge of the stick
pack is sealed to comprise a sealed portion proximate a central
compartment of the stick pack, and to further comprise an outer
wall that extends downwardly from the sealed portion to a bottom
edge to define a central cylindrical space configured to receive at
least a portion of a user's finger.
36. The method of claim 32, wherein the spout comprises a plurality
of channels.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the spout is bifurcated along
at least a portion of its length.
Description
CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/259,808, filed on Nov. 25, 2015 and
entitled "Stick Pack Design", the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a stick pack pouch or
packaging for dispensing a compound.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Stick packs, also called stickpacks, stick pack pouches,
uni-sticks, and sachets, are long, flexible pouches used to hold a
single-serving or single-dose amount of liquid and/or powder.
Shaped like a traditional pack of gum, stick packs are sealed on
their two short ends and have a single seal down the back. Stick
packs are used to hold a variety of food-based compounds, including
single-serve drink mixes, real and artificial sweeteners. Stick
packs are also used to hold pharmaceutical agents for both adults
and children, including in liquid or powder form. The convenient
size and shape minimizes packaging and alleviates problems that can
arise when users are forced to measure out a dose of a
pharmaceutical agent. Rather than requiring a separate dispenser or
measuring device, stick packs are quickly opened by the user and
the proper dosage is immediately ready for consumption. The stick
packs are often opened by ripping the packaging along a
factory-scored perforation. However, these perforations are often
inadequately or incorrectly scored, or can otherwise be difficult
to open.
[0004] Further, for most pharmaceutical uses, stick packs are
designed with one or more child-resistant features that prevent
children from accessing the liquid or powder inside the stick pack.
For example, a multi-step process might be required for opening the
stick pack. However, many of these child resistant features also
make the stick packs difficult for adults, especially seniors or
those with limited mobility or dexterity, from opening the
package.
[0005] Another problem with conventional stick packs is that the
contents can be difficult to administer to another person such a
child or senior. In order to pour the powder or liquid into the
other person's mouth, typically the length of the stick pack is
grasped. However, using too little force can accidentally trap some
of the contents, while using too much force can result in spilling
off the stick pack during the administration.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a continued need in the art for stick
packs that are easy to open and dispense by adults, but retain
child-resistant features that prevent children from accessing the
contents of the stick pack. There is also a continued need in the
art for stick packs that facilitate administration of the contents
to another person.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present disclosure is directed to stick pack packaging
and methods of manufacture. According to embodiments described or
otherwise envisioned herein, the methods and systems are directed
to a stick pack with an upper sealed edge, a lower sealed edge, and
a longitudinal edge. The upper region has a notch and a horizontal
perforation line parallel with the top edge, and a spout formed at
least partially in the upper region but not extending past the
upper sealed edge. The stick pack is configured to be folded along
its longitudinal axis to fold the notch, and when the notch is
folded a user can easily tear the top sealed edge along the
horizontal perforation line to expose the spout.
[0008] According to an aspect is a stick pack design. The stick
pack includes: (i) a top sealed portion with a top edge, a
horizontal notch parallel with the top edge and passing through the
stick pack, and a horizontal perforation line parallel with the top
edge; (ii) a bottom edge portion with an elongated sealed portion
proximate to a central compartment of the stick pack; (iii) a
longitudinal seal extending from the top sealed edge to the bottom
edge; and (iv) a spout formed at least partially in the top sealed
portion but not extending past the top sealed edge; (v) where the
stick pack is configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis
to fold the notch, where only when the notch is folded can a user
easily tear the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation
line to expose the spout.
[0009] According to an embodiment, the stick pack packaging is made
of a foil laminate.
[0010] According to an embodiment, the horizontal perforation line
is a laser-scored perforation line.
[0011] According to an embodiment, the horizontal perforation line
can be intermittent.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the central compartment
comprises an insert gas.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the stick pack packaging
comprises a polyethylene terephthalate layer.
[0014] According to an embodiment, the stick pack further comprises
a security feature.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the stick pack further includes
a plurality of central sealed portions formed in the central
compartment, where the plurality of central sealed portions are
configured to impart a complex flow pattern on the contents within
the central compartment when a user squeezes the central
compartment.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the spout comprises a plurality
of channels.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the spout is bifurcated along at
least a portion of its length, the bifurcation defined at least in
part by a central sealed region.
[0018] According to an aspect is a stick pack design. The stick
pack includes: (i) a central compartment; (ii) a top sealed portion
with a top edge, a horizontal notch parallel with the top edge and
passing through the foil laminate, and further including a
horizontal perforation line parallel with the top edge; (iii) a
bottom sealed portion with a bottom sealed edge; (iv) a spout
extending from the central compartment and formed at least
partially in the top sealed portion; (v) a plurality of central
sealed portions formed in the central compartment, where the
plurality of central sealed portions are configured to impart a
complex flow pattern on the contents within the central compartment
when a user squeezes the central compartment; (v) where the stick
pack is configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis to fold
the notch, such that only when the notch is folded can a user
easily tear the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation
line to expose the spout.
[0019] According to an embodiment, the bottom sealed edge is
proximate the central compartment of the stick pack, and includes
an outer wall that extends downwardly from the sealed portion to a
bottom edge to define a central cylindrical space configured to
receive at least a portion of a user's finger.
[0020] According to an aspect is a stick pack design. The stick
pack includes: (i) a central compartment; (ii) a top sealed portion
with a top edge, a horizontal notch parallel with the top edge and
passing through the foil laminate, and further including a
horizontal perforation line parallel with the top edge; (iii) a
bottom sealed portion comprising a bottom sealed edge; and (iv) a
spout extending from the central compartment and formed at least
partially in the top sealed portion, where the spout is bifurcated
along at least a portion of its length, the bifurcation defined at
least in part by a central sealed region; (v) where the stick pack
is configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis to fold the
notch, such that only when the notch is folded can a user easily
tear the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation line to
expose the spout.
[0021] According to an embodiment, the stick pack further includes
a plurality of central sealed portions formed in the central
compartment, where the plurality of central sealed portions are
configured to impart a complex flow pattern on the contents within
the central compartment when a user squeezes the central
compartment.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the bottom sealed edge is
proximate the central compartment of the stick pack, and includes
an outer wall that extends downwardly from the sealed portion to a
bottom edge to define a central cylindrical space configured to
receive at least a portion of a user's finger.
[0023] According to an aspect is a method of manufacturing a stick
pack. The method includes the steps of: (i) cutting a stick pack
out of a laminate material, where the stick pack comprises a top
edge, a bottom edge, and two opposing longitudinal edges; (ii)
scoring, using a laser, a horizontal perforation line into the
outermost layer of the laminate material from one longitudinal edge
to the other longitudinal edge; (iii) creating a horizontal notch
through the laminate material near the top edge, where the
horizontal notch is aligned along the horizontal perforation line;
(iv) sealing the two opposing longitudinal edges together to form a
longitudinal sealed edge; (v) sealing the bottom edge of the stick
pack to form a central compartment which is open at the top edge;
(vi) filling, through the top edge, the central compartment at
least partially with a content; and (vii) sealing the top edge to
enclose the contents within the central compartment, wherein a
spout is formed in the top region near the top edge.
[0024] According to an embodiment, the method includes the step of
filling through the top edge, the central compartment at least
partially with an inert gas.
[0025] According to an embodiment, the method further includes the
step of forming a plurality of central sealed elements in the
central compartment, where the plurality of central sealed portions
are configured to impart a complex flow pattern on the contents
within the central compartment when a user squeezes the central
compartment.
[0026] According to an embodiment, where the bottom edge of the
stick pack is sealed to comprise a sealed portion proximate to a
central compartment of the stick pack, and to further comprise an
outer wall that extends downwardly from the sealed portion to a
bottom edge to define a central cylindrical space configured to
receive at least a portion of a user's finger.
[0027] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
from the embodiments described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The present invention will be more fully understood and
appreciated by reading the Following Detailed description of the
invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a front view and a
reverse view of stick pack, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a stick pack with a
longitudinal axis, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a folded stick pack,
in accordance with an embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a stick pack which
has been opened to expose the spout, in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a stick pack prior
to folding or sealing, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a stick pack with an
administration tab, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a stick pack with a
bifurcated spout, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 8 is multiple schematic representations of stick packs
with central sealed elements, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a stick
pack, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of
stick pack packaging. The stick packs include an upper sealed edge,
a lower sealed edge, and a longitudinal edge. The upper region has
a notch and a horizontal perforation line parallel with the top
edge, and a spout formed at least partially in the upper region but
not extending past the upper sealed edge. The stick pack is
configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis to fold the
notch, and when the notch is folded a user can easily tear the top
sealed edge along the horizontal perforation line to expose the
spout. The stick pack can also include an administration tab or
region that facilitates administration of the contents by one
person to another person. The stick pack can also include a
plurality of central sealed elements that impart a complex flow
pattern on the contents within the central compartment when a user
squeezes the central compartment.
[0039] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 a FRONT and REVERSE view of
stick pack 10. Stick pack 10 has top edge 12, bottom edge 14, and
side edges 16 and 18. Stick pack 10 also has a sealed edge 20
extending outwardly from the reverse side 22 of the pack, and
extending longitudinally along the length of the stick pack.
[0040] Stick pack 10 is sealed at three different regions to keep
the contents within the closed packaging. The stick pack is sealed
at the top region 24, at bottom region 26, and all along sealed
edge 20, also called a fin. When the stick pack is filled with a
predetermined amount of liquid or powder--shown by dashed fill line
30, although the amount can vary significantly from the shown
amount--the contents and the top region seal 24 results in a
headspace 28 which contains air or an inert gas. Headspace 28 also
prevents spilling or loss of the contents during opening of the
stick pack. Headspace 28 allows for resuspension of an oral
suspension, such as when the user shakes or kneads the stick pack.
The headspace also allows mixing or kneading of the stick pack for
gels and solutions, including but not limited to thixotropic gels
and solutions.
[0041] According to an embodiment, the stick pack contains variable
amounts of the contents. A stick pack containing a liquid or gel
can comprise, for example, anywhere from 1 ml to 20 mls of liquid
or gel, or more. For example, the size of the stick pack 10 can
vary depending on the amount of liquid, gel, or powder intended to
be stored inside the packaging. Accordingly, smaller stick packs
may comprise less than 1 ml, while larger stick packs may comprise
more than 20 mls. Common dosages are 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mls, among
many others.
[0042] Stick pack 10 comprises a multi-step child-resistant opening
mechanism that balances safety with ease of opening. To open the
stick pack 10, a user first folds the stick pack 10 longitudinally
along axis A-A, shown in FIG. 2. Folding the stick pack along axis
A-A exposes a notch 32, as shown in FIG. 3, which is pre-formed all
the way through the stick pack. Prior to folding the stick pack
along axis A-A, however notch 32 is inaccessible to the user. When
notch 32 is accessible, the user can utilize the notch to rip the
top of the stick pack along a pre-scored perforation line 34 to
expose the spout 36, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0043] According to an embodiment, the scored perforation line 34
is created in the film prior to formation of the stick pack, or
before sealing of any of the edges. The perforation line 34 can be
formed, for example, by laser ablation of only the outermost layer
of the stick pack, by mechanical knife, or by other methods.
According to an embodiment, therefore, perforation line 34 is
formed by laser ablation of an outermost aluminum layer of a
multi-layer film laminate. A laser-scored perforation line 34
allows for thicker films for the stick pack 10 without
significantly increasing the force required to tear along the
perforation and open the stick pack. Additionally, according to an
embodiment the perforation is formed along both sides of fin 20,
which allows the user to easily rip through the fin when opening
the stick pack.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, is a stick pack 10
prior to sealing at the top region 24, at bottom region 26, and
along sealed edge 20. The stick pack is approximately rectangular
and can be cut or punched out of a larger piece of material during
manufacturing. To form the stick pack, the two sides of
longitudinal seal 20 are placed next to each other and sealed to
form a single fin 20. Top region 24 can be sealed, except for the
spout region 36, and bottom region 26 can be sealed. Sealing can be
accomplished, for example, by heating the region to be sealed. At a
point during the manufacturing and/or sealing process, the stick
pack 10 is scored and notch 34 is formed.
[0045] Stick pack 10 can be made of any suitable material, and can
comprise one or a plurality of layers. For example, the innermost
layer of the stick pack is preferably made of a material that does
not interact with the contents of the stick pack, and does not
absorb or otherwise let the contents stick to or diffuse through
the material. Examples of suitable layer materials include paper,
aluminum, polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
among many others. According to one embodiment, the outermost layer
of the stick pack is a paper or aluminum layer upon which logos,
instructions, and other labeling materials can be printed. The next
layer may be a PET layer, and the innermost layer may be a PE
layer. Accordingly, the layers may be
aluminum/adhesive/PET/adhesive/PE, in one embodiment.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6 is a FRONT view of an embodiment of
stick pack 10. The stick pack has a top edge 12, bottom edge 14,
and side edges 16 and 18. Stick pack 10 also has a sealed edge 20
extending outwardly from the reverse side 22 of the pack, and
extending longitudinally along the length of the stick pack. Stick
pack 10 is sealed at top region 24, bottom region 26, and sealed
edge 20. When the stick pack is filled with a predetermined amount
of liquid or powder--shown by dashed fill line 30, although the
amount can vary significantly from the shown amount--the contents
and the top region seal 24 results in a headspace 28 which contains
air or an inert gas. For some pharmaceutical products, for example,
an inert gas can help prevent oxidation or degradation of the
product. Inert gasses can include, for example, nitrogen and/or
argon, among others.
[0047] Bottom region or tab 26 of this embodiment provides
additional material for gripping during administration. Bottom tab
26 can be completely sealed, or can define a hollow central
gripping region. For example, instead of being completely sealed,
bottom region 26 of this embodiment can be only sealed at two
places; along seal 20 (not shown in the FRONT view of FIG. 6), and
at sealed portion 38. The walls of stick pack 10 therefore define
an administration tab or space 40 into which a user can insert a
finger to assist with administration of the contents of the stick
pack to another individual. For example, a user can insert a first
finger into the empty space of administration tab 40 and grip one
or more sides of the tab, thereby providing a way to grip stick
pack 10 without the risk of spilling or blocking the contents of
the stick pack. A user can alternatively insert a thumb or other
finger into the space of administration tab 40 to grip the stick
pack.
[0048] Referring again to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the spout 36
is narrow and elongated, while in FIG. 4 the spout 36 is much
wider. The length and width of spout 36 controls the rate at which
the contents of stick pack 10 are dispensed to the user. A narrow
and/or elongated spout, for example, slows the dispensing speed,
which can increase the residence time of the product in the mouth
and/or esophagus for some products and therapies.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 7 in one embodiment, is an alternative
spout design for stick pack 10. In the figure, for example, the
spout 36 is bifurcated by a sealed region 36a. The bifurcated spout
not only controls the flow rate of the content, but also helps mix
or re-suspend the contents. Trifurcated spouts are also possible,
as are other designs. In most cases, the spout is created by
controlling the sealing of the top region 24. When top region 24 is
sealed, for example, the portion of the top region that will be the
spout is not heated and therefore does not seal. To accomplish
this, according to another embodiment, the cross-seal jaws of a
sealing mechanism can be designed or patterned such that there is
no pressure or sealing applied in the area of the spout. Although
heat will be applied to the entire jaw, the film will not be
pressed together in the area of the spout, and thus the opposed
layers of the film will not form a seal in that area.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 8, in various embodiments, is a stick pack
10 with a plurality of central sealed elements 44. The plurality of
central sealed elements 44 provides a mechanism for mixing
contents, such as re-suspending liquid suspensions, and/or to shear
the contents of, for example, thixotropic pharmaceuticals. Often,
mixing a suspension prior to dosing can be important to the
efficacy and proper dosage of the content. For some contents, if
the viscosity of the content is low enough, the stick pack can be
shaken by the user and the headspace will allow for mixing of
products. For other contents, shearing can be vital to liquefy a
thixotropic drug product or to re-suspend a suspension prior to
dosing. The plurality of central sealed elements 44 provides a
mechanism for lowering the viscosity of the content and/or
re-suspending by imparting a complex flow pattern on the contents
when a user squeezes the central compartment of the stick pack. For
example, the stick pack 10 can be kneaded by a user prior to
dosage. Kneading will move the contents inside the stick pack,
forcing the contents to interact with the plurality of central
sealed elements. Both sharp edges and curved portions of the
central sealed elements will facilitate the mixing of the contents.
For example, FIG. 8 depicts a variety of central sealed elements
44, including elongated diamond shapes, rectangles, and teardrops,
although many other shapes are possible. In several of these
designs, neighboring sealed elements create narrow passageways that
facilitate mixing and shearing. The plurality of central sealed
elements 44 can be formed during or after the initial sealing
process.
[0051] According to an embodiment, stick pack 10 can comprise one
or more security features. For example, stick packs can be
serialized for tracking and identification. Serializing can
comprise, for example, labeling with a unique bar code, QR code, or
other code that allows for specific identification of the stick
pack. All stick packs can be serialized with a similar code format,
while some stick packs may be labeled with a specific code format
for an individual manufacturer, date, and/or content. As another
security feature, the stick pack can be labeled using a specialty
or anti-counterfeiting ink. One or more security features allow for
increased tracking and identification of pharmaceuticals. For
example, a stick pack sold illegally to another individual can be
tracked back to the manufacturer, seller, and/or intended user of
the stick pack. Using the bar code, QR code, or other unique code.
As another example, suspect stick pack can be authenticated by
examining the presence or authenticity of anti-counterfeiting ink
or other anti-counterfeiting feature.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 9, in accordance with an embodiment, is a
method 200 of manufacturing a stick pack 10. At a first step 210,
the stick pack material is provided and the stick pack is cut out
of the stick pack material. The material can be any of the
materials described or otherwise envisioned herein. At step 220, a
perforation line is formed in the stick pack material from one
longitudinal edge to the other longitudinal edge. Additionally, a
notch is formed in the stick pack. According to a preferred
embodiment, the perforation line is formed only in the outermost
layer of a foil laminate using laser scoring. Step 220 can be
performed prior to cutting the stick pack out of the stick pack
material.
[0053] At step 230, the stick pack is folded to align the two
longitudinal edges which are sealed to form the longitudinal sealed
edge 20. At step 240, the bottom edge of the stick pack is sealed,
forming a central compartment that is open at the top.
[0054] At step 250 of the method, the contents are introduced to
the central compartment. At step 260 of the method, the top edge of
the stick pack is sealed. According to an embodiment, a spout is
formed in the top edge as it is sealed. The spout can be any of the
shapes and sizes disclosed or otherwise envisioned herein.
[0055] At optional step 245 of the method, a plurality of central
sealed portions is formed in the central compartment. As described
above, the plurality of central sealed portions imparts a complex
flow pattern on the contents the central compartment when a user
squeezes the central compartment. The plurality of central sealed
portions can be formed, for example, by heating specific patterns
or shapes into the folded stick pack, which causes the opposing
internal sides of the central compartment to adhere in the shape or
pattern.
[0056] While various embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments
described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and
configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that
the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations
will depend upon the specific application or applications for which
the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize,
or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation,
many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It
is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are
presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the
appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the
present disclosure.
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