UNIT DOSE FLEXIBLE CONTAINER
A pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for delivery of a precise amount of orally administered liquids across a broad range of viscosities is provide with the container being formed of generally opposed pliable sheets, a first seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a liquid-containing chamber, a second seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a pressure relieving chamber adjacent to the liquid-containing chamber, a boundary seal joining the first and second pliable sheets between the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber, a precisely measured single dose volume of fluent liquid disposed within the liquid-containing chamber, the boundary seal being lighter than the first and second seals so that upon application of pressure to the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber the fluid transfer region seal opens to permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing chamber into the pressure relieving chamber, a sealed outlet adapted for fluid communication with the pressure relieving chamber for flow of the liquid from the pressure relieving chamber out of the liquid container and sized based on the viscosity of the liquid and the geometry of the dispensing device, the outlet seal adapted to open upon application of fluid pressure from liquid in the pressure relieving chamber for dispensing the liquid from the liquid container and prevent spilling and splashing of the liquid prior to delivery, control the delivery rate of the liquid to the recipient, and provide tactile force flow rate information feedback to the administrator.
The present invention generally relates to liquid containers and more particularly to a pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for delivery of an orally administered fluent liquid. Liquid containers are prevalent in numerous areas such as medicines, nutritional supplements, and confections to name a few.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONMany orally administered medicines are available in liquid or otherwise fluent or flow able formulations. For example, children's oral medicines are commonly formulated to be liquid because it is easier for children to swallow the medicine in liquid form than in a solid form, such as pills. Of course, many adult medicines are also available in liquid or fluent form.
These liquid formulations are formulated to be administered with a predetermined unit dose. However, economic packaging for unit doses has been difficult to develop. Thus the liquid formulations are packaged in bulk container and options are also supplied for administering a unit dose from these bulk containers. There are a number of conventional options for measuring a proper dose of liquid oral medicine. For example, a person could to pour the medicine into a measuring spoon. Another option is to provide the person with a graduated cylinder that has a spoon integrally formed at its open end. Medicine is poured into the cylinder until the level of the medicine rises to meet a mark corresponding to the proper dose. The dose is administered by tipping the cylinder so the medicine runs out onto the spoon that is then taken into the mouth. Fluent oral medicines are also sometimes sold in bottles that have a cap that can function as a dosing cup into which the medicine can be poured. It is also common, particularly with children's medicines, to provide a dual-purpose cap having an eyedropper or syringe extending into a bottle of medicine to draw a dose of the medicine from a container and squirt it into the mouth. Another alternative is an oral syringe. These conventional dosing devices have several drawbacks.
Dosing errors can occur when a patient measures his or her own dose or it is measured by a parent or other family member. Patient- or parent-administered doses are often measured under less than ideal circumstances. A patient's ability to measure an accurate dose may be compromised by symptoms of an illness or the environment. In the case of a parent measuring a dose for a child, the parent may be distracted by the conduct of the child, who may be upset, hurting, or crying. The administrator may be tired or the administration may be given in environmental conditions which impede accurate measuring. Similarly, the person may use the measuring cup from a different medicine, either inadvertently or out of convenience.
Several of the devices available to deliver a dose of medicine to another person have little in the way of flow rate control. In addition, they provide no sensory cue that the flow rate is appropriate for the receiver. This leads to a “gushing” of medicine out of the mouths of the patient. Caregivers concerned that the lost volume due to the gushing may try to supplement an additional volume without knowing the volume actually lost. This can lead to inadvertent under dosing or over dosing the patient. Some elderly people may not always remember what the proper dose is, especially if they have to keep track of the proper dose for many different medicines they are taking at the same time. Furthermore, a portion of the measured dose could spill out of the dosing device on its way to the mouth.
Another problem with conventional dosing methods from a bulk container is that many consumers may feel that it is not convenient to measure an accurate does and either overdose or under dose. For example a consumer my not want to measure out an accurate dose and instead just take a small drink from a bottle. Even over the counter medicines may need to be accurately measured.
Some conventional dosing devices can also be unsanitary. For example, a residue of medicine and saliva is likely to remain on the dosing device. A thorough washing could remove this residue, but this is often inconvenient, especially if a person has just self-administered medicine to combat illness and there is no healthy person available to wash the device. If more than one person uses the same dosing device, failure to wash the device thoroughly after each, may lead to the people spreading germs to each other.
Accordingly, there is a need for a product that allows convenient accurate unit dosing of fluent oral medicines and that avoids the aforementioned problems.
Similar issues are found in administering nutritional supplement continue to gain in popularity. Historically, nutritional supplements consisted of vitamins in pill format. Today, there are various formulations of vitamins, minerals, and protein supplements. Many formulations are being provided in liquid form for convenient use during activity, and for those who prefer liquid delivery to pills.
Nutritional supplements also represent an area of greatest over dose potential. Many supplements are formulated many times higher than the government's daily nutritional requirements because the FDA does not regulate nutritional supplements as they would a medication. The “more is better” perception is quite strong among those that take nutritional supplements.
Similarly the nutriceutical field is an area in which nutritional supplements are expanding into. Designed for both competitive athletes and very busy persons who do not have time to eat proper meals, nutriceuticals provides a fast, convenient means for delivering calories and depleted vitamins and minerals. Many athletes like runners and skiers compete with nutriceutical products attached to their jerseys. The products are inconvenient, as they require tearing in order to open them. In addition, the torn off portion of the package becomes an environmental issue requiring the athlete to carefully store the tiny tear off pieces until completion of the event.
Accordingly, there is a need for a product that allows economical, convenient accurate unit dosing of fluent oral nutritional supplements and nutriceuticals that avoids the aforementioned problems.
Another area where one may find someone receiving an oral single unit dose is in the confections industry which is becoming more and more competitive. Aimed primarily at youth, manufacturers are increasingly considering unique packaging as a means of differentiating themselves from their competitors. Packaging that adds an element of fun while delivering the confection is being sought after.
It is conceivable that a provider of a confection such as a chocolate confections might want to package a liquid chocolate in this delivery system and utilize a powder separated from a liquid which is then mixed immediately prior to administration.
Accordingly, there is a need for a packaging product that allows convenient accurate dosing of fluent oral liquids, whether initially packaged as a fluent or mixed just prior to adminstration. In addition this packaging must not add an appreciable expense to the cost of manufacture.
Whiting, U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,531, teaches of a condiment package containing a single use of ketchup, mustard, etc. However, whiting requires a tearing open of the package for dispensing. If one were to try to open the package by just squeezing the package, the pressure that would need to be generated to separate the seal would cause the liquid to gush or splatter upon separation of the seal. Conversely if one attempts to make the seal such that a slight pressure will separate the seal then premature actuation of the seal may occur from routine handling.
Redmond, U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,939, teaches a re-closable outlet on a disposable package. Redmond also incorporates folding in the design of his invention. O'Reilly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,966, teaches a bag in a bag method incorporating 3 plies of film in the design. In addition, O'Reilly uses baffles to prevent spilling and splashing from occurring during delivery of the liquid. Finally, Staar, U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,264, teaches thermoforming the package to dispense pasty liquids at a constant rate. Staar incorporates a blocking wall to achieve a constant flow rate. Such a construction would add an unacceptable expense to many packaged products.
None of the aforementioned patents teach a method for providing an adjustable flow rate based on tactile information feedback to the administrator, across a range of fluid viscosities, in an economic package. None of the aforementioned patents teach how to prevent inadvertent discharge of the fluid without the use of a baffle or blocking wall. None of the aforementioned patents teach a method for preserving the cleanliness of the fluid path prior to dispensing. None of the disclosures describe a device which can economically package a unit dose, prevent premature rupture during routine shipping and handling and provide for the accurate, controlled administration at the desired time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for delivery of a precise amount of orally administered liquids across a broad range of viscosities, the container is provided with the container including a first and second generally opposed pliable sheets, a first seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a liquid-containing chamber, a second seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a pressure relieving chamber adjacent to the liquid-containing chamber, a boundary seal joining the first and second pliable sheets between the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber and partially defining the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber, a precisely measured single dose volume of fluent liquid disposed within the liquid-containing chamber, the boundary seal including a fluid transfer region seal forming at least a portion of the boundary seal which is lighter than the first and second seals so that upon application of pressure to the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber the fluid transfer region seal opens to permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing chamber into the pressure relieving chamber, the geometry of the portion based on the viscosity of the liquid, an outlet adapted for fluid communication with the pressure relieving chamber for flow of the liquid from the pressure relieving chamber out of the liquid container and sized based on the viscosity of the liquid and the geometry of the dispensing device, and a lighter outlet seal adapted to open upon application of fluid pressure from liquid in the pressure relieving chamber for dispensing the liquid from the liquid container, the lighter outlet seal being located in the outlet at the periphery of the liquid container for closing the outlet and the pressure relieving chamber, and inhibiting ingress of foreign matter into the outlet and pressure relieving chamber prior to administering the liquid, and for working in combination with the dispensing device to prevent spilling and splashing of the liquid prior to delivery, control the delivery rate of the liquid to the recipient, provide tactile force flow rate information feedback to the administrator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to
The volume of liquid 2 corresponding to a single dose is sealed within the liquid-containing chamber 9. The liquid 2 may be over-the-counter or prescription medicine, nutritional supplements, confections, or other liquids one might consume orally. Although a “liquid” is described herein, the present invention is suitable for any substance in a flow able or “fluent” form, whether liquid or solid across a range of viscosities. The second seal 13 is discontinuous in an end portion 25 of the pressure relieving chamber 15 to define an outlet (generally indicated at 27) from the pressure relieving chamber 15 to the outside of the container 1. The outlet seal 33 joins the first and second sheets 3, 5 at the outlet 27 to sealingly close the outlet and separate the pressure relieving chamber 15 from the exterior of the container 1, thereby preventing contaminants from entering the pressure relieving chamber 15 prior to use.
In the embodiment shown in
The fluid transfer region seal 17 and outlet seal 33 are lighter than the first and second seals 7, 13. For purposes of this application, the strength of a seal is defined by the force that is required to separate the first and second sheets 3, 5 at the seal or to rupture the seal. Thus, lighter seals separate or rupture upon application of a smaller separating force than stronger seals. For example, the first and second seals 7, 13 may comprise conventional permanent heat welds. The fluid transfer region seal 17 and outlet seal 33 may comprise peal seals. Instruction on how to form a peal seal may be found in many references including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,309,673; 6,319,243; 5,865,793; 5,577,369 and 5,209,347 which are hereby incorporated by reference. As noted in the foregoing patents, it is possible to vary the strength of a peal seal by varying the materials selected, seal geometry, temperature, pressure and/or time used to form the seal. It is also noted that the width of any seal can be increased to increase the strength of the seal, and vice-versa. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various adhesives could also be used to form the seals 7, 13, 17, 33. It is preferable, for reasons to be described later, for the outlet seal 33 to be lighter or rupture at a lower pressure than the fluid transfer region seal 17. For example, the outlet seal 33 may comprise a seal formed by the heat and pressure associated with the shearing action of a knife or other cutting tool used to cut the first and second sheets (not shown). Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of sealing technologies can be applied to form the various seals 7, 13, 17, 33 in the pliable single dose container 1 without departing from the scope of this invention.
It is contemplated that a variety of single- or multi-layer films or film laminates could be used to form the sheets 3, 5. The first and second sheets 3, 5 should be made of materials (e.g., polymers) that are compatible with the technologies used to form the various seals 7, 13, 17, 33. For example the realm of single and multiple layer polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene, or the realm of foils and foil/polyolefin laminates. Those skilled in the art will know how to select or design films that are suitable for use with any of the conventional sealing technologies.
The sheets 3, 5 also have to be chemically and physically compatible with the particular liquid 2 in the container 1. The oral liquid 2 should not leach undesirable chemicals out of the sheets 3, 5 or otherwise react chemically with the sheets 3, 5. It may be desirable for the first and second sheets 3, 5 to be transparent to allow viewing of the contents of the liquid containing chamber 9 prior to use. On the other hand, the first and second sheets 3, 5 may be opaque if needed to protect the liquid 2 from exposure to light, which can degrade some liquids. In some cases, it may be necessary or desirable to include a gas barrier and/or a water vapor barrier layer (not shown) in the first and second sheets to prevent water vapor from escaping the liquid-containing chamber. A gas vapor barrier may also be necessary or desirable to prevent oxidation of the liquid. Information regarding the construction of films having gas vapor barrier properties is provided references such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,692,361; 5,098,202; and 6,083,587. Films that include water vapor barriers are described in such references as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,912,101; 6,541,087 and 6,410,124. The materials used in the sheets 3, 5 may also be selected to block light or other electromagnetic radiation if this is necessary or desirable to protect the liquid. Such films are described in such references as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,455,161; 6,391,946; and 6,306,936.
As shown in
In the embodiment shown
The perimeter of the container 1 may be sized and configured such that the container fits in the palm of the user (
Basic operation of a pliable single dose liquid container of the type shown in
Moreover when properly configured the volume of the pressure reducing chamber is supplied so that the pressure of the fluid falls below the pressure which is necessary to separate the outlet seal and expel the fluid from the device. As shown in
During the dispensing of the oral liquid 2, the pressure relieving chamber 15 throttles the flow from the liquid-containing chamber 9 to the person's mouth 61. The person 51 squeezing the container is provided continuous tactile feedback about the dispensing from the resistance to the squeezing. In this way, the person 51 administering the dose can feel whether there is still liquid 2 in the container 1 and can feel how fast the liquid is flowing from the outlet 27. The shape of the pressure relieving chamber 15 also forms the flow of liquid 2 into a controlled stream 63, as shown in
The container 501 shown in
As shown in
Referring back to
In contrast, the outlet seal 33 may be substantially lighter because with little or no fluid in the pressure relieving chamber 15, the outlet seal 33 should not be subjected to any fluid pressure except during the opening sequence (shown in
As shown in
Referring to
Furthermore, a packet 608 containing an oxygen scavenger, such as iron oxide or a similar oxygen scavenging chemical, may be placed inside the box 604 to eliminate oxygen from the interior 616 of the box 604 and to maintain a low-oxygen environment for the containers 601. The box 604 may also be designed to be less pliable than the containers 601 to shield the containers from the physical abuse of rough handling. For example, the cardstock 618 is selected to be durable enough to protect the containers 601 from damage if someone drops the box 604. Likewise, the box can be opaque to protect the containers 601 from exposure to light, including ultraviolet light, which may degrade the liquid in each container.
In order to allow printing to be placed on the exterior of the box 604, the laminated sheets 635 may be positioned so the cardstock layer 618 faces outward. Thus, printing on the cardstock 618 will be visible on the exterior of the box 604. The exterior surface of the box 604 may be designed to receive printed brand names 626, product logos 632, and directions and precautions 628 for use of the containers 601.
Different single use containers may be packaged together in the same package, whether it be a gas and/or water vapor barrier package or otherwise. As shown in
As one variation, the package 602, 702, 802 could include two or more different liquids. These liquids might include two or more groups of single use containers, each group containing one of the following: a pain reliever; an allergy medicine; an anti-motion sickness drug; and an antacid. The drugs could be packaged together for convenience of travelers, who may not have room to pack a full package of each medicine separately. Other combinations of drugs could be packaged together in a similar manner. In order to allow the consumer to easily and reliably distinguish the containers containing different drugs in the same package the liquid oral medicines could be formulated to have distinct appearances. For example, the color or concentration of the liquid oral medicine may be altered so the different containers have a different color.
As shown in
When packages contain more than one type of container, each type of container may be enclosed in its own sub-package. As shown in
When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” ‘including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
In view of the above, its will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims
1. A pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for delivery of a precise amount of orally administered liquids across a broad range of viscosities, the container comprising a first and second generally opposed pliable sheets, a first seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a liquid-containing chamber, a second seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a pressure relieving chamber adjacent to the liquid-containing chamber, a boundary seal joining the first and second pliable sheets between the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber and partially defining the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber, a precisely measured single dose volume of fluent liquid disposed within the liquid-containing chamber, the boundary seal including a fluid transfer region seal forming at least a portion of the boundary seal which is lighter than the first and second seals so that upon application of pressure to the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber the fluid transfer region seal opens to permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing chamber into the pressure relieving chamber, the geometry of the portion based on the viscosity of the liquid, an outlet adapted for fluid communication with the pressure relieving chamber for flow of the liquid from the pressure relieving chamber out of the liquid container and sized based on the viscosity of the liquid and the geometry of the dispensing device, and a lighter outlet seal adapted to open upon application of fluid pressure from liquid in the pressure relieving chamber for dispensing the liquid from the liquid container, the lighter outlet seal being located in the outlet at the periphery of the liquid container for closing the outlet and the pressure relieving chamber, and inhibiting ingress of foreign matter into the outlet and pressure relieving chamber prior to administering the liquid, and for working in combination with the dispensing device to prevent spilling and splashing of the liquid prior to delivery, control the delivery rate of the liquid to the recipient, provide tactile force flow rate information feedback to the administrator.
2. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a perimeter seal joining the first and second pliable sheets at their perimeters, the outlet seal defining a portion of the perimeter seal.
3. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 2 wherein the first and second seals form at least a portion of the perimeter seal of the first and second pliable sheets.
4. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 1 wherein the outlet seal is lighter than the fluid transfer region seal.
5. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 4 wherein the fluid transfer region seal and the outlet seal are formed for peeling release of the first pliable sheet from the second pliable sheet upon application of selected separating forces to the respective seals.
8. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a liquid chamber dividing seal separating the liquid-containing chamber into a first liquid-containing sub-chamber and a second liquid-containing sub-chamber, at least a portion of said liquid chamber dividing seal comprising a liquid chamber fluid transfer region seal, a first component of said fluent oral liquid contained within the first liquid-containing sub-chamber, and a second component of said fluent oral liquid contained with the second liquid-containing sub-chamber, said liquid chamber fluid transfer region seal being lighter than said first and second seals.
9. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 1 wherein the boundary seal constitutes a first boundary seal and the fluid transfer region seal constitutes a first fluid transfer region seal, the container further comprising a second boundary seal located between the dispensing device and liquid-containing chamber, the second boundary seal including a second fluid transfer region seal forming at least a portion of the second boundary seal in which the seal joining the first and second pliable sheets is formed lighter than the first and second seals so that upon application of pressure to the liquid-containing chamber both the first and second fluid transfer region seals are adapted to rupture in sequence to permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing chamber into the dispensing device.
10. A pliable single use liquid container as set forth in claim 9 wherein the outlet seal is lighter than the first and second fluid transfer region seals.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 21, 2006
Publication Date: May 31, 2007
Inventors: Larry Backes (Libertyville, IL), Keith Anderson (Libertyville, IL)
Application Number: 11/562,248
International Classification: B65D 35/22 (20060101); B65D 35/00 (20060101); B65D 47/10 (20060101);