MANIPULABLE SPREADABLE CONSUMABLE STORAGE VESSELS

Abstract

A break-open single-dose package includes at least one support panel movable to fold the break-open single-dose package, a sealable pocket for storing a spreadable consumable, an applicator, and one or more grips adjacent the at least one support panel. The sealable pocket is positioned adjacent the at least one support panel and includes a frangible region adapted to form an opening through which the spreadable consumable can exit the pocket in response to folding of the break-open single-dose package. The applicator is positioned adjacent the frangible region of the pocket for permitting a user to spread any spreadable consumable that exits the pocket on a surface using the applicator without requiring the user's hand(s) to contact the spreadable consumable. The one or more grips are positioned and adapted to facilitate user control of the break-open single-dose package. Other example single-dose packages are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/356,146 filed Jun. 29, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/381,932 filed Aug. 31, 2016. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to manipulable spreadable consumable storage vessels.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Storage vessels are commonly used to store a dispensable substance such as medicated creams, gels, lotions, etc. The storage vessels are sometimes folded to force the substance out of the vessels and onto a person's skin. In some instances, the vessels include a pad to spread the substance on the person's skin.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a break-open single-dose package includes at least one support panel movable to fold the break-open single-dose package, a sealable pocket for storing a spreadable consumable, an applicator, and one or more grips adjacent the at least one support panel. The sealable pocket is positioned adjacent the at least one support panel and includes a frangible region adapted to form an opening through which the spreadable consumable can exit the pocket in response to folding of the break-open single-dose package. The applicator is positioned adjacent the frangible region of the pocket for permitting a user to spread any spreadable consumable that exits the pocket on a surface using the applicator without requiring the user's hand(s) to contact the spreadable consumable. The one or more grips are positioned and adapted to facilitate user control of the break-open single-dose package.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a break-open single-dose package includes a first layer of material, a second layer of material, and a third layer of material. The second layer of material is coupled to the first layer of material and defines a pocket therebetween for holding a spreadable consumable. The pocket includes a frangible region adapted to form an opening through which the spreadable consumable can exit the pocket in response to bending or folding of the break-open single-dose package. The third layer of material is coupled to the first layer of material. The third layer of material defining an applicator positioned adjacent the frangible region of the pocket for permitting a user to spread any spreadable consumable that exits the pocket on a surface using the applicator without requiring the user's hand(s) to contact the spreadable consumable, and one or more grips adapted to facilitate user control of the break-open single-dose package.

Further aspects and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that various aspects of this disclosure may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more other aspects. It should also be understood that the description and specific examples herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is an isometric front view of a break-open single-dose package having an applicator and two grips according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the package of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an isometric side view of the package of FIG. 1A in its folded position.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package having multiple grips and an applicator including fingers according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the package of FIG. 2A in its folded position.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package having an applicator including a blade according to yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package having an applicator including bristles according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package including multiple grips and a cylindrical applicator according to yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the package of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package including support panels and multiple grips having similar surfaces areas according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package including a cylindrical applicator with insert according to yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the applicator of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a top view of a break-open single-dose package including circular support panels and an applicator including fingers according to another example embodiment

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of the package of FIG. 8A in its folded position.

FIG. 8C is an enlarged view of the applicator of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package including support panels and grips extending along the support panels according to yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package including support panels, grips extending along the support panels, and an applicator including a blade according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a break-open single-dose package including support panels, grips extending along the support panels, and an applicator according to yet another example embodiment.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts and/or features throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

A break-open single-dose package according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-C, and indicated generally by reference number 100. As shown in FIGS. 1A-C, the package 100 includes support panels 102, 104 movable to fold the break-open single-dose package 100, a sealable pocket 106 for storing a spreadable consumable 108, an applicator 110, and grips 112, 114 adjacent the support panels 102, 104. The sealable pocket 106 is positioned adjacent the support panels 102, 104 and includes a frangible region 116 adapted to form an opening 118 through which the spreadable consumable 108 can exit the pocket 106 in response to folding of the break-open single-dose package 100. The applicator 110 is positioned adjacent the frangible region 116 of the pocket 106 for permitting a user to spread any spreadable consumable 108 that exits the pocket 106 on a surface using the applicator without requiring the user's hand(s) to contact the spreadable consumable 108. The grips 112, 114 are adapted to facilitate user control of the break-open single-dose package 100.

The spreadable consumable 108 may be undesirable or harmful to touch, and/or easier to spread with the applicator 110 than by hand. Thus, a user can dispense the spreadable consumable 108 from the pocket 106 and spread the consumable 108 on a surface using the applicator 110 (and/or any of the other applicators disclosed herein) without coming into contact with the spreadable consumable 108. As such, the user may spread the spreadable consumable 108 on the surface without contacting the spreadable consumable 108 and/or the surface.

The frangible region 116 may be formed in various different manners. For example, the frangible region 116 may be formed by cutting a portion of the package 100 (e.g., the sealable pocket 106), folding the package, deforming the package, etc.

The frangible region 116 is designed to fail before other portions of the package 100 (e.g., the sealable pocket 106) fail so that the spreadable consumable 108 stored in the pocket 106 can exit the pouch only through the opening 118 formed in the frangible region 116. For example, the frangible region 116 may be designed to fail (e.g., break, etc.) in response to a force less than the force required to break other portions of the pocket 106. This can be accomplished by material selection, the manner in which the frangible region 116 is formed, etc.

For example, a portion of the pocket 106 may be thinner than other portions. This thinner portion may be considered the frangible region 116. For example, the pocket 106 may be formed of one or more layers of material. In such cases, a portion of the pocket 106 may be formed of less layers, thinner layers, etc. than other portions of the pocket 106 to create the frangible region 116.

In the example of FIG. 1C, the support panels 102, 104 are coupled between the applicator 110 and the sealable pocket 106. For example, the applicator 110 is coupled to one side of the support panels 102, 104, and the sealable pocket 106 is coupled to the opposing side of the support panels 102, 104. Additionally, the frangible region 116 is positioned near inner adjacent edges of the support panels 102, 104, as shown in FIG. 1B.

In some embodiments, the opening 118 in the frangible region 116 may be formed by movement of a portion of the package 100. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1C, one or both panels 102, 104 may move (e.g., bend, flex, fold, etc.) relative to each other to cause the package to fold. For example, a user may move one or both support panels 102, 104 (e.g., inwardly toward each other, as shown in FIG. 1C) by hand. The package 100 may fold along an axis or line between the support panels 102, 104, allowing the panels 102, 104 to move relative to each other. This inward movement of one or both support panels 102, 104 may cause the pocket 106 to fold onto itself thereby applying added pressure to the pocket 106 and, in particular, to the frangible region 116 to form the opening 118.

Movement of one or both panels 102, 104 may also force the spreadable consumable 108 out of the pocket 106. For example, the spreadable consumable 108 may be forced out of the opening 118 by moving one or both panels 102, 104 to apply an adequate force (e.g., pressure) at the frangible region 116. As such, moving one or both panels 102, 104 inwardly toward each other (as shown in FIG. 1C) may break (e.g., snap, etc.) the frangible region 116 to form the opening 118 and/or force the spreadable consumable 108 out of the pocket 106 via the opening 118.

In some embodiments, the support panels 102, 104 may provide structural integrity to the package 100. For example, the support panels 102, 104 may be substantially rigid structures that provide a user greater ease when grasping, manipulating, etc. the package 100, as explained herein.

Additionally, although the example package 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-C includes two panels 102, 104, it should be apparent that the package 100 (and/or any other package disclosed herein) may include more or less than two movable support panels. For example, it may be desirable to have only one panel that includes portions that are bendable (or otherwise movable) relative to each other.

The applicator 110 (and/or other applicators disclosed herein) may be a solid piece of material. In such examples, the spreadable consumable 108 may flow through the opening 118 (e.g. a slit, etc.) of the frangible region 116 after the frangible region 116 is broken, between the applicator 110 and the panels 102, 104, and onto a surface as explained herein. The applicator 110 may then be used to spread the spreadable consumable on the surface by moving the package 100.

In other examples, the applicator (including the applicator 110) can define one or more openings for conveying any spreadable consumable that exits the pocket 106 to the surface. For example, the applicator 110 may define an opening 120 (e.g. a slit, etc.) substantially aligned with the opening 118 of the frangible region 116, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. This opening 120 may extend between opposing surfaces of the applicator 110. In such cases, at least some of the spreadable consumable 108 can flow through the opening 118 of the frangible region 116 (after the frangible region 116 is broken), through the opening 120 of the applicator 110, and onto a surface as explained herein. The applicator 110 can then be used to spread the spreadable consumable on the surface as explained above.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the applicator 110 and/or the pocket 106 may be coupled to the panels 102, 104 in any suitable manner, including via an adhesive (e.g., glue, tape, etc.) and/or fastener. In some examples, the sealable pocket 106 may be formed integrally or monolithically with the panels 102, 104.

As explained above, the grips 112, 114 are positioned adjacent the support panels 102, 104 on opposing sides of the applicator 110. In particular, and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the grip 112 includes a protrusion extending from the support panel 102 and the grip 114 includes a protrusion extending from the support panel 104. In some examples, the grips 112, 114 may be coupled (e.g. adhered, etc.) to the support panels 102, 104 on surfaces opposing the pocket 106.

In some examples, the grips 112, 114 may be positioned adjacent the applicator 110, detachably coupled to the applicator 110, etc. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the grips 112, 114 are initially adjacent the applicator 110, and move away from the applicator 110 when the support panels 102, 104 are moved as explained above.

In other examples, the applicator 110 may include the grips 112, 114. For example, the grips 112, 114 and the applicator 110 may have a monolithic construction. In such examples, a single piece of material (e.g., silicone, etc.) may be partially cut to define the grips 112, 114 and the applicator 110. In some instances, the monolithic applicator 110 and grips 112, 114 can be coextensive with the panels 102, 104. As such, the monolithic applicator 110 and grips 112, 114 may have substantially the same size, shape, etc. as the panels 102, 104. Alternatively, the monolithic applicator 110 and grips 112, 114 may have a different shape, size, etc. than the panels 102, 104. For example, the monolithic applicator 110 and grips 112, 114 may be narrower than the panels 102, 104. In such examples, the surface area of the monolithic applicator 110 and grips 112, 114 may be smaller than the surface area of the support panels 102, 104.

The grips 112, 114 may be shaped (e.g., contoured, etc.) and/or sized to facilitate user control. For example, the grips 112, 114 may be shaped to allow a user to easily grip and manipulate the package 100 as desired. In the particular example of FIGS. 1A-1C, the grips 112, 114 (and/or other grips disclosed herein) each have a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners to inhibit poking of the user. The grips 112, 114 may have the same size and/or shape as one another, as shown in FIG. 1A, or have different sizes and/or shapes.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the applicator 110 may optionally include protrusions 122 (e.g., bumps) extending from a top surface of the applicator 210. These protrusions 122 may provide contact points with a particular surface when the applicator 110 is moved across the surface to spread the spreadable consumable 108, as explained above. If, for example, the surface is a person's skin, the protrusions 122 may cause less irritation to the skin than other applicators having no protrusions. Although the applicator 110 is shown as including multiple protrusions 122, it should be apparent that the applicator 110 may include more or less protrusions than are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C including, for example, no protrusions, one protrusion, etc.

As shown, the applicator 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners to inhibit poking of the user as explained herein. In other embodiments, the applicator 110 and/or other applicators disclosed herein may have another suitable shape.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another break-open single-dose package 200 including support panels 202, 204, a sealable pocket 206, an applicator 210, and grips 212, 214. The support panels 202, 204 and the sealable pocket 206 may be substantially similar to the support panels 102, 104 and the sealable pocket 106 of FIG. 1. For example, the support panels 202, 204 of FIGS. 2A and 2B are positioned between the applicator 210 and the sealable pocket 206. Additionally, the sealable pocket 206 can store a spreadable consumable, and include a frangible region adapted to form an opening through which the spreadable consumable can exit the pocket 206 in response to bending or folding of the package 200, as explained above.

As shown, the applicator 210 includes bristles 208 each having a finger like shape for applying spreadable consumable stored in the sealable pocket 206. In the particular example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the finger like bristles 208 are arranged in an interleaved configuration. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the bristles 208 extend in an alternating arrangement from opposing sides of the applicator 210. When the package 200 is in its unbroken state (e.g., before folding), each bristle 208 may extend in the same plane, as shown in FIG. 2A.

When a user manipulates one or both sides of the package 200 to break a frangible region (not shown), opposing sides of the applicator 210 are forced towards each other. As a result, the bristles 208 separate and extend outwardly from the surfaces of the applicator 210, as shown in FIG. 2B. When split apart, portions of the bristles 208 extending from one surface of the applicator 210 may overlap portions of the bristles 208 extending from the other surface of the applicator 210. These bristles 208 may be used to spread the spreadable consumable that exits the pocket 206 without requiring the user's hand(s) to contact the spreadable consumable, as explained herein.

In other embodiments, the applicator 210 may include different features, shapes, etc. For example, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate break-open single-dose packages 300, 400 substantially similar to the package 200, but include different applicators 310, 410. The packages 300, 400 may include similar grips, panels, package shapes, etc. as the package 200 of FIG. 2.

In the particular example of FIG. 3, the applicator 310 of the package 300 includes a fin 312 having a blade- or spatula-like shape to spread any spreadable consumable that exits a pocket of the package 300, as explained herein. For example, when the package 300 is manipulated (as explained above), portions of the fin 312 may separate to allow the spreadable consumable to pass through and exit the applicator 310. As shown, the fin 312 extends an entire width of the applicator 310. In other examples, the fin 312 may extend more or less than the entire width of the applicator 310.

In the particular example of FIG. 4, the applicator 410 of the package 400 includes a brush-like structure to spread the spreadable consumable on a surface, as explained herein. For example, the applicator 410 includes a base 412 and bristles 414 extending from the base 412. When the package 400 is in its unbroken state, some of the bristles 414 may be substantially aligned with and adjacent to (and in some cases touching) other opposing bristles 414.

When the package 400 is in its broken state in which a frangible region (not shown) is broken as explained above, the bristles 414 may remain substantially aligned and adjacent to each other. In such examples, the applicator 410 may include one or more structures (e.g., biasing features, etc.) to prevent the bristles 414 from spreading apart when the package 400 is manipulated. As such, a spreadable consumable may pass between the bristles 414 of the applicator 410 and onto a surface, as explained above.

Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the grips 212, 214 each include multiple protrusions extending from the support panels 202, 204. For example, the grips 212, 214 include outer protrusions 216, 218 and inner protrusions 220A-B, 222A-B for allowing a user to grasp and/or manipulate one or both sides of the package 200 to break the frangible region to form the opening in the pocket 206 and/or to force the spreadable consumable to exit the pocket 206, as explained above.

As shown, the outer protrusions 216, 218 are positioned adjacent opposing outer edges of the support panels 202, 204. In some embodiments, the outer protrusions 216, 218 may help orient a user's finger/thumb, provide grip security during handling of the package 200, etc.

In the example embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the inner protrusions 220A-B, 222A-B are each substantially crescent shaped. As shown, the two crescent shaped protrusions of each grip 212, 214 define a substantially circular touch surface for receiving at least one of a user's fingers to provide, for example, a secure fingertip grip. In other embodiments, the protrusions 220A-B, 222A-B may be shaped differently if desired.

Additionally, and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each grip 212, 214 is contoured to receive one of the user's fingers to provide, for example, a secure fingertip grip. For example, the grips 212, 214 each include a recess 224, 226 positioned adjacent to one set of the inner protrusions 220A-B, 222A-B. The protrusions 220A-B, 222A-B each include a surface that slopes from a high side to an opposing low side adjacent its corresponding recess 224, 226.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the support panels 202, 204 have substantially the same shape. For example, the panels 202, 204 each include a middle portion and opposing ends. One of the opposing ends of each panel 202, 204 is larger (e.g., a larger width) than the middle portion, and the other opposing end is smaller (e.g., a smaller width) than the middle portion. This narrower middle portion allows a user to have more control (e.g., maneuverability, etc.) when spreading the spreadable consumable over a particular portion of the surface. In other embodiments, the support panels 202, 204 may have different shapes.

Further, and as shown in FIG. 2B, the package 200 includes a butterfly shape when the package 200 is folded, as explained above. For example, the panels 202, 204 each may form a butterfly wing-like shape.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another break-open single-dose package 500 for storing and spreading a spreadable consumable, as explained herein. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the package 500 includes support panels 502, 504, a sealable pocket 506 for storing a spreadable consumable, applicator sections 510A, 510B (collectively the applicator 510), and grips 512, 514 adjacent the support panels 502, 504. The applicator sections 510A, 510B are coupled to the support panels 502, 504, respectively. The support panels 502, 504 and the sealable pocket 506 function similar to the support panels 102, 104 and the sealable pocket 106 of FIG. 1 explained above. For example, the support panels 502, 504 of FIGS. 5A and 5B are bendable to break a frangible region (not shown) of the pocket 506, force the spreadable consumable out of the pocket 506 and onto a surface (e.g., via openings in the applicator 510), etc.

As shown, each applicator section 510A, 510B includes a substantially half cylinder-like shape. As such, when one or both support panels 502, 504 are moved (e.g., folded, etc.) toward each other as explained herein, the applicator section 510A, 510B may become adjacent to each other to form a pad for applying the spreadable consumable on a surface. During this time, the applicator 510 may have a cylindrical shape.

In some embodiments, the applicator sections 510A, 510B each may have a hollow interior. As a result, each applicator section may be flexible for conforming to contours of the surface in contact with the applicator 510. Alternatively, one or both applicator sections may be substantially solid, etc.

Additionally, and as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the grips 512, 514 includes various protrusions (e.g., gripping portions, etc.) extending from the support panels 502, 504. For example, the grips 512, 514 includes an outer protrusion 516 positioned adjacent an outer edge of the support panel 502, and multiple inner protrusions (e.g., grip cues) 518 positioned between the outer protrusion 516 and the applicator section 510A. The protrusions of FIGS. 5A and 5B may have the same functionality, benefits, etc. as the protrusions 216, 218, 220, 222 of FIG. 2.

The protrusions 516, 518 may indicate to a user primary touchpoints for most effectively and efficiently handling the package 500. For example, the outer protrusion 516 includes an oval-like shape and the inner protrusions 518 are substantially crescent shaped to form the shaft-like grip. Alternatively, the protrusions 516, 518 may be contoured to provide another shape and/or grip if desired.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the support panels 502, 504 have an hourglass shape. For example, each panel includes a middle portion and opposing ends, and each opposing end includes a width larger than a width of the middle portion. Additionally, and as shown in FIG. 5A, a surface area of each support panel 502, 504 is larger than a surface area of its corresponding grip 512, 514.

In other embodiments, the support panel's surface area may be substantially the same as its corresponding grip's surface area. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates another break-open single-dose package 600 substantially similar to the package 500 of FIG. 5, but where a surface area of each support panel is substantially the same as a surface area of its corresponding grip.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another break-open single-dose package 700 substantially similar to the packages 500, 600 of FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, the package 700 includes support panels 702, 704, a sealable pocket 706 for storing a spreadable consumable 708, an applicator 710, and grips 712 adjacent the support panel 702. Although not show, the package 700 also includes grips adjacent the support panel 704. These grips are substantially similar to the grips 712. The support panels 702, 704, the sealable pocket 706, the grips, and the applicator 710 function similar to the support panels 502, 504, the sealable pocket 506, the grips 512, 514, and the applicator 510 of FIG. 5 explained above. For example, and as shown in FIG. 7, the support panels 702, 704 are movable to break a frangible region (not shown) of the pocket 706, force the spreadable consumable 708 out of the pocket 706 and onto a surface, etc.

In some embodiments, the applicator 710 (e.g. formed of sections 710A, 710B) may include an insert that functions as a wicking device. For example, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the applicator 710 includes an insert 714 coupled to the applicator sections 710A, 710B. When the spreadable consumable 708 is forced out of the pocket 706, the insert 714 collects this spreadable consumable and spreads the spreadable consumable onto a surface, as explained above.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another break-open single-dose package 800 that is substantially similar to the package 200 of FIG. 2, but includes a different shape. For example, the package 800 includes support panels 802, 804, a sealable pocket 806 for storing a spreadable consumable 808, an applicator 810, and grips 812, 814. The support panels 802, 804, the pocket 806, the applicator 810, and the grips 812, 814 function substantially similar to the support panels, the pocket, the applicator, and the grips of FIG. 1 explained above. As shown in FIGS. 8A-C, the applicator 810 includes bristles 816 that are substantially similar to the bristles 208 of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the grips 812, 814 each include a recess 822, an outer protrusion 818 surrounding the recess 822, and an inner protrusion 820 adjacent the outer protrusion 818. The protrusions allow a user to grasp and/or manipulate one or both sides of the package 800, as explained above.

In the particular example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the support panels 802, 804 and the grips 812, 814 are substantially circular. Alternatively, the support panels 802, 804 and/or the grips 812, 814 may be another suitable shape if desired.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate break-open single-dose packages 900, 1000, 1100 that function substantially similar to the packages disclosed herein, but have different shapes. For example, the package 900 of FIG. 9 is teardrop shaped or leaf shaped, and the packages 1000, 1100 of FIGS. 10 and 11 are each oval-like shaped.

As shown in FIG. 9, the package 900 includes support panels 902, 904, an applicator 910 for spreading a spreadable consumable 908 stored in a sealable pocket (not shown), and a grip 912. The grip 912 includes three protrusions 914, 916, 918 extending along the support panels 902, 904 and that define recesses (e.g., portions of the support panels 902, 904) for receiving a user's fingers for manipulating the package 900 as explained herein.

For example, a user may place his/her fingers, thumbs, etc. in the recesses to move one or both support panels 902, 904 relative to each other to break a frangible region (not shown) and/or provide spreadable consumable. After a frangible region of the sealable pocket is broken, the spreadable consumable 908 may be forced to flow along one or more of the protrusions 914, 916, 918 and out the applicator 910 (e.g., via openings in the applicator 910) in response to a user manipulating one or panels 902, 904.

As shown in FIG. 10, the package 1000 includes support panels 1002, 1004, an applicator 1010 for spreading a spreadable consumable 1008 stored in a sealable pocket 1006, and grips extending from the panels 1002, 1004. Specifically, a grip 1012 extends from the panel 1002, and another substantially identical grip (not shown) extends from the panel 1004. In the particular example of FIG. 10, the applicator 1010 includes a blade that functions substantially similar to the blade shaped applicator 310 of FIG. 3.

The grip 1012 (as well as the opposing grip) includes an outer protrusion 1014, an inner protrusion 1016, and two recesses 1018, 1020 defined by the protrusions 1014, 1016. The protrusions 1014, 1016 and recesses 1018, 1020 allow a user to manipulate the package 1000, as explained herein.

The panels 1002, 1004 each have an elongated oval like shape. For example, each panel 1002, 1004 includes a middle portion and opposing ends. The middle portion of each panel has a width larger than a width of each end.

As shown in FIG. 11, the package 1100 includes support panels 1102, 1104, a sealable pocket 1106 for storing a spreadable consumable 1108, an applicator 1110 having an opening for allowing the spreadable consumable 1108 to flow from the package 1100, and grips extending from the panels 1102, 1104. For example, a grip 1112 extends from the panel 1102, and another substantially identical grip (not shown) extends from the panel 1104.

The grips of FIG. 11 each include three protrusions 1114, 1116, 1118 extending along its corresponding support panel 1102, 1104 and that define recesses (e.g., portions of the support panels 1102, 1104). The protrusions 1114, 1116, 1118 and recesses of FIG. 11 are substantially similar to the protrusions 914, 916, 918 and recesses of FIG. 9.

When combined, the protrusions 1114, 1116, 1118 and the applicator 1110 form a jellyfish-like shape. For example, the protrusions 1114, 1116, 1118 may be considered the tentacles and the applicator 1110 may be considered the head.

Although the break-open single-dose packages disclosed herein include specific features, it should be apparent that any one or more of the features may be optional. Therefore, any one of the packages disclosed herein and/or another suitable package may include one or more of the optional features disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Additionally, the packages may be manufactured by any suitable method. For example, the packages may be manufactured by coupling different layers of material together. In such examples, a break-open single dose package can include three layers of material coupled together. One layer (e.g., a first layer) of material may be coupled to another layer (e.g., a second layer) of material and define a sealable pocket (e.g., one of the sealable pockets disclosed herein) between the two layers of material. Another layer (e.g., a third layer) of material may define an applicator (e.g., one of the applicators disclosed herein) and one or more grips (e.g., one or more of the grips disclosed herein). In some examples, the second layer of material may define one or more support layers (e.g., one or more of the support layers disclosed herein).

Further, although the packages form specific shapes, it should be apparent that any one of the packages disclosed herein and/or another suitable package may form another suitable shape. For example, the packages (including the grips, support panels, applicators, etc.) may include generally rounded corners, edges, surfaces, etc. to inhibit poking of a user's skin, to conform to a user's finger, maximize the width of the applicators, etc.

The packages (e.g., sometimes considered vessels, etc.) are considered single-dose packages. For example, the packages may not be reused (e.g., refilled, etc.) after their frangible region is broken.

The grips, applicators, pockets, support panels, etc. disclosed herein may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the support panels may include plastic, cardboard, silicone, etc., and the grips, the applicators, and/or the pockets may include silicone and/or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the silicone may have a hardness of about 60 shore A to about 80 shore A. In other embodiments, the silicone may have a hardness of less than 60 shore A and/or more than 80 shore A. As such, the applicators may be flexible for conforming to contours of a surface if desired. In other examples, the grips may be substantially firm to ensure the grips remain stable when grasped by a user.

The support panels disclosed herein and/or other surfaces of the packages may have a textured surface (e.g., a printed textured finish, a sprayed finish, etc.). For example, any one of the support panels, the grips, etc. disclosed herein may be textured, include a layer of material, etc. to increase a user's ability to grasp and/or manipulate one or both sides of the package.

The surfaces disclosed herein may include surfaces of various different objects. For example, a surface may be a person's skin. In such examples, a user can use one of the applicators to spread the spreadable consumable by rubbing the applicator across his/her skin and/or another person's skin without cutting, aggravating, etc. the skin. As such, the packages may be used to apply the spreadable consumable to otherwise sensitive areas. In such cases, the spreadable consumable may include various different liquids, creams, ointments, gels, pastes, and/or other suitable spreadable consumable commonly applied to a person's skin. For example, the spreadable consumable may include medicated or non-mediated materials, prescription or non-prescription material(s), etc.

In other embodiments, the surface may be part of a food related product, a brick, a piece of wood, a piece of plastic, etc. In such cases, the spreadable consumable may include condiments (e.g., ketchup, barbeque sauce, etc.), caulk, adhesives, and/or other suitable spreadable consumable.

The sealable pockets disclosed herein may have any suitable volume. For example, the sealable pockets may have a volume to store between about 0.25 mL and about 1 mL of spreadable consumable. In other examples, the volume may be larger or smaller to store more or less spreadable consumable.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A break-open single-dose package, comprising:

at least one support panel movable to fold the break-open single-dose package;

a sealable pocket for storing a spreadable consumable, the sealable pocket positioned adjacent the at least one support panel and including a frangible region adapted to form an opening through which the spreadable consumable can exit the pocket in response to folding of the break-open single-dose package;

an applicator positioned adjacent the frangible region of the pocket for permitting a user to spread any spreadable consumable that exits the pocket on a surface using the applicator without requiring the user's hand(s) to contact the spreadable consumable; and

one or more grips adjacent the at least one support panel, the one or more grips adapted to facilitate user control of the break-open single-dose package.

2. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the at least one support panel includes two support panels and wherein at least one of the support panels is movable relative to the other support panel to fold the break-open single-dose package.

3. The break-open package of claim 2 wherein the two support panels have substantially the same shape.

4. The break-open package of claim 2 wherein the one or more grips includes at least two grips, wherein one of the grips extends from one of the support panels, and wherein another one of the grips extends from the other support panel.

5. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the applicator includes one or more openings for conveying any spreadable consumable that exits the pocket to said surface.

6. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the at least one support panel is coupled between the applicator and the sealable pocket.

7. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the applicator comprises silicone.

8. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the applicator comprises one or more bristles.

9. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the applicator comprises one or more rounded corners.

10. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the applicator has a substantially cylindrical shape when the break-open single-dose package is folded.

11. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the applicator includes a blade to spread any spreadable consumable that exits the pocket.

12. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the applicator is flexible for conforming to one or more contours of said surface.

13. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the package has a butterfly shape when folded.

14. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the one or more grips include one or more protrusions extending from the at least one support panel.

15. The break-open package of claim 14 wherein the one or more grips include a recess positioned adjacent at least one of the protrusions.

16. The break-open package of claim 14 wherein at least one of the protrusions is substantially crescent shaped.

17. The break-open package of claim 14 wherein at least two of the protrusions define a substantially circular touch surface for receiving at least one of the user's fingers.

18. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the one or more grips comprises silicone.

19. The break-open package of claim 1 wherein the one or more grips and the applicator have a monolithic construction.

20. The break-open package of claim 19 wherein the at least one support panel has a surface area and wherein the monolithic grips and applicator have a surface area smaller than the surface area of the at least one support panel.

21. The break-open package of claim 1 further comprising a spreadable consumable stored in the pocket.

22. A break-open single-dose package, comprising:

a first layer of material;

a second layer of material coupled to the first layer of material and defining a pocket therebetween for holding a spreadable consumable, the pocket including a frangible region adapted to form an opening through which the spreadable consumable can exit the pocket in response to bending or folding of the break-open single-dose package; and

a third layer of material coupled to the first layer of material, the third layer of material defining an applicator positioned adjacent the frangible region of the pocket for permitting a user to spread any spreadable consumable that exits the pocket on a surface using the applicator without requiring the user's hand(s) to contact the spreadable consumable, and one or more grips adapted to facilitate user control of the break-open single-dose package.