HK1156009A - Pour channel with cohesive closure valve and locking bubble - Google Patents

Abstract

A container for dispensing various compositions includes a pourable spout located within a breachable bubble. In one embodiment, for instance, the container can be made from flexible polymer films. The container can include a sealed perimeter that defines an opening where a pourable spout is located. A locking bubble can be located over the opening for preventing liquids from being dispensed from the container prior to opening the bubble. When it is desired to dispense the container, the bubble can be breached which therefore allows the contents of the container to be dispensed through the opening.

Description

Pouring channel with adhesive shut-off valve and locking bulb

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application serial No. 11/713,114 filed on 3/2/2007; and the present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No.61/010,408 filed on 9/2008 and U.S. provisional patent application No.61/046,667 filed on 12/4/2008.

Background

Currently, many liquid products are packaged in flexible containers. The flexible container can be made, for example, from one or more layers of polymer film. Liquid products typically packaged in such containers include, for example, beverages such as fruit flavored drinks, liquid soaps and cleansers, hair care products, sunscreen compounds, and the like. Such containers can be less expensive than many aluminum cans and bottles. Moreover, the flexible container is easy to package and transport.

Unfortunately, many of the above-described flexible containers previously produced are somewhat difficult to open. These types of containers are quite difficult to open for small children, the elderly, or those suffering from hand ailments such as arthritis.

Another problem with such previously manufactured containers is that it is typically difficult to dispense the liquid in a controlled manner. These containers are opened, for example, by tearing the top off the container, tearing a corner, or inserting a straw into the container. Because the package is flexible, the contents of the container are prone to spilling out of the container, particularly when any type of pressure is applied to the container.

In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure generally relates to an improved container that is relatively easy to open and has a built-in pour channel for dispensing a compound from the container in a controlled manner. While the teachings of the present disclosure are well suited for incorporation with flexible containers, it should be understood that the present disclosure also relates to the construction of rigid containers.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, the present disclosure relates to containers for holding and dispensing compounds. The container can hold, for example, liquid products, solid products such as powders or granules, or semi-solid products such as gels and pastes.

In one embodiment, the container includes a housing defining a hollow interior space. A pour spout or pour channel communicates with the interior space of the housing and is configured to dispense the contents of the housing from the container.

According to the present disclosure, the container further includes a locking bubble surrounding at least a portion of the pouring channel. A blister seal surrounds the locking blister. The blister seal prevents the contents of the container housing from exiting the container through the pour channel. However, the locking blisters can rupture when subjected to sufficient pressure. For example, a user can rupture the bubble by pinching the bubble between their fingers. When the blister is ruptured, the contents of the container housing can be dispensed through the pour channel.

The container made according to the present disclosure can be a rigid container or can be a flexible container such as a bag. When it is a flexible container, for example, the container can be made of a polymer film. In a particular embodiment, the pouring channel and the locking bulb can be integral with the container housing.

As described above, the locking blister is surrounded by a blister seal. In one embodiment, the blister seal may include a rupture point, the rupture point including a weakened sealing portion. When pressure is applied to the locking bubble, the locking bubble ruptures at a rupture point. The rupture point is positioned to enable the pouring channel to be used.

In one embodiment, the container housing may define a perimeter. The pouring channel may comprise a channel protruding from the periphery. The sides of the channel may normally be in a flat closed condition to form a closed valve. The consumer can deform the flat side into an arcuate open condition by squeezing the filled (or partially filled) container. The arcuate sides create a pouring opening into the environment in the pouring channel. The container is preferably a flexible receptacle that can be held in an upright vertical position or a horizontal position for storage. Rigid containers may also be used. The internal pressure created by the squeeze of the consumer pushes the flat sides of the pouring channel apart to open the shut-off valve and the product can be poured out as desired.

After each use, the consumer may close the shut-off valve by squeezing the arcuate sides of the pouring channel together until a flat closed condition. The mutual adhesive attraction between the flat side surfaces keeps the valve closed.

The liquid content of the container may wet the flat surfaces of the channels and contribute to the closing force an adhesive attraction force.

The dump channel may have a check valve in a forward dump direction. The flow valve allows the product to flow out of the container and prevents the backflow of ambient air into the container which carries the foreign matter into the environment. Because of the one-way valve, the space of the container is gradually reduced with continued use.

During transport and display on shelves, the pouring channel can be locked closed by an external locking bulb which presses firmly against the channel, forcing the flat sides together. The opposing portions of the locking bubble may be conveniently formed by folding along the top of the container. The locking bubble may be formed in other ways. Vacuum drawing may be used to separate the folded sheet into opposing hemispherical or semi-cylindrical bubbles. The fold may be extruded into a sealed engagement around the rim to trap ambient air within the blister. The strength of the joint was determined by varying the time-temperature-pressure of the extrusion cycle. The weaker, narrower sealing zone defines the breaking point of the locking bubble. The locking bubble may be located at a corner of the container or along the middle of the rim.

The presence of trapped air expands the locking bulb and maintains the flat sides of the shut-off valve closed. Prior to initial use, the consumer "bursts" or ruptures the locking bubble, releasing the locking pressure. Alternatively, the consumer may cut or sever or manually tear the corners of the container to deflate the locking blister to release the locking pressure. The flat sides of the pouring channel can then be pinched into an arcuate open state. The container may be tilted horizontally to pour the product. A protruding pouring channel may be used. The weight of the product flowing into the closed pouring channel can separate the flat sides and cause the channel to open again. The viscous valve can be manually closed again between uses. The burst locking blister remains attached to the container and does not become a swallowing hazard or general trash.

The pouring opening in the pouring channel can extend to the outside or inside the locking bulb. The shorter pouring channel extends only up to the locking bubble. The container cannot be poured until the edge of the locking bubble breaks, connecting the pouring channel with the environment. Prior to rupture, the pressure exerted on the container by the consumer causes the shut-off valve to temporarily open. Air (or liquid) from the container leaks through the valve into the locking bubble. This added air inflates the locking bulb, thereby increasing the locking pressure inside the locking bulb, further closing the shut-off valve.

The edges of the locking bubble may be ruptured by the pressure of the thumb and forefinger (or any other finger or fingers) on one hand. The consumer can grasp the product container adjacent the locking blister and open and pour, all of which can be accomplished with a single hand in a single action. Alternatively, two hands may be employed.

The interior surface of the locking bubble may be coated with an adhesive to allow the container to be reclosed after initial use. The adhesive may be any suitable chemical or mechanical adhesive. Resealable adhesive valves eliminate the need for separate closure means such as screw caps or lids.

The container may be of regular shape, i.e. triangular or quadrangular or other polygonal shape. Alternatively, the container may be irregularly shaped or contoured to allow for easy grasping and contact with the locking bubble.

Additional aspects and features of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1, 2 and 3 are plan views illustrating the structure of a container made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of a container made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pouring channel present on the container in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a plan view, partially cut away, of another embodiment of a locking bubble and pouring channel for a container made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view, partially cut away, of another embodiment of a container made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of a container made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of a container made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A shows an appliance 110 having a storage chamber 110C, a chamber inlet region 110R, and a corner duct 112;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken generally along reference line 12B of the instrument 110 of FIG. 12A, showing the instrument 110 prior to rupture;

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken generally along reference line 12C of the instrument 110 of FIG. 12D, showing the peripheral breach 113P after rupture;

FIG. 12D shows the appliance 110 after rupture, with the ruptured corner tubing 112 venting the stored fluid 112F from the storage cavity 110C to the environment;

figure 13 shows the flow conduit separated by the isolation dam 126 and having a discharge chute 123;

FIG. 14 shows a plurality of flow conduits 132X, 132Y and 132Z having the same width;

FIG. 15 shows a plurality of flow conduits 142S and 142L having different widths;

FIG. 16 shows adjacent narrower conduits 152 laterally expanded to merge into a single wider conduit;

FIG. 17 shows an output-only valve 165D positioned in the discharge conduit 162D and an input-only valve 165A positioned in the air inlet conduit 162A;

FIG. 18 shows a plurality of storage cavities 170K, 170M and 170S with flow conduits 172K, 172M and 172S, respectively;

FIG. 19 shows a plurality of storage cavities 180L and 180R with a common discharge conduit 182; and

fig. 20A and 20B show the flow conduit 192 ruptured along the entire end of the storage cavity 190C.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

Detailed Description

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.

In general, the present disclosure relates to a container for holding and dispensing a compound including an internal pour channel. According to the present disclosure, the pouring channel is surrounded and closed by a locking bulb. The locking bubble prevents the contents of the container from exiting the pour channel until it is desired to open the container. To open the container, the user may break the locking bubble. For example, in one embodiment, the blisters can be designed to "pop" when squeezed together by a user. Once the locking blister is ruptured, the compound can be dispensed from the container using the pour channel.

Referring to fig. 4, 5, and 6, one embodiment of a container 10 made in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown particularly in fig. 5, in this embodiment, the container is in the form of a bag and includes a container shell 12 defining a hollow interior space 14. The container 10 can be designed to hold any suitable composition that can be dispensed from the container by pouring or squeezing the sides of the container. The compound contained in the container 10 may be, for example, a liquid, a pourable solid such as a powder or granules, a paste or a gel. Specific products that may be contained in the container include: a beverage; automotive products such as engine oils, engine additives, anti-freeze agents, and the like; liquid soap and detergent; a liquid binder; gelatinous food products such as cheese and the like; polishing agents, and the like. It should be understood that the above list of possible products that may be contained in a container is merely an example and is not intended to limit in any way the possible applications of the container as illustrated in fig. 4.

The vessel shell 12 of the vessel 10 can be made of any suitable material. For example, in one embodiment, the reservoir housing 12 can be made of a flexible material, such as a polymer film. Polymers that may be used to form the housing include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyvinyl chlorides, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, mixtures, copolymers, and terpolymers thereof, and the like. When formed from a polymeric film, for example, in one embodiment, the film may be made from a multilayer polymer. The polymeric film, for example, may include a core layer laminated to other functional layers such as a heat seal layer and an oxygen barrier layer. In one embodiment, for example, the polymer film may include a metallization layer for providing oxygen barrier properties.

However, it should be understood that the container 10 as shown in fig. 4 can also be made of a more rigid material. For example, the container 10 can also be made from coated paperboard materials and conformal polymers such as polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins, polycarbonate, and the like.

As shown particularly in fig. 4, the container 10 further includes an aperture 16 in a locking bubble 18. The pouring channel 16 is used for dispensing the compound from the container 10. The locking bubble 18 prevents the compound from exiting the container until the bubble is ruptured, as will be described in more detail below.

As shown, in this particular embodiment, the reservoir housing 12 includes a sealed perimeter 20. The sealed perimeter 20 includes a recessed sealing edge 24 within the locking bubble 18. The sealing edge 24 terminates at the opening 22. A channel member 26 is received in the opening 22 and the contents of the container exit through the member 26. The outer surface of the channel member 26 is attached to the opening 22 and sealed around the opening 22 (see fig. 6).

The channel member 26 can be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, for example, the channel member 26 may be a rigid tube. However, in another embodiment, the channel member 26 may be made of a flexible polymer film. In yet another embodiment, the channel member may be formed by joining opposite sides of the reservoir housing together such that the channel member 26 is integral with the reservoir housing 12. When the channel member 26 is formed by the container housing, the channel member 26 may terminate at the opening 22.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4, the pouring channel 16 further comprises a one-way valve 28. The one-way valve may be configured to only allow the contents of the container 10 to exit the container in a forward direction. For example, the one-way valve 28 may be configured to prevent reverse flow of ambient air or other fluid into the container. A one-way valve 28 may be provided to assist in dispensing the compound from the container and to prevent contamination. When the one-way valve 28 is present in the pouring channel 16, the space of the container gradually decreases as the contents are dispensed.

The structure of the one-way valve 28 may vary depending on the particular embodiment. For example, the one-way valve may include a flap within the passage member that moves in only a single direction when fluid pressure within the container is applied to the flap.

According to the present disclosure, the pouring channel 16 is housed in a locking bulb 18. The locking bubble 18 is surrounded and defined by an at least partially rupturable bubble seal 30. For example, the blister seal 30 may include a rupturable point or portion 32 located opposite the channel member 26. The rupturable point 32 represents a portion of the blister seal 30 that is more easily separated than the remainder of the seal.

The blister seal 30 can be manufactured using various techniques and methods. For example, the blister seal 30 can be manufactured using thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or adhesives. For example, in one particular embodiment, the blister seal 30 can be manufactured by placing a heated sealing bar against the outer perimeter of the blister and applying heat and pressure to form the locking blister 18. In this embodiment, the locking bubbles 18 can be made from a polymer film, for example.

The rupturable point 32 of the blister seal 30 can also be manufactured using different techniques and methods. When a sealing bar is used to form the blister seal 30, the rupturable point can be established by, for example, varying the time the sealing bar is in contact with the material along the portion of the blister seal where the rupture point 32 is present, varying the pressure, or varying the temperature.

In an alternative embodiment, the blister seal 30 may include heat sealed portions. The rupturable point 32 may alternatively comprise a "peel seal" portion. In this embodiment, for example, when the locking blister 18 is ruptured along the rupturable point 32, a small opening may be formed along the blister seal 30. The broken portion of the blister seal may form two wings that a user can grasp to further tear open the locking blister. In this way, the size of the opening of the bubble can be increased according to the user's preference.

Various methods and techniques are used to form the peel seal portion. For example, in one embodiment, the rupturable point 32 of the blister seal 30 may comprise a first portion adhesively secured to a second portion along the seal. The first portion of the rupturable point may be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. For example, the binder may include any suitable binder such as an acrylate.

In another aspect, the second opposing portion of the peel seal portion may include a film coated or laminated to a release layer. For example, the release layer may comprise silicone.

When using opposing adhesive layers as the release layers described above, the rupturable point 32 of the blister seal 30 is resealable after the blister is ruptured.

In an alternative embodiment, each opposing portion of the rupturable point 32 of the blister seal 30 may comprise a multilayer film. The major layers of the film may include a support layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive component, and a thin contact layer. In this embodiment, the two parts of the rupturable point 32 can be brought together and attached together. For example, a portion of a thin contact layer can be attached to an opposing portion of a contact layer using heat and/or pressure. When the locking blister 18 is ruptured and the rupturable point 32 of the blister seal 30 is peeled away, a portion of the seal area of one contact layer tears away from its pressure sensitive adhesive means and remains adhered to the opposing contact layer. Thereafter, resealing can be effected by re-engagement of the originally torn contact portions with the pressure sensitive adhesive that separate from the pressure sensitive adhesive when the layers are peeled apart.

In this embodiment, the contact layer may comprise a film having a relatively low tensile strength and a relatively low elongation at rupture. Examples of such materials include polyolefins such as polyethylene, ethylene copolymers and ethylenically unsaturated comonomers, olefin copolymers and ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, and the like. In another aspect, the pressure sensitive adhesive included in the layer may have hot melt properties or otherwise respond to heat and/or pressure.

In yet another embodiment, the rupturable point 32 of the blister seal 30 may comprise a combination of a heat seal and an adhesive seal. For example, in one embodiment, the rupturable point 32 may comprise a first portion heat sealed to a second portion. However, there may also be a peel seal compound along the rupturable point that in one embodiment interferes with the heat sealing process of the heat seal to produce the rupturable portion. For example, the separate sealing component may include a lacquer that forms the weaker portion of the seal along the blister.

In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive dots may be coated over the entire length of the rupturable dots. Once the rupturable point is ruptured, the two parts can be resealed using adhesive after use.

Referring to fig. 5, a cross-sectional view of the container 10 is illustrated. As shown, the pour channel 16 is located within a locking bubble 18. The locking bubble 18 can be formed around the pouring channel 16 in any suitable configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking blister 18 includes opposing first and second portions 34, 36. Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the first portion 34 and the second portion 36 overlap the reservoir housing 12 along a portion of the perimeter. Thus, as shown in fig. 5, the blister seal 30 is formed by attaching the first and second portions 34 and 36 to the container housing 12 at certain locations and forming the other portions by directly attaching the first portion 34 to the second portion 36. As shown in fig. 4, the rupturable point 32 can be located where the first portion 34 is directly attached to the second portion 36. However, in another embodiment, the rupturable point 32 can be located between one of the first or second portions and the container housing.

The locking bubble 18 is filled with a gas, such as air. As shown in fig. 4, the interior space of the locking bubble 18 is generally in fluid communication with the pouring channel 16. To prevent any compound contained within the interior space of the container 10 from spilling or leaking into the interior space of the locking bubble 18, the gas pressure within the bubble can be sufficiently great to prevent the container's contents from exiting through the pour channel 16 before the bubble breaks. In this manner, the contents of the container are also substantially prevented from spilling out of the container when the consumer opens the package.

The locking blisters 18 as described above are expandable to open the container 10 by external pressure applied by the consumer. For smaller blisters, the consumer may simply squeeze one or more blisters between the thumb and forefinger. A slightly larger bubble may require pressure between the thumb and thumb. Pressure can also be applied to the blister by placing the blister against a flat surface and applying pressure using the fingers or palm of a user.

When pressure is applied to the locking bubble 18, the air within the bubble applies pressure to the bubble seal 30, which causes the bubble to rupture at the weakest portion. For example, in embodiments including a rupturable point 32, separation of the bubble occurs along the rupturable point, resulting in an edge breach. The edge breach may be large enough to open the pouring channel 16 for dispensing the contents of the container. Alternatively, the edge break may form a flap that can be easily peeled away to better expose the pouring channel 16.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4, the locking bulb 18 has a circular shape. It should be understood, however, that the locking blisters can have any suitable shape. For example, in other embodiments, the locking bubble may have an oval shape, may be triangular, may have a heart shape, may have a rectangular shape, or may have a more complex configuration. Additionally, the locking blisters may extend substantially the length of the top portion of the package, except only at the corners of the container 10. Thus, the size of the locking bubble may be increased in certain applications.

In addition to the peripheral shape of the locking bulb 18, the locking bulb may also have different three-dimensional shapes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking blister 18 includes two opposing projections extending outwardly from each side of the container housing. However, in alternative embodiments, the locking blister 18 may include only a single projection projecting from only one side of the container housing.

The manner in which the locking bubble 18 is formed on the container 10 can vary depending on the particular application and desired result. In one embodiment, for example, the first and second portions 34, 36 of the locking bubble 18 can be placed over the pouring channel 16 and sealed in place while containing the appropriate air within the bubble.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking bubble 18 can be integral with the container housing 12 because the bubble can be made from the same film used to form the container. For example, referring to fig. 1-3, one embodiment of a method for forming the locking bubble 18 is illustrated. The same reference numerals are used to indicate similar elements.

As shown in fig. 1, a container 10 partially constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The container 10 includes a container housing 12 made of opposing polymer films. The reservoir housing 12 includes a sealed perimeter 20, the sealed perimeter 20 including a sealing edge 24 and an opening 22. The opening 22 forms the pouring channel 16.

As shown, the container housing 12 includes two opposing flaps 38 and 40 that extend over the pouring channel 16. To form the locking bubble 18, the tab is folded along the dashed line 42 to achieve the configuration shown in FIG. 2. Next, the locking bubble 18 can be formed by forming a bubble seal 30 that defines the bubble boundaries. The blister seal 30 can be formed using any of the techniques described above. For example, as shown in fig. 3, in one embodiment, the blister seal 30 may include a permanent seal portion 44 and a rupturable portion 32. The permanent seal 44 can be formed by heat bonding the flaps together in certain areas and heat bonding the flaps to the container shell 12 in other areas. The blister seal 30 can further include a rupturable portion 32 which, in one embodiment, can include a peel seal.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8, another embodiment of a container 10 made in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The same reference numerals are used to indicate similar elements. As shown in FIG. 7, the container 10 includes a container housing 12 defined by a perimeter 20. The perimeter 20 includes a sealing edge 24 that defines the opening 22. The opening 22 forms the pouring channel 16. In this embodiment, the pouring channel 16 is located approximately in the middle of the top of the container, as opposed to being located at the corners of the container as shown in fig. 3 and 4.

As illustrated in fig. 7, the locking blisters 18 have a semi-circular profile rather than a circular shape. As shown, the locking bubble 18 is defined by a bubble seal 30, the bubble seal 30 including a rupturable point 32 at which the bubble ruptures when pressure is applied. The rupturable point 32 is located opposite the opening 22 of the pouring channel 16.

Referring to fig. 8, a cross-sectional view of the pour channel 16 of the locking bulb 18 is illustrated. As shown, the locking blister 18 includes a first portion 34 attached to a second portion 36.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 7 and 8, the locking blister 18 further includes an adhesive portion 46 located inside the blister. The adhesive portion 46 is present in the blister to reseal the locking blister 18 and container 12 once the locking blister is ruptured. Any suitable adhesive may be applied to the interior surface of the bubble. For example, in one embodiment, an adhesive that adheres only to itself may be used. Thus, two different adhesive strips can be disposed on opposite sides of the bubble. However, in another embodiment, the adhesive may be applied to only one side of the bubble for bonding to the opposite side.

Referring to fig. 9, yet another embodiment of a container 10 made in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The same reference numerals are also used to indicate similar elements. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 9, the container 10 includes a container housing 12 in fluid communication with a pouring channel 16. The pour channel 16 is received within a locking blister 18 defined by a blister seal 30. The blister seal 30 includes a rupturable point or portion 32 located opposite the pouring channel 16.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 9, the pouring channel 16 includes an extension 50 that is folded within the locking bulb 18. The extension portion 50 can be integral with the film layer used to form the reservoir housing or can be a separate component attached to the reservoir housing at the opening. The extension 50 generally defines a channel therein for dispensing the contents of the container.

Once the locking bubble 18 is broken, the user can remove the extension 50 from the locking bubble 18 for easier dispensing of the container contents. In particular, the extension portion 50 can extend beyond the perimeter of the locking blister, thereby enabling the contents of the container to be dispensed without interference from the blister. In one embodiment, the extension 50 can be placed in fluid communication with a straw that extends to the bottom of the container. In this manner, the extension 50 can be used with a straw to allow a user to drink from the container if the container includes a beverage or food product.

It should be understood that containers made according to the present disclosure can have any suitable shape and configuration. As mentioned above, the container can be made of a flexible polymer film or can be made of a rigid material. Referring to fig. 10 and 11, other possible configurations of a container made according to the present invention are shown. In fig. 11, the container 10 includes a container housing 12 in communication with a neck portion 52. At the end of the neck portion 52 is a locking bulb 18 which, once broken, allows the contents of the container to be dispensed through the pour channel. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 10, the locking bulb 18 is rectangular in shape with rounded corners.

Another configuration of a container 10 made in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated in fig. 11. In fig. 11, the container 10 includes a recess 54, and the recess 54 may be used to grasp or hold the container. The container 10 also includes a neck portion 52 that terminates at the locking bulb 18.

Referring now to fig. 12-20, additional embodiments of containers made in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated. By way of example, with reference to fig. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D, an appliance 110 is shown, the appliance 110 having a rupturable flow conduit 112 for venting a storage fluid 112F contained in the storage chamber 110C to the environment. The appliance may be formed by extruding upper sheet 110U and lower sheet 110L into sealing engagement to form a bubble-shaped flow-through conduit. The cavity entrance region 110R is positioned adjacent the periphery 110P of the appliance. The rupturable flow conduit is within the inlet region and has an inner end 112C adjacent the storage cavity and an outer end 112P adjacent the periphery of the appliance. The flow conduit has an outer pinch seal 114P between the outer end of the flow conduit and the periphery of the appliance. The flow conduit also has an inner pinch seal 114C between the inner end of the flow conduit and the edge of the storage cavity. Under the action of external pressure, usually applied by the consumer, the flow conduit expands towards the periphery of the appliance. The pressure separates the opposing flaps until the flow conduit ruptures at the periphery of the appliance, creating a peripheral breach 113P from the flow conduit through the outer seal into the environment. The flow conduit also expands toward the storage chamber under the applied pressure. The pressure separates the opposing laminae until the flow conduit ruptures at the edge of the storage cavity, creating a cavity breach 113C (see fig. 12C and 12D) from the flow conduit through the inner seal into the storage cavity. The two ruptured flow conduits 113B establish fluid communication between the storage cavity and the outside for venting the stored fluid.

The flow conduit may be elongate, extending through the inlet region from the periphery of the appliance to the edge of the storage cavity. The flow resistance along the sides of the pipe forces the flowing fluid to undergo laminar flow with little turbulence. The discharged fluid flows out of the pipe in a stream that can be directed.

By pressing the opposing sheets into sealing engagement, the entire appliance, including the storage cavity and the inlet area, can be formed, which simplifies manufacturing. Alternatively, only the inlet region, or only the flow channel, may be formed by an extruded sheet material. The storage cavities may be formed of different materials to avoid long term exposure of the stored fluid to the sheet material. The sheet material may be any suitable material, such as plastic, paper (having a wood and/or cotton content) fabric, cellophane, or a biodegradable substance. A foil made of a material such as mylar or plastic or aluminum forms a flexible film with sealing properties and is commonly used as a tear resistant packaging material.

The stored fluid may be any flowable liquid, juice, slurry, dispersion, or the like. The low viscosity fluid will flow downwardly out of the storage cavity, through the ruptured tubing and into the environment under the influence of gravity. A highly viscous fluid can be forced out of the flexible pouch cavity and through the ruptured tubing like toothpaste. Furthermore, the stored fluid may be any pourable powder, such as sugar, salt, drugs, etc., capable of being passed through the flow conduit. The powder particles roll, slide, cascade, and tumble over one another in a fluid manner. In addition to gravity, some powders may require a tapping or shaking implement to be expelled from the storage cavity.

The flow conduit is expandable by external pressure applied by the consumer to establish fluid communication from the cavity to the outside. The inner and outer seals, respectively, can be ruptured by two squeezes, one applied to each end of the tube. Alternatively, the seals may be ruptured simultaneously by squeezing the center of the primary conduit. For smaller tubes, the consumer may simply squeeze the tube or tubes between his thumb and fingers. A slightly larger tube may require a thumb to press against a hard surface such as a table to break. The consumer can direct the conduit to expand outward toward the perimeter 110P of the appliance by applying pressure along an outer end 112P of the flow conduit 112 adjacent to point "P" (see fig. 12A). The consumer may also direct the conduit to expand inwardly toward the storage cavity 110C by applying pressure along the inner end 112C of the conduit adjacent to point C.

The outward expansion of the tubing gradually separates the opposing flaps of the outer seal 114P along the moving separation boundary. The boundary moves through the outer seal until the boundary reaches the periphery of the appliance, where the conduit ruptures creating a boundary breach 113P (see fig. 12C). The inward duct expansion separates the opposing flaps of the inner seal 114C along similar moving separation boundaries. The fluid in the conduit is forced away from the pressure point towards the seal, which results in separation of the seal. The conduit fluid is preferably a compressible gas, but it may be any suitable liquid. The duct gas is compressed by the applied pressure, thereby generating an expansion force. After the perimeter is ruptured, the outer seal can be resealable for resealing the appliance.

The inner seal may be stronger than the outer seal due to higher temperatures and/or pressures and/or dwell times during the formation of the seal. That is, the inner seal may be fused together with a greater fusion strength than the outer seal. The outer seal may be ruptured first, forcing the duct gas into the environment. When the inner seal is broken, the tube is squeezed shut, preventing any stored fluid from being lost.

Isolation dam (fig. 13)

The flow conduit may have an isolation dam which is an additional compression-sealing type barrier existing between the outside and the cavity containing the stored fluid. In the embodiment of fig. 13, a dam 126 is disposed across the flow-through conduit to divide the flow-through conduit into an inner conduit portion 122C adjacent the storage cavity 120C and an outer conduit portion 122P adjacent the periphery. The partition wall has an inner barrier wall 126C facing the inner pipe portion and an outer barrier wall 126P facing the outer pipe portion. The innerduct portion is expandable by applying pressure at point C. The expansion is inward toward the inner seal 124C and storage cavity 120C, and also outward toward the inner barrier wall 126C of the partition. The outer tubing part is also expandable by applying an external pressure at point C. The extension faces outwardly toward the outer seal 124P and the outside and also inwardly toward the outer barrier wall 126P of the partition wall. The expanded pipes merge into each other, thereby creating a split in the partition wall and eliminating the isolation dam. Expansion continues under the applied pressure until the inner conduit cavity ruptures and communicates with the storage cavity and the outer conduit perimeter ruptures and communicates with the ambient. The three ruptures, partition rupture and cavity rupture and perimeter rupture, establish fluid communication from the storage cavity to the outside and allow for discharge of the stored fluid. The three burst requirements reduce the likelihood of accidental release.

Multiple pipes (FIGS. 14 and 15)

The appliance may have a plurality of flow conduits for providing a plurality of splits to establish a plurality of fluid communications between the storage cavity and the ambient for multi-pass venting of the stored fluid. The appliance 130 has three flow conduits-132X, 132Y, 132Z (see fig. 14) that provide for faster discharge of the stored fluid 132F. The consumer can control the discharge flow rate. For slower flows, a single conduit may be broken and additional conduits may be broken in order to obtain a faster flow rate. In the embodiment of fig. 14, the plurality of flow conduits have the same width and the same flow rate in order to provide an equal flow increase.

Alternatively, in order to provide a plurality of broken flow conduits with different flow rates, the plurality of flow conduits may have different widths. The appliance 140 has a smaller flow conduit 142S and a larger flow conduit 142L (see fig. 15) to provide smaller and larger flow rates. By breaking up the two flow conduits, an extra large flow rate can be provided. The smaller flow rate from the breach of the smaller conduit 142S is combined with the larger flow rate from the breach of the larger conduit 142L to provide an oversized flow.

Side expansion (FIGS. 15 and 16)

A strong lateral seal may prevent lateral expansion of the expanding flow conduit during the application of pressure. The lateral seal preferably extends from the storage chamber to the outside along the side of the elongate flow conduit. The appliance 140 has three lateral seals-144S and 144L and 144M (indicated by parallel solid lines). The lateral seal 144S prevents the smaller flow channels 142S from expanding to the perimeter 140P, which results in longer random perimeter fractures. The lateral seal 144L prevents the expansion of the larger flow conduit 142L into the cavity 140C, which expansion results in longer random cavity rupture. The intermediate lateral seal 144M between the smaller flow conduit and the larger flow conduit prevents the flow conduits from expanding toward each other. The three seals strongly resist lateral expansion, directing the pressure inside the flow-through conduit to cause expansion at the ends. Thus, due to this directed pressure, the expansion is mainly outward towards the periphery of the appliance and inward towards the cavity. The lateral seal may be stronger than the inner or outer seal due to higher temperatures and/or pressures and/or holding times during the seal formation process.

Alternatively, the lateral seal may be weaker (soft) to allow lateral expansion during the application of pressure. The appliance 150 (see fig. 16) has a flow conduit 152 with two strong lateral seals 154S (indicated by parallel solid lines) and a weaker internal lateral seal 154W for the flow conduit 152. Weaker lateral seals 154W are located between the flow conduits 152 and allow lateral expansion of the conduits, thereby merging the conduits with one another to form a single larger conduit. The flow of a single larger pipe is greater than the sum of the flows of the two original pipes. For example, the two original flow channels 152 each have a diameter of 6 millimeters and a lateral flow area of about 28 square millimeters. The total original cross flow area is approximately 56 square millimeters. The combined ducts had a diameter of 14 mm (6 mm plus 2 mm of the middle seal 154W) and a cross flow area of approximately 154 mm square. The lateral merging of the two mm increases the flow by almost a factor of 2. The lower outboard lateral seal 154S may taper proximate the storage cavity to allow limited gradual lateral expansion, and widen the conduit 152 proximate the storage cavity to form a discharge funnel 154F (shown in phantom)

The inlet area in the appliance may be located at or between the corners. The appliance 130 has at least one corner 137 and the flow conduit is positioned adjacent to the corner (see fig. 14). The corner break provided at the corner location facilitates the discharge of the stored fluid. Alternatively, for an appliance having two or more corners, the inlet region may be located intermediate adjacent corners. The appliance 160 has at least two corners 167 (see fig. 17) with a flow conduit 162D positioned therebetween.

Flow valve- (fig. 17)

In some applications, the ambient air must be kept out of the storage cavity. The appliance 160 has an output-only flow valve 165D positioned in a flow conduit 162D (see fig. 17) for preventing ambient atmosphere from entering the storage cavity 160C. The storage cavity may be flexible as shown in fig. 12 or rigid as shown in fig. 17. Upon discharge of the storage fluid, the flexible storage cavity 110C collapses. Ambient air does not enter the storage cavity. In addition, the flexible chamber is lightweight and can be crumpled, rolled or rolled into a small size and easily discarded or reused. The rolled flexible chamber is free of lids, caps, flaps and other small closure fittings that are hazardous to children and animals. The rigid storage cavity 160C is formed of a rigid, free-standing material and cannot collapse when the cavity is empty. External air must enter the storage chamber to replace the exhaust fluid or a partial vacuum can develop in the chamber which restricts the exhaust flow. The smaller air inlet conduit 162A provides fluid communication between the rigid storage chamber and the outside. The inlet conduit allows replacement air to flow into the cavity to replace the space storing fluid that is discharged through the ruptured flow conduit 162D. The inlet-only air inlet valve 165A is positioned in the air inlet passage to prevent the stored fluid from escaping.

Multiple cavity (fig. 18 and 19)

The flow conduit appliance may have a plurality of storage chambers for storing a plurality of fluids. In a three-chamber embodiment (fig. 18), the appliance 170 has a first chamber 170K, which chamber 170K may be relatively large for containing a primary fluid, such as coffee 172K. The primary flow conduit 172K extends from the primary cavity to the ambient and, when ruptured, provides fluid communication between the primary cavity and the ambient. The second cavity 170M may be relatively small and contain a second fluid, such as milk 172M. A second flow-through conduit 172M extends from the second cavity to the ambient. The third cavity 170S may be smaller and contain a third fluid, such as a sweetener 172S. A third flow conduit 172S extends from the third cavity to the ambient. The consumer may access the stored fluids separately or all of the stored fluids together. For example, in a coffee embodiment, a consumer who wants black coffee only breaks the primary flow conduit 172K to release coffee from the cavity 170K. A consumer drinking the creamed coffee breaks the main flow conduit 172K and the second conduit 172M to release coffee from the cavity 172K and milk from the cavity 170M. A consumer drinking a creamy and sugared coffee must break all three flow ducts.

Alternatively, multiple stored fluids may be accessed simultaneously in certain embodiments. The appliance 180 has two storage cavities 180L and 180R connected to a "T" shaped flow conduit 182 by a left internal seal 184L and a right internal seal 184R (see fig. 19). The "T" shaped flow conduits are connected to the outside by a common outer seal 184P. The three seals 184L and 184R and 184P are broken, allowing two fluids to be discharged simultaneously.

Discharge port- (fig. 13 and 19)

The appliance may have a discharge opening extending from a ruptured flow conduit for directing the discharge of stored fluid. Discharge port 123 (see fig. 13) is an open chute having a duct end 123C and a discharge end 123D. The port protrudes from the flow conduit at the conduit end and directs the discharge at the discharge end. At least the discharge end of the discharge outlet may be formed of a semi-rigid material that is bendable and shaped to direct the discharge. Alternatively, the vent may be a covered tube for directing the vent. The discharge opening 183 is formed by pressing the opposed sheets together (see fig. 19). The outer seal 184 of the flow conduit is located at the discharge end of the discharge port.

Open ended embodiment (FIGS. 20A and 20B)

The flow conduit may extend over the entire width of the appliance to provide a large breach for rapid discharge of stored fluid. The vessel 190 has a flow conduit 192 extending between end corners 197 (see fig. 20A) to occupy the entire width of the vessel 190. A peripheral split 190P (see fig. 20B) also extends the entire width between the two corners to create an end opening in the appliance. The entire end of the appliance becomes the discharge opening. A robust lateral seal 194L (indicated by the parallel solid lines) may be employed to prevent lateral rupture and unguided lateral venting. Stored fluid 192F, including powder (indicated by cross-hatching), can be easily discharged from the end opening of the instrument.

These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Additionally, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. A container for holding and dispensing a compound, comprising:

a container housing defining a hollow interior space;

a pouring channel in communication with the interior space of the container housing; and

a locking bubble surrounding at least a portion of the pour channel, the locking bubble being surrounded by a bubble seal that prevents contents contained in the interior space of the container housing from exiting the container through the pour channel, the locking bubble being rupturable when subjected to sufficient pressure, and wherein the contents of the container are dispensable through the pour channel when the bubble is ruptured.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the blister seal includes a rupture point comprising a weakened portion of the seal, and wherein the locking blister ruptures along the rupture point when sufficient pressure is applied to the blister.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the locking bubble comprises an interior surface comprising first and second opposing portions, the locking bubble further comprising an adhesive on the interior surface that adheres the first portion to the second portion after the locking bubble is broken and the first and second portions are pressed together.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the adhesive comprises a chemical adhesive.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein the adhesive comprises a mechanical adhesive.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the pour channel extends through the locking bubble.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the pour channel comprises a channel, and wherein the blister seal extends through the channel at the intersection of the locking blister and the pour channel, a breaking point of the rupturable seal being located within the channel.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the locking bubble and the pour channel are integral with the container housing.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the container housing, the locking bubble, and the pouring channel are formed from a polymeric film.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the pour channel and the locking bubble are located at a corner of the container housing.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the container housing includes a first end and a second opposing end, the pour channel and the locking blister being located substantially at a center of the first end of the container housing.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the container housing includes a perimeter, and the pouring channel includes a channel protruding from the perimeter.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the pour channel includes a one-way valve that only allows compound to exit the container housing.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the container housing contains a compound, and wherein the locking bubble is in communication with the open free end of the pour channel, the container further comprising a gas present between the compound contained in the container housing and the locking bubble, the gas present at a sufficient pressure to prevent the compound from entering the locking bubble through the pour channel prior to the locking bubble rupturing.

15. The container of claim 9, wherein the locking bubble is formed by folding along one end of the container shell.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the fold covers the pour channel.

17. The container of claim 1, wherein the blister is resealable upon rupture of the locking blister.

18. An appliance for discharging a stored fluid contained therein to the outside, comprising:

a storage cavity for containing the storage fluid;

a cavity entrance area adjacent a perimeter of the appliance;

a rupturable flow conduit within the inlet region and having an inner end adjacent the storage cavity and an outer end adjacent the periphery of the appliance, the rupturable flow conduit being formed by pressing opposed sheets into sealing engagement;

an outer squeeze seal located in the inlet area between the outer end of the flow conduit and the periphery of the appliance and formed by the opposed flaps;

an inner pinch seal between the inner end of the flow conduit and an edge of the storage cavity and formed by the opposed laminae;

under the action of the applied pressure, the flow-through conduit is able to expand towards the periphery of the appliance, which causes the opposing flaps to separate until the flow-through conduit ruptures at the periphery of the appliance, thereby creating a peripheral breach from the flow-through conduit through the outer seal to the environment;

the flow conduit is expandable toward the storage cavity under the applied pressure, which causes the opposing flaps to separate until the flow conduit ruptures at the edge of the storage cavity, creating a cavity breach from the flow conduit through the inner seal to the storage cavity; and is

The ruptured flow conduit establishes fluid communication between the storage cavity and the ambient to vent the stored fluid.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an output-only flow valve positioned in the flow conduit to block the ingress of ambient atmosphere.

20. The appliance of claim 18, further comprising:

a partition wall crossing the flow-through conduit, dividing the flow-through conduit into an inner conduit portion and an outer conduit portion;

the partition wall having an inner barrier wall facing the inner pipe portion and an outer barrier wall facing the outer pipe portion;

the inner conduit portion is expandable toward the inner barrier wall and toward the storage cavity;

the outer pipe portion is expandable toward the outer barrier wall and toward the outside;

until the conduit portion breaks at the edge of the perimeter of the appliance, at the edge of the storage cavity and at the partition wall.

21. The appliance of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of rupturable flow conduits for establishing a plurality of fluid communications between the storage cavity and the ambient.

22. The appliance of claim 21, wherein the plurality of flow conduits have different widths to provide a plurality of fluid communications with different flow rates from the storage cavity out to the ambient.

23. The appliance of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of storage chambers for storing a plurality of fluids, the plurality of fluids being discharged through the plurality of rupturable flow conduits.

24. The appliance of claim 23, wherein the plurality of flow conduits from the plurality of storage chambers to the ambient have a common outer seal.

25. The appliance of claim 18, further comprising a drain port having a duct end and a drain end, the drain port protruding from the flow duct at the duct end to direct the draining of the stored fluid at the drain end.