A TEAR AND SPILL RESISTANT PACKAGE
FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS IN A CONTROLLED MANNER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Related Applications
The present disclosure claims the right to priority based on U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/788,572 filed on March 31, 2006.
II. Field of the Invention
[001] The present invention relates generally to dispensary packages.
More particularly, the present invention relates to veterinary packages for
dispensing liquids.
III. Description of the Related Art
[002] Over the years, designers have sought to improve container
designs and processes for dispensing liquids. Conventional designs, however,
suffer from many drawbacks. For instance, typical container designs are not
adequately childproof. They are not sufficiently tear resistant to insure that the
enclosed liquids are used for their intended uses. Many containers can be
opened relatively easily, such as by twisting one part of the container relative to
another. Nor do conventional designs adequately prevent liquid from being
accidentally discharged during the process of opening the container. In the field
of dispensing, the terms "kickback," "splashback," and liquid "pops" have been
used to describe the problem of accidental discharge that may occur when an
opening in the container must be created by tearing a portion of the container
along a score line. In addition, current designs are susceptible to uncontrolled
discharge after opening because they typically permit liquid to freely flow through
the torn opening.
[003] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a container that
is tear resistant, requires a greater degree of dexterity to open, prevents
accidental discharge during opening, and allows the liquid to be dispensed in a
controlled manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] The advantages and purposes of the invention will be set forth in
part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Moreover, the

advantages and purposes of the invention will be realized and attained by means
of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
[005] One aspect of the invention provides a pliable package for storing
liquids therein, including a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable superposed
sheets being joined together by a liquid-tight seal along their respective peripheral
edges; a liquid reservoir enclosed between the superposed sheets, including a
funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge opening at a location
along the liquid-tight seal; and a reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight
seal, configured to block the liquid discharge opening; wherein the funnel-shaped
outlet passageway extends across the liquid discharge opening from the flexible
reservoir to the reinforced closure.
[006] Another aspect of the invention provides a pliable package for
storing liquids therein, including a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable
superposed sheets being joined together by a liquid-tight seal along their
respective peripheral edges; a liquid reservoir enclosed between the superposed
sheets, including a funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge
opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; and a reinforced closure located
along the liquid-tight seal and configured to block the liquid discharge opening;
wherein the funnel-shaped outlet passageway is configured to allow the formation
of a meniscus upon unblocking the liquid discharge opening in order to prevent
liquids from exiting the pliable package.
[007] Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of storing
liquids inside a pliable package, including providing a plurality of flexible, liquid-
impermeable superposed sheets; joining the superposed sheets by a liquid-tight
seal along their respective peripheral edges; providing a liquid reservoir between
the superposed sheets, the liquid reservoir including a funnel-shaped outlet
passageway and a liquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight
seal; and providing a reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight seal for
blocking the liquid discharge opening; wherein the pliable package prevents
spillage and kickback of the liquids during unblocking of the liquid discharge
opening.
[008] A further aspect of the invention that is advantageous over the
conventional "twist off" style of packages is that once the package is opened there

is only one piece to discard. Thus, the risk of a pet or child of swallowing a twist
off device may be eliminated.
[009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detail description are only exemplary, and are intended to
provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[010] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together
with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the
drawings,
[011] FIG. 1 is a top plan view depicting a liquid dispenser according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view depicting a lower section of the
dispenser of FIG. 1;
[014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view depicting an upper section of the
dispenser of FIG. 1;
[015] FIG. 5a is a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 having an upper
portion bent 90 degrees;
[016] FIGS. 5b-d are perspective views of the dispenser of FIG. 1 having
a tab portion bent away to allow liquid dispensing;
[017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 having an
upper portion twisted about a longitudinal axis;
[018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 6 having the
upper portion twisted substantially 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis;
[019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 having the
upper portion bent away;
[020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 depicting
liquid being dispensed;
[021 ] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of one embodiment of the liquid
dispenser;
[022] FIG. 10b illustrates the dimensions according to the dispenser of
FIG. 10a;

[023] FIG. 10c illustrates the manufacturing process of the dispenser of
FIG. 10a;
[024] FIG. 11 a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the liquid
dispenser;
[025] FIG. 11b illustrates the dimensions according to the dispenser of
FIG. 11a;
[026] FIG. 11c illustrates the manufacturing process of the dispenser of
FIG. 11a;
[027] FIG. 12a is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
liquid dispenser,
[028] FIG. 12b illustrates the dimensions according to the dispenser of
FIG. 12a;
[029] FIG. 12c illustrates the manufacturing process of the dispenser of
FIG. 12a;
[030] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
liquid dispenser;
[031] FIG. 13b illustrates the dimensions according to the dispenser of
FIG. 13a; and
[032] FIG. 13c illustrates the manufacturing process of the dispenser of
FIG. 13a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[033] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiment of
the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the
drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[034] One embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
includes a tear resistant package 5 that has a bottom layer 10 and a top layer 15
adhered to the bottom layer 10. The package shape is generally symmetrical
about a longitudinal axis 18. The bottom and top layers 10. 15 are together
shaped to define a base portion 20 (alternatively referred to as an "applicator")
and a non-removable tab portion 30. In a preferred embodiment, the tab portion
30 may remain attached to the base portion 20 after the package 5 is opened.
Alternatively, the tab portion 30 could be removed from the base portion 20 by
cutting with scissors or another cutting implement. Two cross-sectional

perspective views of the package 5 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The bottom layer
10 and top layer 15 may be thermoformed and stamped together resulting in a
thermoformed pack.
[035] The thermoformed pack may be made from any of the
thermoformable plastic flexible film materials having the adequate melt strength.
These materials include the polyolefins, with polyethylene and polypropylene
being preferred. Other resins that may be used include polyethylene terephalate,
polyethylene terephalate glycol modified, high density polyethylene, laminates,
multilayered composites comprised of olefins, and other thermoformable
materials. In one embodiment, the thermoformed pack is formed of PVC - (Poly
Vinyl Chloride), PVDC - (Poly Vinyl Di Chloride film), a multilayer sandwich film of
LDPE+EVOH (Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol)+LDPE, OPA - (Oriented Poly Amide) - C.O.C®
BAREX®, and ACLAR®.
[036] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top layer 15 is shaped to form
a liquid reservoir 40, a neck portion 50, and a reinforcing portion 60. The reservoir
40 is flexible and is configured to store a majority of a liquid 70- The reservoir 40
and the tab portion 30 each may include a series of gripping ribs 35,45. The neck
portion 50 may extend away from the reservoir 40 along the longitudinal axis 18.
The neck portion 50 may include an end portion 55.
[037] In one embodiment, the neck portion 50 may be formed as a
funnel-shape to gradually restrict the flow of liquid 70 away from the reservoir 40.
When the package 5 is held in an upright orientation, this funnel-shape may cause
liquid 70 to flow out of the end portion 55 and drain back into the reservoir 40.
This is referred to as a "drain back" feature. In another preferred embodiment, a
desired amount of air or gas may be included within the reservoir 40 and neck
portion 50 to further encourage the liquid 70 to flow out of the end portion 55 when
the package 5 is held in the upright orientation. For example, in one embodiment,
nitrogen may be injected into package 5 prior to its being filled with liquid 70.
[038] In one aspect of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
reinforcing portion 60 may extend around the end portion 55 of the neck portion
50. The reinforcing portion 60 may be configured as a general U-shape or other
shapes, such as for example, a C-shape, O-shape or X-shape. In other
embodiments (not shown), the reinforcing portion 60 may include two separated
portions each located adjacent to the end portion 55 of the neck portion 50. A

score line 80 may extend through both the reinforcing member 60 and the neck
portion 50 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the neck
portion 50. The reinforcing portion 60 may be located to span the score line 80.
The reinforcing portion 60 may be disposed at the ends of the score line 80,
thereby making the package 5 more difficult to initiate a tear from either end of the
score line 80 and therefore resistant to opening, by a child, for instance. The
reinforcing portion 60 may also be configured to provide rigidity to the package 5,
and more particularly, to the neck portion 50.
[039] During manufacture, the reinforced portion 60 may be stamped into
the package 5 through the use of a roller or bbck stamping profile as best shown
in the cross-section of FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the reinforced portion 60 may
be formed by a male plug and a female plug during the process of ihermoforming
the package 5 into a forming mold.
[040] In another aspect of the invention, the container 5 may be opened
in a controlled fashion. As shown in FIG. 5a, a user may first hold the package 5
in an upright orientation. When the package 5 is held in this orientation, the liquid
70 may drain out of the end portion 55 and back toward the reservoir 40. Since
the liquid 70 is not present in the end portion 55 when the package 5 is opened,
accidental spillage may be avoided.
[041] Still referring to FIG. 5a, the user may open the package 5 by
folding the tab portion 30 about the score line 80. The reinforcing portion 60 may
form an expanded portion 67 along score line 80, which restricts the rate at which
the tab portion 30 may rotate relative to the base portion 20. In this embodiment,
the user also need not remove the tab portion 30 from the base portion 20 to
dispense the liquid 70. FIGS. 5b-d illustrate the steps by which the user may fold
the tab portion 30 away from the reservoir 40.
[042] In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the reinforcing
portion 60 also may prevent the tab portion 30 from being torn along the score line
80 when it is twisted relative to the base portion 20. Thus, the reinforcing portion
60 may require a user to have a greater degree of dexterity to open the package 5
by precisely folding the tab portion 30 about the score line 80.
[043] In still another embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, the funnel-shape of
the neck portion 50 may prevent accidental discharge of liquid 70 after the tab
portion 30 has been folded back on the applicator 20. As shown, when the

package 5 is in an upside down orientation, a liquid meniscus 75 may be formed
at the opening of the neck portion 50 based on the funnel-shape of the neck
portion 50 and the viscosity of the liquid 70. The dimensions of the funnel-shape,
including diameter and length, may be dependent upon the viscosity of the liquid
70. Liquid 70 may be any type of suitable liquid such as a water-based or solvent-
based liquid having a viscosity in the range of about 0.5x10-3 to 2.0x10-3 Pa.s.
Thus, package 5 of the present disclosure may be relevant to the dispensing of
any suitable liquid so long as its viscosity may be accommodated via appropriate
design of the neck portion 50.
[044] Fig. 9 illustrates one mode of dispensing the liquid 70 in a
controlled manner. To dispense the liquid 70, a user may squeeze the reservoir
40, and compress the top layer 15 inwardly. In cr.e embodiment, the top layer-15
may remain collapsed after the user squeezes the reservoir. Alternatively, the top
layer 15 may be biased to return to its original shape after the user squeezes the
reservoir 40. In this embodiment, when the top layer 15 moves back to its original
shape, a negative pressure within the reservoir 40 may prevent the liquid 70 from
flowing out of the reservoir 40.
[045] In one illustrative embodiment, the reservoir 40 may be
manufactured with an initial negative internal pressure that is less than
atmospheric pressure. Once the reservoir 40 is opened, the negative internal
pressure may cause the liquid 70 to flow away from the opening to prevent the
liquid 70 from escaping the reservoir 40. In another illustrative embodiment, the
reservoir 40 may contain an air pocket in the neck portion 50 to prevent liquid 70
from being in the neck portion 50 before opening and prevent it from spilling
during the opening process. In another aspect of the invention, the package 5
may be configured to "aspirate," or cause an internal suction to maintain the liquid
70 within reservoir 40 after opening or until pressure is applied by a user to the
reservoir 40.
[046] In still another aspect of the invention, the package as shown in
FIGS. 10a-b may be configured to hold a specific volume of liquid. For example, a
2.2 ml package may be configured to have a bottom layer 10 measuring 0.5 mm
in thickness. The package also may have a total package depth of 6.5 mm in
cross-section. As shown in FIG. 10c, dual roll feeding of web materials may be
used in the thermoforming and stamping manufacturing process to form the top

and bottom layers 15, 10 of the package 5. As illustrated, each container may be
spaced apart from one another along the web of materials.
[047] In another example, as shown in FIGS. 1 la-b, a 2.5 ml package
may be configured to have a bottom layer 10 measuring about 0.5 mm in
thickness. The package also may have a total package depth of about 8.5 mm in
cross-section. As shown in FIG. 11c, dual roll feeding of web materials may be
used in the thermoforming and stamping manufacturing process to form the top
and bottom layers 15,10 of the package 5. As illustrated, each container may be
spaced apart from one another along the web of materials.
[048] In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 12a-b, a 4.9 ml
package may be configured to have a bottom layer 10 measuring about 0.5 mm in
thickness. The package also may have a total package depth of about 1G.5 mm
in cross-section. As shown in FIG. 12c, dual roll feeding of web materials may be
used to form the top and bottom layers 15,10 of the package in the thermoforming
and stamping manufacturing process to form the top and bottom layers 15, 10 of
the package 5. As illustrated, each container may be spaced apart from one
another along the web of materials.
[049] In still another example, as shown in FIGS. 13a-b, a 7.4 ml
package may be configured to have a bottom layer 10 attached to a top layer 15.
The package also may have a total package depth of about 13.10 mm in cross-
section. As shown in FIG. 13c, dual roll feeding of web materials may be used in
the thermoforming and stamping manufacturing process to form the top and
bottom layers 15, 10 of the package 5. As illustrated, each container may be
spaced apart from one another along the web of materials.
[050] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be
considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being
indicated by the following claims. Thus, it should be understood that the invention
is not limited to the illustrative examples in this specification. Rather, the invention
is intended to cover all modifications and variations that come within the scope of
the following claims and their equivalents.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A pliable package for storing liquids therein, comprising:
a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable superposed sheets being
joined together by a liquid-tight seal along their respective peripheral
edges;
a liquid reservoir enclosed between the superposed sheets,
including a funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge
opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; and
a reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight seal, configured to
block the liquid discharge opening;
wherein the funnel-shaped outlet passageway extends across the
liquid discharge opening from the flexible reservoir to the reinforced closure.
2. The pliable package of claim 1, wherein the funnel-shaped outlet
passageway comprises a tapered portion and an elongate throat portion having
opposing ends; and
wherein the tapered portion extends from the liquid reservoir to one
end of the elongate throat portion, and the elongate throat portion extends from its
other end to the reinforced closure.
3. The pliable package of claim 1, wherein the reinforced closure and the
liquid reservoir each comprise a plurality of gripping ribs.
4. The pliable package of claim 1, wherein the reinforced closure is joined to
the liquid reservoir along a score line at the location along the fluid-tight seal.
5. The pliable package of claim 4, further comprising:
a reinforcing member formed in the reinforced closure and the liquid
reservoir across the score line at the location along the fluid-tight seal.
6. The pliable package of claim 5, wherein the reinforcing member is
substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, O-shaped, or X-shaped.

7. The pliable package of claim 5, wherein the reinforced closure is configured
to unblock the liquid discharge opening upon being rotated about the score line.
8. A pliable package for storing liquids therein, comprising:
a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable superposed sheets being
joined together by a liquid-tight seal along their respective peripheral
edges;
a liquid reservoir enclosed between the superposed sheets,
including a funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge
opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; and
a reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight seal and
configured to block the liquid discharge opening;
wherein the funnel-shaped outlet passageway is configured to allow
the formation of a meniscus upon unblocking the liquid discharge opening
in order to prevent liquids from exiting the pliable package.
9. The pliable package of claim 8, wherein the funnel-shaped outlet
passageway comprises a tapered portion and an elongate throat portion having
opposing ends;
wherein the tapered portion extends from the liquid reservoir to one
end of the elongate throat portion, and the elongate throat portion extends from its
other end to the reinforced closure; and
wherein the tapered portion is configured to drain liquids from the
elongate throat portion toward the liquid reservoir.
10. The pliable package of claim 8, wherein the reinforced closure and the
liquid reservoir each comprise a plurality of gripping ribs.
11. The pliable package of claim 8, wherein the reinforced closure is joined to
the liquid reservoir along a score line at the location along the fluid-tight seal.
12. The pliable package of claim 11, further comprising:
a reinforcing member formed in the reinforced closure and the liquid
reservoir across the score line at the location along the fluid-tight seal.

13. The pliable package of claim 12, wherein the reinforcing member is
substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, O-shaped or X-shaped.
14. The pliable package of claim 12, wherein the reinforced closure is
configured to unblock the liquid discharge opening upon being rotated about the
score line.
15. A method of storing liquids inside a pliable package, comprising:
providing a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable superposed
sheets;
joining the superposed sheets by a liquid-tight seal along their
respective peripheral edges;
providing a liquid reservoir between the superposed sheets, the
liquid reservoir including a funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid
discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; and
providing a reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight seal for
blocking the liquid discharge opening;
wherein the pliable package prevents spillage and kickback of the
liquids during unblocking of the liquid discharge opening.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
configuring the funnel-shaped outlet passageway to drain liquids,
therein, back into the liquid reservoir upon holding the pliable package upright for
several seconds.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
joining the reinforced closure to the liquid reservoir along a score
line at the location along the fluid-tight seal and configuring the reinforced closure
to unblock the liquid discharge opening upon being rotated about the score line.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

forming a reinforcing member in the reinforced closure and the liquid
reservoir across the score line at the location along the fluid-tight seal, for
preventing accidental unblocking of the liquid discharge opening.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
configuring the liquid discharge opening to allow the formation of a
meniscus upon unblocking the liquid discharge opening in order to prevent
accidental discharge of liquids from the pliable package.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
configuring the superposed sheets to collapse and discharge liquids
in the liquid reservoir through the liquid discharge opening upon a user's rotation
of the reinforced closure about the score line, and inward compression of the
liquid reservoir.

The present invention is directed to a pliable package (5) which includes a flexible liquid storage reservoir (40) having a funnel-shaped outlet passageway (50) leading to an opening. The
package also includes a reinforced tear resistant tab portion (30) that may prevent accidental discharge of liquid when the tab portion is bent about a score line (80). The funnel-shaped outlet passageway (50) may be shaped to allow the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner.