Easy to open package with controlled dispensing device
A package or container is disclosed that includes an opening device in conjunction with a self-sealing valve for facilitating opening of the package and for dispensing fluids in a controlled manner. In one embodiment, the opening device can comprise a breachable bubble. The breachable bubble can be in communication with a fluid channel that operates in conjunction with the self-sealing valve. The package can include a folded portion for sealing the fluid channel and allowing the bubble to be breached when a user applies pressure. Once the bubble is breached, the folded portion can be unfolded for dispensing a fluid.
1 . A package comprising:
a flexible container defining an interior volume for receiving a liquid, the flexible container comprising opposing container walls, the container walls comprising a first film opposite a second film, the first film and the second film being sealed together to form the flexible container;
a fluid channel, the fluid channel including a first end and an opposite second end, the fluid channel being connected to the interior volume of the flexible container at the second end, the fluid channel having a width of between 5 mm and 20 mm from the first end to the second end;
a breachable bubble defining a breachable point located along a periphery of the package, the breachable point being in communication with the first end of the fluid channel and wherein the breachable bubble includes a bubble seal, the bubble seal having been formed between the first film and the second film of the flexible container, the breachable bubble extending over the fluid channel and around the first end of the fluid channel, the bubble seal between the first film and the second film being continuous except over the fluid channel such that the breachable bubble is in fluid communication with the fluid channel;
a self-sealing valve spaced from the second end of the fluid channel, the self-sealing valve comprising a barrier member formed by attaching together opposing container walls, the barrier member being located opposite the second end of the fluid channel in a manner that forms a first valve-like passageway and a second valve-like passageway between the second end of the fluid channel and the interior volume of the container, the barrier member being positioned and having a shape that causes the flexible container walls to prevent liquid flow through the first valve-like passageway and through the second valve-like passageway from the interior volume through the fluid channel absent external pressure, and wherein the barrier member of the self-sealing valve is traverse to the second end of the fluid channel;
wherein the breachable point breaches when pressure is applied to trapped air contained within the package to create a fluid outlet without tearing off a portion of the container, once created, the fluid outlet being in fluid communication with the interior volume of the flexible container through the fluid channel, and wherein fluids are dispensed from the interior volume through the self-sealing valve and fluid channel when pressure is applied to the interior volume of the flexible container; and
wherein prior to breaching the breachable point, the breachable bubble is filled with a gas such that the gas pressure in the breachable bubble is sufficient to prevent fluids in the interior volume from exiting through the fluid channel.
2 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the breachable bubble has a reclosable attachment such that the bubble can be reclosed after being breached.
3 . A package as defined in claim 2 , wherein the reclosable attachment comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
4 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the flexible container only includes a single breachable bubble.
5 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the flexible container defines a top edge and wherein the breachable point is located along the top edge.
6 . A package as defined in claim 5 , wherein the breachable point is located at a corner of the top edge.
7 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the breachable point comprising a weakened portion of the seal and wherein the breachable bubble breaches along the breachable point when sufficient pressure is applied to the bubble.
8 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the barrier member has a length that extends beyond the second end of the fluid channel.
9 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the flexible container includes a flowable product within the interior volume.
10 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the flexible container is comprised of a flexible polymer film.
11 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the flexible container contains a beverage within the interior volume.
12 . A package as defined in claim 1 , wherein the flexible container contains a gel, a cream, a paste, a syrup, a honey, an oil, a sauce, or an emulsion.