Unit dose flexible container

Abstract: A pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for delivery of a precise amount of orally administered liquids across a broad range of viscosities is provide with the container being formed of generally opposed pliable sheets, a first seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a liquid-containing chamber, a second seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a pressure relieving chamber adjacent to the liquid-containing chamber, a boundary seal joining the first and second pliable sheets between the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber, a precisely measured single dose volume of fluent liquid disposed within the liquid-containing chamber, the boundary seal being lighter than the first and second seals so that upon application of pressure to the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber the fluid transfer region seal opens to permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing chamber into the pressure relieving chamber, a sealed outlet adapted for fluid communication with the pressure relieving chamber for flow of the liquid from the pressure relieving chamber out of the liquid container and sized based on the viscosity of the liquid and the geometry of the dispensing device, the outlet seal adapted to open upon application of fluid pressure from liquid in the pressure relieving chamber for dispensing the liquid from the liquid container and prevent spilling and splashing of the liquid prior to delivery, control the delivery rate of the liquid to the recipient, and provide tactile force flow rate information feedback to the administrator. (end of abstract)

Agent: Mr. Jeffrey C. Nichols Baxter International Inc. - Deerfield, IL, US
Inventors: Larry P. Backes, Keith M.K. Anderson
USPTO Applicaton #: #20070119862 - Class: 222094000 (USPTO)
Related Patent Categories: Dispensing, Collapsible Wall-type Container, Plural Container And/or Compartment

Unit dose flexible container description/claims

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070119862, Unit dose flexible container.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to liquid containers and more particularly to a pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for delivery of an orally administered fluent liquid. Liquid containers are prevalent in numerous areas such as medicines, nutritional supplements, and confections to name a few.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Many orally administered medicines are available in liquid or otherwise fluent or flow able formulations. For example, children's oral medicines are commonly formulated to be liquid because it is easier for children to swallow the medicine in liquid form than in a solid form, such as pills. Of course, many adult medicines are also available in liquid or fluent form.

[0003] These liquid formulations are formulated to be administered with a predetermined unit dose. However, economic packaging for unit doses has been difficult to develop. Thus the liquid formulations are packaged in bulk container and options are also supplied for administering a unit dose from these bulk containers. There are a number of conventional options for measuring a proper dose of liquid oral medicine. For example, a person could to pour the medicine into a measuring spoon. Another option is to provide the person with a graduated cylinder that has a spoon integrally formed at its open end. Medicine is poured into the cylinder until the level of the medicine rises to meet a mark corresponding to the proper dose. The dose is administered by tipping the cylinder so the medicine runs out onto the spoon that is then taken into the mouth. Fluent oral medicines are also sometimes sold in bottles that have a cap that can function as a dosing cup into which the medicine can be poured. It is also common, particularly with children's medicines, to provide a dual-purpose cap having an eyedropper or syringe extending into a bottle of medicine to draw a dose of the medicine from a container and squirt it into the mouth. Another alternative is an oral syringe. These conventional dosing devices have several drawbacks.

[0004] Dosing errors can occur when a patient measures his or her own dose or it is measured by a parent or other family member. Patient- or parent-administered doses are often measured under less than ideal circumstances. A patient's ability to measure an accurate dose may be compromised by symptoms of an illness or the environment. In the case of a parent measuring a dose for a child, the parent may be distracted by the conduct of the child, who may be upset, hurting, or crying. The administrator may be tired or the administration may be given in environmental conditions which impede accurate measuring. Similarly, the person may use the measuring cup from a different medicine, either inadvertently or out of convenience.

[0005] Several of the devices available to deliver a dose of medicine to another person have little in the way of flow rate control. In addition, they provide no sensory cue that the flow rate is appropriate for the receiver. This leads to a "gushing" of medicine out of the mouths of the patient. Caregivers concerned that the lost volume due to the gushing may try to supplement an additional volume without knowing the volume actually lost. This can lead to inadvertent under dosing or over dosing the patient. Some elderly people may not always remember what the proper dose is, especially if they have to keep track of the proper dose for many different medicines they are taking at the same time. Furthermore, a portion of the measured dose could spill out of the dosing device on its way to the mouth.

[0006] Another problem with conventional dosing methods from a bulk container is that many consumers may feel that it is not convenient to measure an accurate does and either overdose or under dose. For example a consumer my not want to measure out an accurate dose and instead just take a small drink from a bottle. Even over the counter medicines may need to be accurately measured.

[0007] Some conventional dosing devices can also be unsanitary. For example, a residue of medicine and saliva is likely to remain on the dosing device. A thorough washing could remove this residue, but this is often inconvenient, especially if a person has just self-administered medicine to combat illness and there is no healthy person available to wash the device. If more than one person uses the same dosing device, failure to wash the device thoroughly after each, may lead to the people spreading germs to each other.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a product that allows convenient accurate unit dosing of fluent oral medicines and that avoids the aforementioned problems.

[0009] Similar issues are found in administering nutritional supplement continue to gain in popularity. Historically, nutritional supplements consisted of vitamins in pill format. Today, there are various formulations of vitamins, minerals, and protein supplements. Many formulations are being provided in liquid form for convenient use during activity, and for those who prefer liquid delivery to pills.

[0010] Nutritional supplements also represent an area of greatest over dose potential. Many supplements are formulated many times higher than the government's daily nutritional requirements because the FDA does not regulate nutritional supplements as they would a medication. The "more is better" perception is quite strong among those that take nutritional supplements.

[0011] Similarly the nutriceutical field is an area in which nutritional supplements are expanding into. Designed for both competitive athletes and very busy persons who do not have time to eat proper meals, nutriceuticals provides a fast, convenient means for delivering calories and depleted vitamins and minerals. Many athletes like runners and skiers compete with nutriceutical products attached to their jerseys. The products are inconvenient, as they require tearing in order to open them. In addition, the torn off portion of the package becomes an environmental issue requiring the athlete to carefully store the tiny tear off pieces until completion of the event.

[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for a product that allows economical, convenient accurate unit dosing of fluent oral nutritional supplements and nutriceuticals that avoids the aforementioned problems.

[0013] Another area where one may find someone receiving an oral single unit dose is in the confections industry which is becoming more and more competitive. Aimed primarily at youth, manufacturers are increasingly considering unique packaging as a means of differentiating themselves from their competitors. Packaging that adds an element of fun while delivering the confection is being sought after.

[0014] It is conceivable that a provider of a confection such as a chocolate confections might want to package a liquid chocolate in this delivery system and utilize a powder separated from a liquid which is then mixed immediately prior to administration.

[0015] Accordingly, there is a need for a packaging product that allows convenient accurate dosing of fluent oral liquids, whether initially packaged as a fluent or mixed just prior to adminstration. In addition this packaging must not add an appreciable expense to the cost of manufacture.

[0016] Whiting, U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,531, teaches of a condiment package containing a single use of ketchup, mustard, etc. However, whiting requires a tearing open of the package for dispensing. If one were to try to open the package by just squeezing the package, the pressure that would need to be generated to separate the seal would cause the liquid to gush or splatter upon separation of the seal. Conversely if one attempts to make the seal such that a slight pressure will separate the seal then premature actuation of the seal may occur from routine handling.

[0017] Redmond, U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,939, teaches a re-closable outlet on a disposable package. Redmond also incorporates folding in the design of his invention. O'Reilly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,966, teaches a bag in a bag method incorporating 3 plies of film in the design. In addition, O'Reilly uses baffles to prevent spilling and splashing from occurring during delivery of the liquid. Finally, Staar, U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,264, teaches thermoforming the package to dispense pasty liquids at a constant rate. Staar incorporates a blocking wall to achieve a constant flow rate. Such a construction would add an unacceptable expense to many packaged products.

[0018] None of the aforementioned patents teach a method for providing an adjustable flow rate based on tactile information feedback to the administrator, across a range of fluid viscosities, in an economic package. None of the aforementioned patents teach how to prevent inadvertent discharge of the fluid without the use of a baffle or blocking wall. None of the aforementioned patents teach a method for preserving the cleanliness of the fluid path prior to dispensing. None of the disclosures describe a device which can economically package a unit dose, prevent premature rupture during routine shipping and handling and provide for the accurate, controlled administration at the desired time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A pliable single use liquid container and dispensing device for delivery of a precise amount of orally administered liquids across a broad range of viscosities, the container is provided with the container including a first and second generally opposed pliable sheets, a first seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a liquid-containing chamber, a second seal joining the first and second pliable sheets and partially defining a pressure relieving chamber adjacent to the liquid-containing chamber, a boundary seal joining the first and second pliable sheets between the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber and partially defining the liquid-containing chamber and the pressure relieving chamber, a precisely measured single dose volume of fluent liquid disposed within the liquid-containing chamber, the boundary seal including a fluid transfer region seal forming at least a portion of the boundary seal which is lighter than the first and second seals so that upon application of pressure to the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber the fluid transfer region seal opens to permit the liquid to flow from the liquid-containing chamber into the pressure relieving chamber, the geometry of the portion based on the viscosity of the liquid, an outlet adapted for fluid communication with the pressure relieving chamber for flow of the liquid from the pressure relieving chamber out of the liquid container and sized based on the viscosity of the liquid and the geometry of the dispensing device, and a lighter outlet seal adapted to open upon application of fluid pressure from liquid in the pressure relieving chamber for dispensing the liquid from the liquid container, the lighter outlet seal being located in the outlet at the periphery of the liquid container for closing the outlet and the pressure relieving chamber, and inhibiting ingress of foreign matter into the outlet and pressure relieving chamber prior to administering the liquid, and for working in combination with the dispensing device to prevent spilling and splashing of the liquid prior to delivery, control the delivery rate of the liquid to the recipient, provide tactile force flow rate information feedback to the administrator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1A is a front elevation of one embodiment of a container of the present invention;

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Multichamber dispensing container
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