Abstract:
Packages ( 10 ) for housing consumable products and methods of using same are provided. The packages ( 10 ) may be customized, functional packages that are designed to prevent accidental spillage or leakage of a flowable consumable product housed therein. In a general embodiment, flexible packages ( 10 ) are provided and include a body ( 12 ) defining a cavity ( 14 ) for housing a flowable  12  product and a channel ( 16 ) for dispensing the flowable product from the cavity, wherein the channel ( 16 ) has a length that is from about two to about four times a width of the channel. In another embodiment, the channel ( 16 ) comprises a length-to-width ratio that is sufficient to prevent a liquid from leaking from the flexible package ( 10 ) without a force applied to the flexible package.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to containers for storing consumable products and methods of using same. 
         [0002]    Packages for consumable products come in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials and designs. These sizes, shapes, materials and designs generally differ, for example, for aesthetic reasons or for reasons related to the products the packaging is intended to house. For example, a flexible package designed to house a solid, consumable bar product would not likely be sufficient to house a sterile gel product. As such, consumable product packaging should be designed for a specific functionality and/or a specific food product that the packaging is intended to house. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The present disclosure is related to packages for housing consumable products. The packages may be customized, functional packages that are designed to prevent accidental spillage or leakage of a flowable consumable product housed therein. In a general embodiment, flexible packages are provided. The flexible packages include a body defining a cavity for housing a flowable product and a channel for dispensing the flowable product from the cavity, wherein the channel has a length that is from about 2 to about 4 times a width of the channel. 
         [0004]    In another embodiment, flexible packages are provided. The flexible packages include a body defining a cavity for housing a liquid product and a channel for dispensing the liquid product from the cavity, wherein the channel has a length-to-width ratio that is sufficient to prevent a liquid from leaking from the flexible package absent a sufficient force applied to the flexible package. 
         [0005]    In an embodiment, a length of the channel is from about 2 to about 4 times the width of the channel. Alternatively, a length of the channel may be from about 2.5 to about 3 times the width of the channel. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, the length of the channel is from about 12 mm to about 40 mm, or from about 14 mm to about 38 mm, or from about 16 mm to about 36 mm, or from about 18 mm to about 34 mm, or from about 20 mm to about 32 mm, or from about 22 mm to about 30 mm, or from about 24 mm to about 28 mm. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, the width of the channel is from about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the channel is centered along a width of the flexible package. The length of the channel may be about 3 times the width of the channel. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, the channel is off-centered along a width of the flexible package. The length of the channel is about 2.5 times the width of the channel. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the channel has a shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, cylindrical, or combinations thereof. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the flexible package further includes a sealed portion at an end of the channel. The sealed portion may have a width from about 3 to about 7 mm, or from about 4 to about 6 mm, or about 5 mm. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the body has a shape selected from the group consisting of a square, circle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hendecagon, dodecagon, or combinations thereof. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the flexible package is a pouch. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the body includes at least two composite layers sealed together. The at least two composite layers may be heat-sealed together. 
         [0015]    In yet another embodiment, methods for administering a flowable consumable product to a consumer in need of same are provided. The methods include providing a flexible package having a body defining a cavity for housing a flowable product and a channel for dispensing the flowable product from the cavity, wherein the channel has a length that is from about 2 to about 4 times a width of the channel. The methods further include instructing a consumer to apply a force to the flexible package to administer the flowable product to the consumer. 
         [0016]    In still yet another embodiment, methods for administering a flowable consumable product to a consumer in need of same are provided. The methods include providing a flexible package having a body defining a cavity for housing a liquid product and a channel for dispensing the liquid product from the cavity, wherein the channel has a length-to-width ratio that is sufficient to prevent a liquid from leaking from the flexible package absent a sufficient force applied to the flexible package, and instructing a consumer to apply a force to the flexible package to administer the flowable product to the consumer. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, the force is selected from the group consisting of pressing on the flexible package, shaking the flexible package, or combinations thereof. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, the length of the channel is from about 2 to about 4 times the width of the channel, or about 2.5 or 3 times the width of the channel. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, the length of the channel is from about 12 mm to about 40 mm, or from about 14 mm to about 38 mm, or from about 16 mm to about 36 mm, or from about 18 mm to about 34 mm, or from about 20 mm to about 32 mm, or from about 22 mm to about 30 mm, or from about 24 mm to about 28 mm. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment, the width of the channel is from about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, the channel is centered along a width of the flexible package. The length of the channel may be about 3 times the width of the channel. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment, the channel is off-centered along a width of the flexible package. The length of the channel is about 2.5 times the width of the channel. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment, the channel has a shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, cylindrical, or combinations thereof. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, the flexible package further includes a sealed portion at an end of the channel. The sealed portion may have a width from about 3 to about 7 mm, from about 4 to about 6 mm, or about 5 mm. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, the body has a shape selected from the group consisting of a square, circle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hendecagon, dodecagon, or combinations thereof. 
         [0026]    In an embodiment, the flexible package is a pouch. 
         [0027]    In an embodiment, the body includes at least two composite layers sealed together. The at least two composite layers may be heat-sealed together. 
         [0028]    It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide improved consumable product containers. 
         [0029]    It is also an advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that prevent accidental spillage or leakage of flowable contents in the container. 
         [0030]    It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that optimize dimensions of the containers for specific uses. 
         [0031]    It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are easily handled by consumers for consumption during physical activity. 
         [0032]    Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates a flexible consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Definitions 
         [0035]    As used herein, the term “capillary forces” is preferably understood to include the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in opposition to external forces like gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capillary_action). 
         [0036]    The present disclosure provides packages for housing consumable products. The packages may be custom designed for ease of use by consumers (e.g., athletes) before, during or after physical activity. For example, during vigorous physical activity, athletes desire to maintain appropriate levels of specific nutrients such as carbohydrates and electrolytes for improved or sustained athletic performance or increased mental alertness. It is known to provide such nutrition in, for example, performance bars. Although the performance bars provide individuals with adequate nutrition for prolonged or endurance performance, the individual may not enjoy consuming these types of performance bars. In this regard, the performance compositions may be difficult to consume during exercise or may be too dense or heavy for consumption before or during exercise, or may have a chalky or bland taste. 
         [0037]    Alternatively, it is also known to provide adequate nutrition for prolonged or endurance performance in the form of gels. Such gels are typically found in flexible, pouch-like packaging and may be easily consumed by the athlete during performance of vigorous activity. In this regard, the only action required by the athlete is to either (i) press the flexible pouch to force the gel into the athlete&#39;s mouth, or (ii) to tip the gel package upside down so that gravity will allow the gel product to flow from the package naturally. If the package tips, however, the viscosity of the gel product and the shape of most packages will prohibit most of the gel product from flowing from the package. Thus, a gel package may be provided with a short distribution channel adapted to retain the gel in the package upon accidental spillage. If a less viscous, more liquid-like product were included in the package, however, simply tipping the package over would likely result in the loss of a large amount, if not all, of the product contained within the package. 
         [0038]    The packages of the present disclosure provide flexible pouch-like packages that prevent accidental spillage of a low viscosity, or liquid product after opening of the packages. The consumable products housed by the packages may be any flowable consumable products including, for example, liquids, semi-solids, gels, etc. In an embodiment, the consumable product is a liquid product. The teachings of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to liquid products and may include any products capable of flowing. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the viscosity of the product contained in the present packages or containers may be determined, at least in part, by temperature. For example, a substance at a high temperature may be less viscous, while the same substance at a low temperature may be more viscous. 
         [0039]    In an embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , a package  10  for storing consumable products is provided. Package  10  includes a body  12  that defines a shape. The shape and size of body  12  is not critical and body  12  may have any size or shape known the skilled artisan. For example, body  12  may be a square, circle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hendecagon, dodecagon, or three-dimensional versions of any of the previously listed shapes, or combinations thereof. Body  12  is also not limited to a specific size, so long as body  12  is capable of housing a flowable consumable product. 
         [0040]    Body  12  may be made from materials that are sealable and flexible such as, for example, flexible plastic films. In an embodiment, body  12  is a flexible pouch, which provides several advantages over rigid containers. For example, the shape of a flexible pouch adapts to available space, pouches are lighter in weight than rigid containers, when emptied of the contents, pouches require less space, when filled with contents, the thickness dimension is small, permitting faster processing times and mitigating heat damage to foods, they are not subject to corrosion or breakage, and they are easier to open by athletes during vigorous physical activity. 
         [0041]    Body  12  may also be a flexible, composite package. In an embodiment, body  12  is a sealable, flexible, composite package having from about two to about four, or about three layers of substrates. The substrates may include, for example, a flexible plastic film, an impermeable layer, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, body  12  includes an outer polymer layer that is resistant to wear and tear, an inner polymer layer that is resistant to wear and tear and seals well, and a middle aluminum foil layer for eliminating light from the contents as well as for making the pouch material impermeable to gases. The layers may be bonded together with an adhesive. In an embodiment, body  12  includes (i) a layer of polyethylene terephthalate that is from about 10 to about 15 μm thick, or about 12 μm thick, (ii) a layer of aluminum foil that is from about 5 μm to about 10 μm thick, or about 7 μm thick, and (iii) a layer of polyethylene that is from about 60 μm to about 80 μm, or about 70 μm thick. In an embodiment, body  12  is formed from two layers (i.e., single or composite) comprising flexible plastic films that are sealed together. 
         [0042]    Body  12  is so constructed and arranged to house a flowable, consumable product in a cavity  14  that includes a channel  16  for dispensing a flowable, consumable product from cavity  14 . The shape of cavity  14  and channel  16  are defined, at least in part, by a sealed portion  18  of body  12 . Sealed portion  18  is formed from a top layer and a bottom layer (i.e., single or composite layers) comprising flexible plastic films that are sealed together to form body  12 . In other words, the shape and size of cavity  14  and channel  16  are determined by the portions of the top layer and the bottom layer that are not sealed together. 
         [0043]    In an embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , cavity  14  has a substantially square shape that is formed from sealed portions  18 . As is also shown in  FIG. 1 , cavity  14  includes a side having a first slope  20  and a second slope  22  leading up to channel  16 . Providing slopes  20 ,  22  helps a flowable, consumable product housed in cavity  14  to flow smoothly from cavity  14  toward and into channel  16  to be dispensed from package  10 . Since first slope  20  has a much longer length than second slope  22  (i.e., channel  16  is offset from a center of package  10  such that channel  16  is closer to second slope  22  than first slope  20 ), second slope  22  has in increased slope to help the flowable, consumable product on that side of package  10  flow from cavity  14  into channel  16 . 
         [0044]    Further, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  shows a first shoulder  24  and a second shoulder  26  where first slope  20  and second slope  22  meet channel  16 , respectively. As is clearly illustrated in the figure, first shoulder  24  is at a lower height than second shoulder  26  with respect to a length of package  10 . In other words, first shoulder  24  is not at the same horizontal position as second shoulder  26  with respect to a length of package  10 . Applicant believes, without being bound to any theory, that providing first slope  20 , second slope  22 , first shoulder  24 , and second shoulder  26  as configured in  FIG. 1  helps to provide improved dispensing of a flowable, consumable product from package  10  without accidental spillage of the product. Applicant also believes, however, that it may be possible to provide package  10  with a centered channel  16 , although measurements for the channel may be slightly different than measurements for the channel  16  as illustrated, which will be discussed further below. 
         [0045]    The dimensions of channel  16  become important once the flowable, consumable product housed in cavity  14  begins to flow into channel  16 . Without being bound to any theory, Applicant believes that the specific dimensions of channel  16  are able to dispense a flowable, consumable product upon application of a force (e.g., shaking, or pressing) to package  10 , without allowing accidental spillage or leakage of the flowable, consumable product after package  10  is opened. Indeed, Applicant has found that a width  28  of channel  16  should be within a certain range, as well as a ratio of a length  30  to width  28  of channel  16 . 
         [0046]    With respect to width  28  of channel  16 , Applicant has surprisingly found that width  28  should be within a range from about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm. Width  28  may be constant along length  30  of channel  16 , or may vary along length  30 . In an embodiment, width  28  is constant along length  30  of channel. Once flow begins through channel  16 , channel  16  becomes a three-dimensional structure having a radius (not illustrated). Having a constant radius is important since unwanted folds can simply stop the flow of the product through channel  16 . 
         [0047]    Regarding length  30  of channel  16 , Applicant has surprisingly found that length  30  should be about two to about four times width  28 , or about two-and-a-half or three times width  28 . For example, length  30  of channel  16  may range from about 12 mm to about 40 mm, or about 14 mm to about 38 mm, or about 16 mm to about 36 mm, or about 18 mm to about 34 mm, or about 20 mm to about 32 mm, or about 22 mm to about 30 mm, or about 24 mm to about 28 mm, or about 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 or 28 mm. When length  30  is within the specified dimensions, Applicant has found that the top and bottom layers of body  12  forming channel  16  stick together and a significant or deliberate amount of force must be applied to package  10  to empty the contents of package  10 . Through various experiments performed by Applicant, it is believed that the top and bottom layers of body  12  forming channel  16  stick together due to capillary forces. Additionally, the amount of force that must be applied to package  10  to empty the contents of package  10  should be a deliberate force such as squeezing or shaking that is sufficient to overcome the capillary forces that stick the layers of body  12  together. 
         [0048]    Applicant has performed many experiments to determine the optimal length of channel  16  for preventing accidental spill and/or leakage when provided with a predetermined width of channel  16 . For example, and as shown by  FIG. 1 , the numerical indicators along the right side of package  10  indicate measurements along channel  16  starting at  36 , which is a reference point of zero distance, and ending with  46 . At a position in channel  16  corresponding to both of the  36  and  38  indicators, there can be no flow through channel  16  because of a sealed portion  32  of a specific width that seals package  10  closed. In an embodiment, sealed portion  32  may be a heat-sealed portion. Sealed portion  32  may have width (defined by the area  32  in  FIG. 1 ) from about 3 to about 10 mm, or about 4 to about 8 mm, or about 5, 6 or 7 mm. By providing sealed portion  32  at a sufficient width, package  10  can better withstand common wear and tear that occurs during packaging, shipping and retail display. In this regard, a sufficient width of sealed portion  32  will ensure that package  10  cannot be accidentally torn open, thereby contaminating the consumable product. 
         [0049]    In an embodiment, and between indicators  38  and  40  of  FIG. 1 , package  10  may be provided with a tear line  34  to assist a consumer in easily opening package  10  to release product from channel  16 . Tear line  34  may be perforated or scored for easy tearing by the consumer, and may include a pre-torn portion at an edge of tear line  34  to aid in initiating a tear to remove sealed portion  32 . When length  30  of channel  16  is at least as long as indicator  40 , the flowable, consumable product housed in package  10  will not accidentally spill or leak from package  10 . Alternatively, if length  30  of channel  16  is shorter than indicator  40 , accidental spill or leakage may occur. For example, if length  30  of channel  16  were as long as indicator  42 , leakage of the product (e.g., a slow flow) can occur with gentle shaking of package  10 . If length  30  of channel  16  were as long as indicator  44 , leakage of the product (e.g., a moderate flow) can occur even without shaking of package  10 . Further, if length  30  of channel  16  were as long as indicator  46 , leakage of the product (e.g., a continuous flow) can occur without application of any force to package  10 . Accordingly, Applicant has surprisingly found that accidental spillage or leakage of a liquid consumable food product contained within package  10  having channel  16  may be prevented if the dimensions of package  10  are properly configured. In other words, a liquid consumable product will most likely not leak or spill from package  10  if length  30  of channel  16  is from about two to about four times width  28 , or about two-and-a-half or three times width  28 . 
         [0050]    Additionally, indicators  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46  of  FIG. 1  may correspond to measurements along package  10 . For example, and in an embodiment, indicator  36  may be a reference point at 0 mm. In an embodiment, indicator  38  may be about 2 to about 4, or about 3 mm from indicator  36 . In an embodiment, indicator  40  may be about 5 to about 7, or about 6 mm from indicator  36 . In an embodiment, indicator  42  may be about 8 to about 10, or about 9 mm from indicator  36 . In an embodiment, indicator  44  may be about 11 to about 13, or about 12 mm from indicator  36 . In an embodiment, indicator  46  may be about 14 to about 16, or about 15 mm from indicator  36 . 
         [0051]    As mentioned above, placement of channel  16  may slightly change dimensions of channel  16 . For example, since channel  16  is off-center in  FIG. 1 , Applicant believes that there may be slightly more resistance to flow through channel  16  than if channel  16  were placed in the center of a side of package  10 . Accordingly, a small change in dimensions may be necessary to optimize a length of channel  16 . In this regard, when channel  16  is off-center, length  30  may best be determined as about two-and-a-half to up to about three times width  28 , whereas when channel  16  is centered, length  30  may be best determined as about three times width  28 . Further tests will be performed to determine the accuracy of length measurements depending on the placement of channel  16 . However, the present application should not be limited by the disclosure set forth herein regarding same. 
         [0052]    Additionally, a certain amount of force is required to be applied to the presently claimed packages in order to dispense a liquid contained in package  10 . A sufficient amount of force may be provided by the consumer by pinching package  10  between the fingers of the consumer. Additionally, the force required may depend on the viscosity of the flowable consumable product contained within package  10 , or the temperature of the package containing a flowable consumable product. In this regard, the flowable consumable product may be more liquid at warmer temperatures thereby requiring a lesser force to dispense the product. Alternatively, the flowable consumable product may be more gel-like at colder temperatures thereby requiring a greater force to dispense the product. 
         [0053]    As an additional feature, package  10  may include indicia (not illustrated) provided on an exterior of body  12  for marketing purposes. The indicia may include, for example, logos, advertisements, branding information, nutritional information, product information, manufacturer information, etc. The indicia may be printed on a pressure sensitive material, printed directly on package  10 , printed on a removable closure, etc. 
         [0054]    In sum, the packages of the present disclosure provide improved construction so as to prevent accidental spillage or leakage of a liquid consumable product housed therein. Additionally, the presently disclosed shape of the packages provides a correct flow of product from a channel formed in the package, and the length of the channel also helps to close the channel with two fingers. 
         [0055]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.