Nozzle assembly with a reusable break-off cap a container having a nozzle assembly and packaging therefor

The invention is a nozzle assembly (3, 20) with a re-useable break off cap (20) for dispensing a product from a container (1). On a dispensing end (5) of the nozzle (3) a break-off cap (20) is integrally formed thereon and closes off the dispensing end (5) of the nozzle (3). The break-off cap (20) is removable by breaking a frangible connection (22) between the nozzle (3) and the break-off cap (20). Removing the break-off cap opens the dispensing end (5) of the nozzle (3) thereby allowing product to be dispensed through the nozzle (3). The break-off cap (20) removed from the nozzle (3) can then be re-engaged with the nozzle (3) to close off the dispensing end (5) thereby preventing further product from being dispensed. The cap can be attached to or removed from the nozzle (3) as often as a user requires. The invention also includes packaging which includes a tray (111) or pouch into which the nozzle assembly (3, 20) and container (1) can be inserted. A flexible resealable peel-off cover (110) is provided on each tray (111) to allow a user to resealably open and close the tray (111). The resealable tray (111) can be provided either singly or as a series of trays.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of packs/packaging, and in particular dispensing packs/packaging. In particular the present invention relates to a dispensing nozzle assembly with a re-useable break-off (or break-away) cap. The nozzle assembly may be attachable to a container or integrally formed therewith. The nozzle may thus be closed with the cap after the cap has been broken off. The nozzle may be attachable to or integrally formed with a container and the containers contents are thus protectable by the re-useable cap.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is desired to provide inexpensive re-useable dispensing packs which offer the user the opportunity to partially dispense the contents of a container and store the remainder for later use. The user can dispense as much of the contents as required and then re-close (or reseal) the pack to store the contents for a future use. Re-sealing the pack is important particularly for materials which are sensitive to their environment for example products which are air, moisture, light sensitive etc.

Many re-closeable packs are known. In general these may be complex to manufacture and require removable caps etc. which allow the container to be re-sealed after a use. On the other hand it is known to provide single use or “one shot” disposable pack which once opened cannot be subsequently closed. This form of pack is usually a tear- or break-open pack. The advantage of a one shot pack is its relatively inexpensive manufacture as compared to re-closeable or re-sealable packs. The disadvantage of such containers is of course that the contents are intended to be used all at once. If not all the product is used at one time, there is a difficulty in storing the pack as it is not closed and the contents may spill. The life of the remaining product may also be compromised particularly as stated above where the product is sensitive to environmental factors.

It is also possible to provide low cost tubes, for instance a tube constructed of aluminium or other such metal or plastics materials. Such tubes are often provided with screw-on, snap-on, or otherwise engageable nozzles. The nozzle is usually provided to help accurate dispensing of the contents of the tube. These nozzles are often provided with separate screw-on caps to close the dispensing nozzle to protect the product. The nozzle and the cap are separately provided and the cap is screwed onto the nozzle. In order to use the dispensing nozzle it is firstly screwed onto the tube. A dispenser with dispensing means for dispensing the contents of the tubes is known for example from WO 00/00405. The device is provided with a nozzle which screws onto the tube and a cap which screws onto the nozzle. The device of WO 00/00405 may be used with a nozzle assembly or container of the present invention. Alternatively a container with an integrally formed nozzle may be provided. Containers with integrally formed dispensing nozzles are also often deformable (squeezable).

There exists a requirement for a low cost multi-use pack.

A further problem in providing a reusable container or nozzle assembly with a break-off cap is difficulty in re-closing the container/nozzle to provide a reliable seal to protect the contents of the container. It is difficult to provide low cost containers/nozzles which close after use to provide a reliable seal. Creating a reliable seal necessitates accurate mating of the surfaces forming the seal. This in turn requires careful manufacture with precise engineering of the product which may be reflected in increased cost in production. Generally components which mate to provide a seal are manufactured separately and with great precision so that the subsequent making of the components provides the desired seal.

Difficulty of re-closure is especially acute with break-off caps. Break-off caps are frangibly connected to the container which they close. Breaking the frangible connection between the break-off part (usually the cap) and the container may leave remnants of the frangible connection on the break-off part or on the container. These remnants may interfere with subsequent re-fitting of the break-off part to the container thus making proper re-closure of the container difficult, with possible ensuing detriment to the useable life of the product within the container. As stated above there are certain types of products which particularly need protection from the general environment. Of particular concern in the present case are curable products, in particular adhesives.

EP 0 326 529 describes a strip of phials. The document is concerned with the problem of handling of relatively small phials, and proposes a strip or web of phials which are more easily handled mechanically. Each phial is a small squeezable container with an integrally moulded nozzle and cap on the container. The cap is a break-off cap and the containers are intended to be single use “one shot” containers.

Loctite (Ireland) Limited sells a product called Indermil™ which is a surgical adhesive. The product is presented for sale in individual phials similar in construction to the phials disclosed in EP 0 326 529 discussed above. The phial has a hollow container body for receiving and holding product placed in the container. The hollow container body has an outlet nozzle, through which the product is dispensable. The outlet nozzle has a first intake end which projects from the container body and is integrally formed therewith. The nozzle has a second dispensing end with a dispensing opening formed in the dispensing end and a mouth formed on the nozzle about the dispensing opening. The nozzle of the device has a nozzle body with a conduit defined therein and bounded by an internal surface of the nozzle body, the conduit in communication with the container body and the dispensing opening. The phial has a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing the dispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a first position wherein the cap body is integrally formed with the outlet nozzle to close the outlet opening of the outlet nozzle and is connected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and a second position wherein the frangible connection is broken allowing removal of the cap and thus opening the outlet opening thereby allowing product to be dispensed from the container. The cap once removed may be inverted and repositioned on the container by push-fit (frictional) engagement of the cap and the nozzle. It is desired to provide an alternative nozzle assembly for use with a container which can be used to store materials. In order to improve the useful life of products stored in containers it may be desirable to provide an outer (protective) packaging which may help improve storage stability, particularly one that is convenient for point of sale display.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a low cost multi-use pack. In particular it is desired to provide a pack which is suitable for storage of environment sensitive products such as adhesive and other curable products. It is also an object of the invention to provide an outer packaging for such containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a nozzle assembly comprising:a) an outlet nozzle for dispensing product, having a first intake end for taking up product from a container and a second dispensing end with a dispensing opening formed in the dispensing end and a mouth formed on the nozzle about the dispensing opening, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body with a conduit defined therein and bounded by an internal surface of the nozzle body, the conduit for communication between the intake end of the nozzle and the dispensing opening; andb) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing the dispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a first position wherein the cap body is integrally formed with the outlet nozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet nozzle and is connected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and a second position wherein the frangible connection is broken allowing removal of the cap and thus opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing product to be dispensed through the outlet nozzle;the nozzle assembly having an internal annular crotch, which narrows in a radially outward direction, formed between the nozzle and the cap body about the dispensing opening, the crotch providing a weakened junction between the cap and the nozzle allowing the cap to be broken off from the nozzle thus breaking the frangible connection.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a nozzle assembly comprising:a) an outlet nozzle for dispensing product having a first intake end for taking up product from the container and a second dispensing end with a dispensing opening formed in the dispensing end and a mouth formed on the nozzle about the dispensing opening, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body with a conduit formed therein defined by an internal surface of the nozzle body, the conduit for communication between the intake end and the dispensing opening; andb) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing the dispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a first position wherein the cap body is integrally formed with the outlet nozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet nozzle and is connected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and a second position wherein the frangible connection is broken allowing removal of the cap and thus opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing product to be dispensed through the outlet nozzle;the cap body and the outlet nozzle having interengaging formations for subsequently securing the break-off cap to the nozzle body to close the outlet opening.

In a third aspect of the present invention the first and second aspects of the invention may be combined in a single nozzle assembly. This combined nozzle assembly is particularly useful to provide re-useable containers. The nozzle assembly combining the features of the first and second aspects allows for ease of removal of the cap from the nozzle and also subsequent re-fitting of the cap to the nozzle.

It is particularly desirable that the nozzle (and thus the nozzle assembly) forms an integral part of the container, though as explained above the nozzle assembly may be adapted to engage on an existing container, for example by snap-fitting or screw-threading.

The (internal) annular crotch allows for ease of removal of the cap as the apex of the crotch runs toward (and preferably meets) the frangible connection so that resistance to breaking off is not so great as it might otherwise be. The annular crotch may thus be considered inside, or interior to the frangible connection. There is less of a tendency for the remnants of the frangible connection to remain on the nozzle, thus facilitating ease of subsequent re-closure of the nozzle. There is thus provided a weakened junction (or a circumferential line of weakness) between the cap and the nozzle.

The crotch may be generally v-shaped being defined on one side by a surface of the cap body and on the other by a surface of the nozzle. The surfaces defining the cap may diverge in a radially inward direction. In the radially outward direction the surfaces of the crotch may converge toward the frangible connection to (a point of convergence to) form the apex of the v-shape. At the apex the nozzle and the cap are frangibly connected.

The surface on the nozzle defining one side of the crotch may run from the internal surface of the nozzle, or from a position proximate to the internal surface of the nozzle to the mouth of the nozzle. The annular crotch is thus internal to the nozzle/cap arrangement.

In one particularly simple though desired construction one side of the internal annular crotch is provided, at least in part, by a ramped surface running from the internal surface of the nozzle defining the conduit to the mouth of the nozzle. The ramped surface is desirably annular. In one arrangement the annular ramped surface is of a generally frusto-conical shape (narrowing in diameter downwardly) for example gradually decreasing in diameter from the mouth of the nozzle to the surface defining the conduit. This embodiment allows for ease of re-closing the container with a reliable seal as will be described below.

To further ensure ease of removal of the cap from the nozzle the nozzle assembly is desirably provided with an external annular crotch, which narrows in a radially inward direction, formed between the nozzle and the cap body about the dispensing opening, the external crotch providing a weakened junction (exterior to the frangible connection).

As with the (internal) annular crotch described above, the external crotch may be generally v-shaped being defined on one side by a surface of the cap body and on the other by a surface of the nozzle. The surfaces defining the cap may diverge in a radially outward direction. In the radially inward direction the surfaces of the crotch may converge toward the frangible connection to form the apex of the v-shape. At the apex the nozzle and the cap are frangibly connected.

The surface on the nozzle defining one side of the external crotch may run from an external (side) surface of the nozzle, to a position on the nozzle proximate or at the mouth of the nozzle.

Typically the frangible connection is formed by plastics material during moulding of the container of the invention from plastics material.

The provision of the internal annular crotch allows for particular clean break-off of the cap. Clean surfaces (surfaces without remnants of the frangible connection) are left about the nozzle mouth so that subsequent re-closure of the nozzle (and thus the container) is facilitated. Good mating of the cap and nozzle surfaces help to protect product within the container from environmental influences.

A container according to the second aspect (or third aspect) of the present invention is thus provided with a re-closeable cap which is easily re-fitted to the nozzle (container) to provide a reliable seal. The container and the nozzle assembly can be moulded as a single piece for example from plastics material, thus making an integrally formed container which is relatively low cost to produce.

A container having a nozzle assembly according to any aspect of the present invention is desirably a hand-held phial. The phial may be constructed of deformable plastics so that it may be squeezable (by manual pressure and in particular finger pressure) to express product. Optionally the phial may be constructed of clear or translucent plastics. The plastics material can be sufficiently translucent to allow the level of product within the container to be determined by external viewing (through the sides of the container).

The interengaging formations may for example be screw-threads. Alternatively the interengaging formations may be snap-fit formations. In one desirable arrangement the interengaging formations are snap-fit formations that are disengageable from the interengaged position by relative rotation of the cap and the nozzle. Where the nozzle is on, or is integrally formed with a container, this will also occur where the cap and the container are rotated relative to each other. It is desirable that the interengaging formations snap-fit to hold the cap to the nozzle and/or container, and yet, allow twisting off of, the cap, from the nozzle and/or container. This arrangement allows for particular ease of the replacement and removal of the cap, on or from the nozzle (container).

The break-off cap is desirably held in an inverted position on the outlet nozzle before it is broken off. In this arrangement an outer surface of the cap closes the dispensing opening on the nozzle (which may in turn be connected to an outlet opening on the tube). This is an especially simple construction. Suitably the outer surface of the cap closing the dispensing opening is an internal wall of a recess or housing formed on the cap the housing mating with the mouth of the nozzle. This arrangement ensures unwanted plastics material produced during moulding does not inadvertently interfere with the dispensing opening.

The break-off cap is desirably reversible so that when broken off, the cap may be inverted for replacement on to the nozzle (container). In this embodiment it is desirable that the cap body comprises a housing for receiving the outlet nozzle, the formations for interengaging with the reciprocal interengaging formations on the nozzle or on the container being formed on the housing desirably internally. In this embodiment an inner surface of the cap (a surface within the housing) closes the outlet opening. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as if remnants of the frangible connection remain on the cap, after the cap has been broken off, then the remnants will be on the exterior of the cap (in the closed position of the cap). The remnants cannot then interfere with closure. This arrangement ensures also that a proper seal is formed between the cap and the nozzle so that when the filling process is completed though the open base end of the container, and the base of the container sealed, the entire container is sealed by an integrally formed body. No concerns about proper securing of the cap on the nozzle/container then arise.

The interengaging formations may be formed by one or more projections and one or more corresponding recesses or grooves with which the projections engage. The projections and the grooves/recesses may be located respectively on the nozzle and on the cap or vice versa. This arrangement may provide for snap-fit engagement of the cap on the nozzle/container.

Desirably the cap has a discharge opening engaging portion for closing the dispensing opening. This may be a projecting portion on the underside of the cap which at least partially projects into the dispensing opening of the nozzle. This is a desirable construction as the projecting portion may help to provide a reliable seal between the cap and the nozzle. Where the internal annular crotch is provided, at least in part with a ramped surface, the projecting portion is desirably shaped to mate. When the ramped surface is of a generally (inverted) frusto-conical shape it is desired that the projecting portion is shaped to mate, for example of a conical or frusto-conical shape. This arrangement allows for ease of reclosure of the cap. In one highly desired embodiment the projecting portion is conical in shape.

In one particularly advantageous construction the nozzle is oblong in cross section and the cap is correspondingly shaped (for mating of the nozzle and the cap) so that relative rotation of the cap and the nozzle/container causes deformation of the cap and allows for its removal. The cap and nozzle can be said to be irregularly shaped i.e. their shapes do not allow for relative rotation without deformation of at least the cap taking place. Where snap-coupling means are provided deformation of the cap desirably disengages the snap-coupling means allowing for removal of the cap. One way to achieve this function is to provide a nozzle which is oblong in cross-section and which has a four sided configuration so that in cross-section it has two opposing substantially flat sides and two opposing curved ends. The cap may taper (narrow) towards its top end to correspond to the shape of the nozzle. When a cap is provided with reciprocal (for example an over-fitting) shape relative rotation of the nozzle and the cap will cause deformation of the cap and/or the nozzle/container. It is desired that for the most part it is the cap which deforms on relative rotation. In this construction the snap-fit engagement means may be provided on the flat sides of the nozzle (and on the corresponding sides of the cap) so that the cap can be relatively easily removed from the container by relative rotation of the cap and the container.

Desirably the nozzle and the cap have co-operating guiding surfaces which guide the cap toward a desired orientation relative to the nozzle. In particular it is desired for aesthetic, handling, packaging and other purposes that the cap and the nozzle/container have a certain alignment. For instance where the cap and the container are flat in shape it may be desired to align the cap with the container so that the cap remains in line with the container body. This can also ensure that the cap is correctly seated on the nozzle. In one desired construction the guiding surfaces will align the cap on the nozzle if the cap and nozzle are within about 45° of the desired alignment. The guiding surface may be a seat and a corresponding seat-engaging portion. The seat may be a recess on the nozzle into which a projection (on the cap) fits. That part of the nozzle or the cap forming the seat may also provide one or more stops to prevent incorrect alignment of the cap and the nozzle/container. This arrangement is particularly desirable, where otherwise, the cap and the nozzle could be forced together in an undesired orientation.

The invention provides in a fourth aspect a series of tear-off blisters frangibly attached each to the next, each blister comprising a blister tray, and a flexible peel-off cover for the blister tray, the peel-off cover and the blister tray being attached by re-sealable means, for example an adhesive, which allows reclosing of the blister. This is one particularly advantageous embodiment which is especially useful to help prolong the life of products which may otherwise deteriorate. This applies also to products which may be stored in a container of the present invention, and which may have their useable life extended by storage of the container within an exterior protective pack such as a blister pack. It is desirable that a peel-open tab is provided on each blister to facilitate peeling open of the pack. The tabs may be on the peel-off corner or the tray.

In a fifth aspect the invention provides a series of tear-off pouches formed by sealing two layers of flexible material to each other about discrete areas, the pouches frangibly attached each to the next, each pouch being provided with a tear-open notch to facilitate tearing open of the material forming the pouch. The tear-off notch allows the pack to ripped open more easily so a user can access the contents.

The invention in a sixth aspect also relates to a combination package, the combination package comprising a container of the present invention as described above and an outer pack, the outer pack being a blister- or pouch-type pack. Suitably the blister- or pouch-type pack is in the form of a strip or array pack. This is one particularly convenient method of packaging a container according to the present invention.

The term “v-shaped” as used herein in relation to the present invention includes the convergence of two surfaces towards a point of coincidence, for example an apex, and includes surfaces which are curved and surfaces which do not converge at the same rate towards the point of coincidence.

The term “ramped” includes both planar and curved sloped surfaces. It also includes those surfaces where the rate of incline changes.

The term “blister” as used herein refers to a pack arrangement with at least two layers of material, one layer having (an array of) depressions formed in it and within which a container of the invention can be at least partially placed and a second layer for sealing to the first to close the pack about the, or each, depression.

The term “pouch” as used herein includes a pack arrangement with a layer of material each side of the container, the layers being joined to each other to create a pocket or pouch (similar to a sachet) within which the container is held. The pouch is normally created by heat sealing (or welding) the layers to each other about the container.

The term “strip” as used herein to refer to packaging includes a series of blisters wherein each container holding compartment (or “blister”) is frangibly connected to each of the other compartments to which it is attached, or a series (lines) of pouches which are frangibly connected one to the next. A strip is usually a single series of blisters or pouches. It will be appreciated that a series of blisters or pouches may be provided as an array such as described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention will be described below with relation to the above Figures.

FIG. 1shows a container1of the present invention, having a nozzle assembly (comprising a nozzle3and a cap20) of the present invention integrally formed therewith. The container1has a hollow container body2for receiving and holding product which is placed in the container. An outlet nozzle3forming part of the container projects from the container body2. A first (intake) end4(of the nozzle3) is located on the container body2, and in the embodiment illustrated, is integrally formed therewith. The outlet nozzle3has a second (free) dispensing end5with a dispensing opening6formed in the dispensing end5. A mouth or rim7is formed on the nozzle3about the dispensing opening6. The outlet nozzle3has a nozzle body8with a conduit9defined therein. The conduit9is bounded by an internal surface10of the nozzle body8. The conduit9is in communication with the interior11of the container body2and the dispensing opening6. A break-off cap20is located on the outlet nozzle3. The break-off cap20has a cap body21for closing the dispensing end of the outlet nozzle3. The nozzle3and the break-off cap form a nozzle assembly. Alternatively the nozzle3and the break-off cap could be formed as a nozzle assembly for attachment to an existing container, for example an aluminium tube container, as shown in FIG.19. InFIG. 19the nozzle assembly201is attached to a tube202. The nozzle assembly is for the most part as described below in detail with references toFIGS. 1to17though in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1to17the nozzle assembly described is integrally formed with the container. In the embodiment ofFIG. 19the nozzle assembly201has at its first intake end203of the outlet nozzle204a skirt portion205which engages a neck of the tube202. The mode of engagement of the nozzle assembly201on the tube202is by any suitable method for example screw-threading or snap-fitting. In the embodiment ofFIG. 19the nozzle assembly may be provided as an accessory or attachment adapted for existing containers.

InFIGS. 1-12,18and19, the break-off cap is shown in a first position where the cap body21is integrally formed with the outlet nozzle3to close the dispensing opening6of the outlet nozzle3. A frangible connection22is formed between the nozzle3and the cap20. The frangible connection22can be broken to allow removal of the cap (seeFIG. 13) and thus opening (uncovering) the dispensing opening6on the nozzle3. It is then possible to dispense product from the container1. The frangible connection22may be formed during integral moulding of the container1. The container is desirably constructed of a plastics material so that all components may be formed by a single moulding process.

As best seen from the enlarged views ofFIGS. 9-11, (and particularly fromFIG. 11) an internal annular crotch23is formed between the nozzle3and the cap body21about the dispensing opening6. The crotch narrows in a radially outward direction (radially outwardly from the conduit9) providing a generally v-shaped groove or recess at the junction between the cap20and the nozzle3. The weakened junction (the annular crotch23) between the cap20and the nozzle3allows the cap20to be broken off from the nozzle3thus breaking the frangible connection22. The product can then be dispensed from the container.

As best seen fromFIG. 11the cap body21has a recess, groove or housing25which is located to the exterior (of the cap body) of the cap. The housing25is formed in an external wall of the cap. The provision of housing25helps to ensure that no plastics material is inadvertently formed directly across the mouth6of the nozzle3during moulding of the container. It also allows for ease of break-off of the cap. Desirably the housing25has a mouth26which is shaped to mate with the mouth7(about the dispensing opening6) of the nozzle3. Mating is achieved by the frangible connection22.

The cap body21as shown inFIGS. 1-6is open at its bottom end12. As best seen fromFIG. 4the container body2depends from the nozzle3to form a skirt at its bottom end. The skirt is open forming a generally elongate aperture13defined by the bottom end12of the container body2. The aperture13is the aperture through which the product may be placed in the container. Once the container is filled to the desired level with product, the container bottom may be crimped or (heat-) welded (or indeed closed by any suitable method) along line14(seeFIGS. 12-14) to seal the contents within the container.

To aid gripping of the container1by the hand a thumb or finger grip (such as shown inFIGS. 1,2and6) for example in the form of a larger crescent-shaped upstanding grip14and a smaller (nested) grip15may be provided. The grips14and15may be provided on opposing sides of the container as seen in FIG.2.

The nozzle3is tapered gradually reducing in dimensions from the container body2to the dispensing opening6. There is also a stepped reduction of the width of the nozzle3from the wider portion16to the narrower portion17which transition occurs at step or rim18. The step or rim18also provides a constriction of the conduit9.

Two opposing sides of the reduced diameter portion17of the nozzle3, namely opposing sides30,31are flat (straight) while the two opposing ends32,33joining the flat sides30,31are curved.

Each straight side30,31has, formed thereon, a projection respectively labelled34,35. The projections34,35taper from respective (upper) positions36,37where they are flush with the reduced diameter portion17, downwardly and outwardly. The projection34,35end in respective rims or edges38,39.

The cap20has a shape which resembles a wing nut having a central flat-sided oval shaped narrowing gradually toward its upper end portion24forming part of the cap body21, to which are attached wing shaped grips, which are respectively labelled27,28(see for exampleFIG. 7) on opposing sides of the flat-side oval portion24. Optional reinforcing tabs or ribs40are provided to strengthen the junction between the flat-sided oval portion24and the wings27,28.

To reinforce the (inverted) attachment of the break-off cap20to the nozzle3two further frangible connections41,42are integrally formed one between each of respective lugs43,44on the wings27,28and the exterior of the nozzle3.

The break-off cap20is held in an inverted position on the outlet nozzle before it is broken off. In this arrangement an outer surface, namely the surface of the recess or groove25closes the dispensing opening on the container. The break-off cap is reversible so that when broken off, (seeFIG. 13) the cap may be inverted for subsequent replacement onto the container (see FIG.14).

In this regard it is worth noting that the cap20, and in particular the generally flat-sided oval portion24(see FIG.7), forms a housing29into which at least a portion of, and in particular the dispensing end5of the nozzle3is insertable. As can be seen from the Figures the generally flat-sided oval portion24matches the profile of the reduced circumference portion17of the nozzle3and snugly overfits it. In particular the generally flat-sided oval portion24comprises a housing50defined by two opposing side walls51,52in each of which are formed one of two windows or apertures respectively labelled53,54. The windows or apertures53,54are designed to be snap-fit engagable with the projections34,35. The windows53,54are cut-out portions of the side walls51,52and are generally of rhombehedral shape. When the cap20is snap-fitted onto the nozzle3, (as best seen fromFIGS. 14 and 16) lower (transverse) wall portions55,56engage underneath the rims38,39of the (inverted) cup-shaped projections34,35. As best seen for example fromFIGS. 3,12and13the shape of the housing29reflects that of the nozzle with the two flat sides51,52which are joined by curved ends57,58. The mouth59of the housing50is thus of an oblong shape, and may be considered as a straight or flat-sided oval shape.

A front sectional view of the container ofFIG. 14is shown in an enlarged partial view in FIG.15. InFIGS. 11 and 15it can be more clearly seen that the nozzle3has at its dispensing end5and on two opposites side of the mouth6two recess portions60. The recess portions60form a seat for a seat engaging portion65on the cap. The seat-engaging portion65on the underside of the cap has two parts, a first part66(seeFIG. 11) which is a first seat-engaging-portion which co-operates with tabs68(seeFIGS. 12 and 13) on the nozzle3and a second seat-engaging-portion67which is dimensioned to engage the first seat-engaging-portion66. The relative positioning of the seat-engaging-portion66and the tabs68ensure the desired orientation of the cap and the nozzle (and thus the container) is achieved, as the cap and the nozzle will not mate if the seat-engaging-portion66and the tabs68abut. The seat-engaging-portion66and the tabs68abut if the cap is incorrectly orientated. The cap may be correctly guided onto the nozzle by interaction of the tabs68and the seat-engaging portions66and67, and is then seated on the nozzle. Incorrect alignment is shown in FIG.17. In the incorrect alignment ofFIG. 17lower wall portions55,56engage recess portions60so that recess portions act as stops preventing the cap from being placed over the nozzle.

The cap20when in place on the nozzle is held thereto by inter-engagement of the projections34,35in the windows or apertures53,54as shown inFIG. 14where the cap20has been snap-fitted to the nozzle3. In the closed configuration (seeFIGS. 11,15and16) projecting portion or projection61(which is generally conical in shape and thus triangular in cross-section) protrudes into the conduit9engages the mouth thereof and providing a reliable seal for the container. It will be appreciated that due to the provision of the crotch or annular recess23between the nozzle3and the cap20, the shoulder portions62of the nozzle inside the mouth6abut exterior walls63,64of the conical projection61. The projection61may alternatively be of any shape suitable to provide a seal for the dispensing opening6. There is thus provided a reliable sealing arrangement so that even if remnants of frangible connection22were to be left at the top of the nozzle, these will not interfere with the closing action of the cap. In particular, and as best seen from the enlarged view ofFIG. 11the shoulder portion62can be considered to be a ramped surface running from the internal surface of the nozzle defining the conduit, to the mouth of the nozzle. The ramped surface62is annular and is generally frusto-conical in shape (in particular narrowing in diameter down the nozzle3). The conical shaped projecting portion61and the ramped surface act as a plug and socket type arrangement, the projection portion61plugging the dispensing opening of the nozzle3by engaging the ramped surface62.

Alternatively as is shown inFIG. 18the inter-engaging formations may be screw-threads such as the thread70ofFIG. 18with a corresponding thread within the housing50. In this embodiment the cap71which is similar in construction to cap20does not have the oblong shape of the mouth of the cap20. As the cap71and the nozzle72interengage by means of reciprocal screw-threads (which necessitates relative rotation), the nozzle and the housing50of the cap are generally conical in shape. The cap71may be otherwise the same in construction to cap20.

As seen in the Figures and in particular the enlarged view ofFIGS. 7-11, there is also formed an external annular crotch45. The crotch45narrows in a radially inward direction (radially inward toward the conduit9). The crotch45is formed on the exterior of the container between the cap20and the nozzle3(in particular the mouth7of the nozzle3). In particular the crotch45is formed by two (radially) inwardly converging surfaces—namely the outer surface46on the cap20and the outer surface47on the nozzle3. The surfaces46and47converge to form an apex48of the crotch. There are thus provided two opposing crotches which are located on either side of the frangible connection22. This double crotch arrangement allows for ease of removal of the cap20. The crotch45is v-shaped. The container of the invention is suitable for use with many products including in particular liquids and gels. The container will normally be designed to hold a relatively modest volume for example from about 0.5 to about 5.0 grams, such as about 1 gram or about 2 grams. The container may be crimped (heat-welded) at any part along its length (and above the fill-level in the inverted position) and bottom end12may be of a desired shape to facilitate ease of closure of the container. For light-sensitive materials opaque materials may be used to construct the container.

FIG. 20shows a blister pack array of the present invention in a pre-form assembly. The blister pack100is shown in exploded view. The blister pack comprises a semi-rigid material, such as aluminium in the form of a preform101. The preform101is a sheet102of deformable material such as aluminium material into which have been pressed (or punches) depressions or blisters103. Each of the blisters103is shaped to receive and at least partially contain a container104. Only one container104is shown inFIG. 20, though it will be appreciated that a container104may be placed in each of the blisters103. The container104shown inFIG. 20is diagrammatically drawn for the purposes of illustration only. In practice a container according to the present invention (as described above) may be placed within the blister pack.

To complete the package a flexible sheet of material105such as a foil, for example an aluminium foil, may be used. The sheet105corresponds generally in shape to the preform101. The sheet105is attached to the preform. Normally, such attachment is achieved by heat and pressure sealing of the materials used. However in order to achieve re-sealing, resealing means for example a suitable adhesive which retains sufficient bonding capability to allow re-sealing of the pack could be used. This secures each container104within the pack, one in each blister103. The person skilled in the art will appreciate how to assemble such a blister pack for example by the materials described or by cold form methods.

As shown in FIG.20(b) the sheet102has been sealed to the preform101. The sheet102(and the preform101where necessary) have been cut to a desired shape with rounded edges106and a series of cut-out portions or crotches107. A crotch107is provided on either side of the frangible connection108. The frangible connection108is machined into the pack (for example as a score line or as a series of perforations) and allows for breaking-off of a single “blister”109(as shown in FIG.20(c)) thus creating a tear-off strip form of blister packaging. A single container104is contained within each blister109. The blister pack shown in FIG.20(b) is a single strip of blister. It will be appreciated that multiple strips or arrays are also possible and are described below.

The crotches107on either side of the frangible connection108allow for ease of tear-off or break-off of successive blisters. It is intended that in a point of display array or strip each blister is easily detachable from the next thus allowing the blisters to be sold individually while being conveniently arranged for display.

As shown in FIG.20(c) the blister is formed with a discrete blister cover110which may be peeled back from the blister tray111. The sheet110has a corner portion112(which is shown in dashed outline in the closed position in FIG.20(c)) which protrudes beyond the blister tray111. This allows the blister cover110to be peeled back from the rim113of the blister tray111. The corner portion112thus acts as a pull-off tab, allowing the cover110to be easily pulled off manually. The blister cover110may be resealable to the blister tray111. This may be achieved by using a suitable adhesive which does not loose its tackiness to hold the blister cover110to the blister tray111.

A point of sale display blister pack array120is shown in FIG.21. In the array120there are four rows and three columns in a 4×3 arrangement. The blisters121are provided in a preform122. Also provided on the preform122is a planar tab123which has defined therein an elongate aperture124which extends upwards in a further groove125to provide means for hanging the point of display array120on a display hook (or hanger). The tab123may be integrally formed with the blister pack, or may be attached separately. If not integrally formed the tab can be constructed or other materials such as cardboard etc. To facilitate removal of individual blisters, a series of apertures scores or cut-outs and the like may be created in the preform122. The cut-out consist of two different types of apertures respectively labelled126and127.

The apertures126are generally triangular in shape, forming a cut-away portion or crotch128between successive blisters121in the same row. Where blister121occurs at a position in the array where it must be separable from a blister directly beneath it in the column, and simultaneously any adjacent blisters in the same row, a star-shaped aperture127is provided. Each “leg” or apex of the star provides a crotch128. Frangible connections may be provided (for example simultaneously with sealing the container closed) across and down the array between the rows and the columns to form a grid or array of blisters each of which are frangibly connected to the other. The frangible connection may be provided by partial cut away along a line joining the apertures126,127in the row direction or in the column direction.

An end view of the array ofFIG. 21is shown inFIG. 22. Aside-view thereof is shown inFIG. 23. Aperspective view is shown in FIG.24.

FIG. 25shows an underneath (plan) view of a point of sale display array130which is very similar to the array of120of FIG.21. The array130has six rows and two columns defining a 6×2 arrangement. In this arrangement a generally triangular shaped aperture131, and general star-shaped apertures132are provided again to allow for ease of removal of the blister133. The break away facility may be provided by scores, slits and/or apertures of alternative shapes to those described. Again cut-away portions or crotches134are provided along one side of the array130. On the other side135a series of cut-away portions are also provided to allow for ease of removal. The cut-away portions135have one generally straight upper side136and a lower corner side137which converge inwardly toward a line along which a frangible connection may be provided. This arrangement also allows for ease of removal of the individual blister. A side elevational view of the array130is shown in FIG.26.

A similar array140is shown inFIGS. 27 and 28, although in this case five rows and two columns are provided in a 5×2 arrangement of blisters141. Again cut-away portions are provided for ease of removal of individual blisters141. Certain materials useful in the construction of the blister pack include a laminate consisting of the following 3 layers: 30 μm paper/12 μm polyester/20 μm polyvinyl chloride. The preform may be constructed of the following four layered laminate: 60 μm polyvinylchloride/25 μm polyamide/60 μm aluminium/60 μm polyvinyl chloride. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many sorts of suitable materials can be used.

FIG. 29shows various views of a pouch assembly150of the present invention. FIG.29(a) is an exploded view of an arrangement for creating a pouch strip150of the present invention. In particular the assembly comprises two opposed sheets of flexible material namely an upper sheet151and a lower sheet152between which is disposed a container153. Like the container104ofFIG. 20, the container153is shown for diagrammatic purposes. It is desirable that the container153is a container according to the present invention. The upper and lower sheets151,152are each generally rectangular in shape and of the same size. The sheets151,152may be made of an aluminium material, such as for example a laminated aluminium foil.

To create individual pouches154the two sheets151,152are brought together and joined to each other about the container153. In the arrangement shown in FIG.29(b) four containers153have been sealed within four pouches, one in each pouch154. Each container153is then in a individual sachet, the sachets being connected in a tear-off strip arrangement.

In the blister pack arrangement ofFIG. 20while the sheets151,152are being attached to other about the containers153, they may also be provided with frangible connections155and cut away portions156at the same time. The sheets151,152may be adhered to each other. Alternatively they may be welded or fixed together by any other suitable method.

The cut-away portions156allow for ease of removal of the individual pouches155from each other. In particular the cut-away portions156comprise a crotch portion157which is generally v-shaped. The crotch portion157converges to the point of convergence158where the crotch portion terminates. There is then formed a further v-shaped recess159which acts as a tear-open notch when it is desired to (tear) open the pouch to remove the container inside for use. This is achieved by manually applying a shear or tear-open force at the tear-open notch. The pouch tears allow across to the container inside. An individual pouch154is shown torn away from the strip of pouches in FIG.29(c). The sealed (joining) area about the container can be seen as peripheral rim160.

A point of sale array170of pouch packs154are shown inFIGS. 30 and 31. The arrangement shown has five columns and two rows in a 5×2 arrangement. The array170has a tab171in which is defined an aperture172which allows array of pouches to be hung on a hook in a manner described previously above.

In the array170each of the pouches173is (transversely) frangibly connected to part of the array above and below by transverse frangible connections174. The pouches173may be separated from each other by a longitudinal frangible connection175. Each pouch173may be turn or broken away as it frangible from all other blisters to which it is connected.

The ends176,177are not directly supported by the container inside and thus flatten down to provide dished or flattened ends176,177which are generally u-shaped, the shape of the container (the contents of the pouch) is taken up by both sheets151,152as can be seen from the side view of FIG.31.

As described above forFIG. 29, cut-out portions178, generally in the form of v-shaped crotches, are provided on one end of the array between each of the pouches173, and between the uppermost blister and the tab. On the opposing side of the array and along the frangible connection174cut-out portions or crotches179are also provided to allow for ease of the attachment of blisters. Between the uppermost row of pouches and the tab171an aperture180is provided and is generally triangular in shape with three apexes. The apertures181between subsequent rows are generally star-shaped with four apexes.

Each of the apertures180,181extends along the frangible connection174and terminates at a point of convergence183. A tear-open notch182is then provided for each of the pouches173on the other side of the point convergence183.FIG. 31is a side elevational view of the pack of FIG.30.

FIG. 32is a diagrammatic representation, in part-sectional view, of a blister pack or a strip pouch according to the present invention in which a container190is located in each of blisters or each of the pouches. The container190is a container according to the present invention having an internal annular crotch to allow break-off of the cap191as described above. The hatched area192indicates the areas sealed between the two flexible sheets sealed together about the container, where the array is a pouch array, or the area between the preform and the flexible sheet sealed together where the array is a blister array.

The container190differs from the containers described previously in a number of relatively minor respects. These include rims or wings193provided on opposing sides of the container which allow for ease of manual handling. The cap191has internal threads194which engage with reciprocal threads195on the nozzle of the container. The cap191also has two opposing wings or grips196which allow for ease of handling of the cap191. A side, part-sectional view of a pouch arrangement shown in FIG.32and shown in FIG.33. The blister array is shown in side, part-sectional view in FIG.34.

A point of display array198is shown in FIG.35. The array has three columns and four rows (3×4). As can been seen printed matter199has been applied to the flat side of the blister pack.

Methods of preparing the types of packaging described will be known to those skilled in the art. In this respect aprticular mention is made of a method of packaging often referred to as “flow wrapping”, “flow pack(ing)” or “tube wrap(ing)”. This is a type of packaging which seals in articles. The seal produced on a horizontal or vertical “form-fill-seal” wrapping machine generally associated with wrapping irregular-shaped items (such as candy bars, bakery items, etc.). In general the “form-fill-seal” operation is carried out as follows: a reel (web) or reels of flexible packaging material is formed into a container, filled and sealed in one series of operations to produce a package, containing a predetermined quantity of product.

Form-fill-seal operations (flow packing) can be carried out in three main ways:(a) a web of material may be formed into a tube which is filled and sealed at intervals;(b) a web of material may be folded along its length, sealed at intervals to form a series of pouches (sachets) which are then filled and closed; and(c) a web of material may be thermo-formed to give a series of tray like depressions which are filled, and then sealed by means of a second web.