Abstract:
A single dose package for a liquid material, in the form of a card having a liquid container, which, upon folding of the card on a fold line opens the container and forms a free-standing package.

Description:
[0001]    The invention relates to packaging for individual doses of a liquid material in the form of a card, which can be folded and converted to a container that can stand on its own, freeing the contents of a container of liquid for removal.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Liquid dental materials are frequently applied to teeth being treated using dispensing or application instruments, such as paintbrushes or bristle brushes (e.g. a so-called “Microbrush®”). In this, it is important that the application be simple and that the liquid can be removed from the container and applied using only one hand. This is less of a problem if the material is to be removed from a flask. Frequently, however, dental materials are supplied in so-called “single dose” packages, in which each time a single portion is freshly opened, protecting the remaining portions against spoilage or contamination. Small packages of this kind must usually be either placed in suitable supportive stands, or manipulated using two hands. Known in the art are one type of folding pack, from AT 344 079, in which the liquid is squeezed out, and an arrangement that has a built-in Microbrush but no folding function (EP 770 021).  
           [0003]    The object is thus to develop a packaging that contains an integrated application instrument, which can be converted through a folding process into a container that is capable of standing on its own.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    A single-dose package was developed, comprised of:  
           [0005]    a. a card with at least one straight side, having:  
           [0006]    a straight fold line, essentially parallel to the straight side of the card,  
           [0007]    a tab recessed in the area of the fold line, which after folding extends beyond a plane of the card,  
           [0008]    b. a container for the liquid, which is positioned on the underside in the area of the fold line and is sealed such that when the card is folded the container is opened, making its contents accessible,  
           [0009]    characterized in that a brush or Microbrush component ( 2 ) is attached to the card ( 1 ) such that the brush or Microbrush is dipped into the liquid once the container is opened.  
         DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
         [0010]    In general, the container for the liquid is sealed by foil in such a way that when the card is folded the foil is torn off or perforated, making the contents of the container accessible to the brush or Microbrush. Preferably, only the tip of a Microbrush is attached to the package such that it can be easily removed, and then attached to and manipulated using a handle (this embodiment is presented in FIGS. 3 and 4, described further below). It is also possible for the corresponding Microbrush to be attached in its entirety to the package such that it can be easily removed. This is dependent upon the overall size of the package selected or upon the intended comfort for the user.  
           [0011]    After the package has been folded and opened, the Microbrush or brush component can be removed from the package in a wetted state.  
           [0012]    The packaging is comprised primarily of the card, preferably made of plastic, and the liquid container. The card may take on various geometric shapes, with one straight side, for example a triangle or a trapezoid. The triangular shape has been found to be particularly advantageous. The card can be folded parallel to the straight side, along a straight fold line. This can be accomplished, for example, via a notch that is incorporated on one side or on both sides. With an upward folding motion, the recessed tab is forced out of the plane and preferably points downward, so that the package stands on the straight side and the tab. The tab is preferably punched out in a V shape in the area of the center of the folding line. It is also possible, however, for the tab to have a different shape, such as a U shape or rectangular shape. Upon folding, the liquid container is opened. This can be achieved in that along the fold line a tongue (_         _) or a tab (_∩_) are provided, which lift or push up the foil on the card when the card is folded (comp. FIG. 3). Of course, the foil may also be equipped with an overhang of sufficient length, which can be tom off by hand. It is also possible for the pulling force that is exerted on the foil covering of the liquid container when the card is folded to be used to open the container. It is further provided that the card, once it is folded, is held in place, for example via a catch-lock mechanism, and can be set up on the straight edge and the tab. The back of the liquid container is preferably protected against damage by a layer of aluminum foil.  
           [0013]    In the as-delivered condition of the single-use package, the liquid container (tank) is closed. For use, the card is folded at the folding point. By folding the card, the following functions are actuated:  
           [0014]    The tank is opened  
           [0015]    The single-use package is folded far enough that the tab is released downward and the activated single-use application is able to stand.  
           [0016]    At the base of the removal opening, product from the opened tank is available for application.  
           [0017]    The bristle portion of the Microbrush dips into the liquid after the card has been folded.  
           [0018]    The material container (tank) can be designed as follows:  
           [0019]    a) The tank is formed by the plastic component (card), in which a recessed opening in the card can hold a liquid. This opening is sealed by a foil, or  
           [0020]    b) by another plastic component in the form of a cover.  
           [0021]     Advantageously in a) and b), the foil or cover is connected to the card such they are opened when the card is folded.  
           [0022]    c) The tank is formed by a recessed area in the card designed to hold the material, and sealed on both sides by foil.  
           [0023]     In the case of c), it is once again useful for one of the two sealing foils to be attached to the card such that when the card is folded the tank is opened.  
           [0024]    d) The tank is formed by two foils, which are sealed along their sides (known in the field as a 4-side-seal pouch) or by  
           [0025]    e) a foil, which is sealed along 3 sides (3-side-seal pouch).  
           [0026]     In the case of the sealed pouch d) and e), the method for opening the package is usefully such that when the card is folded, a part of the pouch along the sealed edge is pulled off like a cover.  
           [0027]    The invention is described in greater detail in the diagrams described below, without limiting the scope of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 shows an oblique, overhead view of the as-delivered condition of the package,  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the package in the same condition,  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 shows the package at the start of the folding motion, and  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 4 shows the package in a folded state, in which the package can stand up on its own. 
     
    
       [0032]    In FIG. 1, the package is viewed in its as-delivered condition. A Microbrush component  2  is attached to the upper side of the card  1 , within a foil envelope  3 . The recessed area for the V-shaped tab  4  is illustrated by a dashed line, and serves as a foot on which the package stands. The fold line is shown as a notch  5 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 shows a cross section. The fold line  5  is executed on the upper and lower sides with notches. Underneath, in black, the liquid tank  8  is visible, protected on the underside by a foil  7 . On the upper section of the tank, a thin sealing foil  6  is shown.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3 shows the folding process along the line  5 , in which the sealing foil  6  is severed or pulled off.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 shows the position of the apparatus when it is folded, and how the bristle portion of the Microbrush already dips into the liquid, making it ready for removal of the liquid. A handle is then attached to the Microbrush component  2 , which is not illustrated here.  
         [0036]    The package described above is preferably used for dental materials.