Abstract:
A container including: a body having a cavity for storing dispensable contents; a rim of the body defining an opening of the cavity; a flange extending outwardly away from the rim of the body; a cover affixed to the flange to seal the dispensable contents within the cavity; and a fracture portion located on the body, the fracture portion having a break path, whereby the container fractures along the break path upon the application of force exceeding a predetermined level on either side of the fracture portion, wherein the break path along which the container fractures extends beyond a single plane such that the break path includes a main portion having a fracture point in one plane and end portions each having a terminus in another plane.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a container and, more particularly, to a container with a fracturable opening. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Containers are used to store many items including food and beverages. Plastic containers are often used for their lightweight construction and low production and material cost. Plastic sealed containers allow consumers to carry food and beverages with them easily for consumption at a later stage. Alternatively, plastic sealed containers enable single serve food or beverage portions to be consumed, for example in places such as an aeroplane, train or on a picnic. 
         [0003]    Sealed containers containing liquid often require the entire container covering or most of the container covering to be removed to enable the liquid to flow freely out of the container. If only a small opening is provided this leads to a non-uniform flow rate often leading to the liquid having a “glug, glug” type effect as it is poured out of the container. This is undesirable because it can make drinking from the container difficult. Also, the small opening and non-uniform flow rate can cause the user to tip the container more than is required and this can lead to liquid being spilled from the container as it is poured. This is also undesirable. Additionally, if most of the container covering is removed to allow liquid to be dispensed then the liquid level inside a container needs to be lower to avoid the liquid “falling” or spilling out of the container when the covering is removed. Fluid flow from presently available containers with small openings is not free flowing. 
         [0004]    A method to improve the fluid flow in presently available containers with small openings includes adding surfactants to the liquid or the inside of the container near the opening to aid the flow of the liquid out of the container. This is clearly undesirable because consumers ingest the surfactant. 
         [0005]    Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material formed part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or any other country on or before the priority date of the claims herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to create a sealed container from which liquid is poured more smoothly and uniformly. 
         [0007]    In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a container including: a body having a cavity for storing dispensable contents; a rim of the body defining an opening of the cavity; a flange extending outwardly away from the rim of the body; a cover affixed to the flange to seal the dispensable contents within the cavity; and a fracture portion located on the body, the fracture portion having a break path, whereby the container fractures along the break path upon the application of force exceeding a predetermined level on either side of the fracture portion, wherein the break path along which the container fractures extends beyond a single plane such that the break path includes a main portion having a fracture point in one plane and end portions each having a terminus in another plane. 
         [0008]    Preferably, the fracture point is located centrally within the main portion of the break path. Upon application of said force, the fracture commences at the fracture point and then propagates outwardly along the break path such that an initial travel direction defines a first plane. The fracture is completed at each terminus of the end portions such that a final travel direction defines a second plane which is different to the first plane. 
         [0009]    The break path preferably gradually transitions from the first plane to the second plane. Alternatively, the break path sharply transitions from the first plane to the second plane. 
         [0010]    It is desirable that the terminus of the end portion of the break path is located adjacent the flange and the second plane is perpendicular to the flange. 
         [0011]    The angle between the first plane and the second plane is desirably in the range of 110-150 degrees, and preferably approximately 130 degrees. 
         [0012]    The break path is preferably a substantially V shaped with the fracture point being located at an apex of the V. More preferably the break path has side portions and the side portions of the V shaped break path are preferably curved, and thereby define an arcuate break path. 
         [0013]    Preferably a spout protruding from the container is formed when the break path is fully fractured. 
         [0014]    The main portion of the break path preferably defines an upper edge of the spout and the upper edge of the spout protrudes from the body of the container at a distance below the rim. 
         [0015]    The body may further include an opening tab, wherein the fracture portion is located intermediate a container portion and the opening tab, and wherein when the break path has completely fractured and the flange at the terminus of the end portions of the break path has completely fractured, the opening tab forms a handle to remove the cover from the flange and thereby expose the cavity. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    It will be convenient to further describe the invention with respect to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments thereof. Other embodiments of the invention are possible, and consequently, the particularity of the accompanying drawings is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a bottom perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  5  are perspective views of the container of  FIG. 1  at various stages of an open configuration. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1  in a fully open configuration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  shows an enlarged partial view of  FIG. 7  showing a break path of the container (in cross-section). 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  shows a partial front vertical cross-sectional view of the container of  FIG. 6 , showing a spout of the container. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  shows a partial front view of the container of  FIG. 6 , showing a spout of the container. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  shows a top perspective view a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention without a covering. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the container of  FIG. 16  in a closed configuration with a covering. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view of the container of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the container of  FIG. 17  in a partially open configuration. 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is a bottom perspective of the container of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the container of  FIG. 17  in a fully open configuration. 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is a bottom perspective view of the container of  FIG. 21 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0036]    The present invention is an improvement to the container disclosed in U.S. publication no. 2012-0223075, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0037]    The present invention will now be described with reference to a preferred embodiment where  FIG. 1  shows a container  2  for storing and sealing dispensable goods in a cavity  7  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). The container in  FIG. 1  is in a closed configuration. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , the container  2  includes a body  4  defining the cavity  7  for receiving the dispensable goods as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7 . The body  4  has a rim  3  defining an opening (not shown). A flange  8  of the container  2  extends from the rim  3 . The flange  8  has a container side surface  9  and a cover side surface  10 . The cover side surface  10  of the flange  8  is generally flat for having a cover  12  affixed to it. The cover  12  is sealed to the body  4  to provide a sealed environment for storage for the dispensable goods. In order to easily access the goods, the container  2  is fracturable along a specified break path  16 . To ensure the integrity of the sealed environment within the container, a wall of the body  4  is generally of uniform thickness. 
         [0039]    The body  4  includes an opening tab  14  and a contents portion  5  with a fracture portion  17  positioned between the opening tab  14  and contents portion  5 . The opening tab  14  is configured to be engaged by a user, such as by the thumb of a user to allow for one-handed operation and use of the container  2 . The container side surface  14 ′ of the opening tab  14  is configured to accept a thumb or finger of a consumer. The fracture portion  17  contains the break path  16  having a fracture point  15 . The break path defines the path along which the container  2  fractures. The container fractures or ruptures along the break path. In this context, ‘rupture’ encompasses many types of fracturing and may indicate a tearing action, an explosive tearing action, a breaking action and the like. 
         [0040]    The contents portion  5  has a substantially cylindrical shape and construction as shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , although other configurations, such as an elongate, oval, square or rectangular construction are contemplated. 
         [0041]    A dispensing opening is formed by initially fracturing the fracture point  15  by exerting force on the opening tab  14 , pushing it in the direction of the cover. This is described in the prior art U.S. publication no. 2012-0223075. The force required to initiate the fracture is greater than that required to propagate the tear along the break path  16 . As a result, the container  2  is able to withstand higher stress and maintain a sealed condition while allowing for easy opening once the container  2  has been fractured. The fracturing of the container resulting in the dispensing opening forming a spout  22  occurs rapidly once the fracture is initiated due to the lower force required for the rupture of the break path to propagate. The force applied to the opening tab  14  when the container is in its closed configuration is transferred to fracture the break path  16  almost instantaneously following fracturing of the fracture point  15 . This is partly due to the result of applying force with a thumb or finger. When force is applied to a stationary object and it suddenly moves in the direction of the applied force, then the user&#39;s finger will continue to provide force because the reaction time of a human delays the removal of the force on the opening tab. 
         [0042]    The body  4  is narrowed at the break path  16 , such that the flange  8  is larger at the point where the break path  16  contacts the rim  3 . This also assists to concentrate the force to fracture the break path  16  of the container. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 1 through 12  show the position of the opening tab  14  relative to the contents portion  5  during the process of opening the container.  FIGS. 1-6  are perspective views of the container, while  FIGS. 7-12  are corresponding partial vertical cross-sections of the container. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 1 and 7  show the container in a completely closed configuration; the container is intact at the fracture point  15 .  FIGS. 2 and 8  show the container after enough force has been applied to the opening tab  14  to fracture the container  2  at fracture point  15  and force the opening tab  14  away from the container body  4  such that a dispensing opening  20  is formed.  FIGS. 3-5  and  9 - 11  show the container  2  with a rupture propagating along the break path  16  at various stages of opening of the container  2 .  FIGS. 5 and 11  show the container  2  completely torn along the break path  16 . The opening tab  14  is connected to the contents portion  5  by the covering  12 , at which point it forms a hinge  19  (this is seen most clearly in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 11 ). The flange may or may not still be connected when the container is opened. 
         [0045]      FIG. 12  shows the container  2  with the opening tab  14  in a fully opened position. In this fully opened position, the dispensing opening  20  is formed for dispensing the contents, preferably liquid, from within the container cavity  7 . 
         [0046]    The dispensing opening  20  is relatively small. Such small openings often cause problems when liquid is poured out of the small opening because a vacuum builds up in the container. This occurs because as the liquid is expelled from the container air cannot enter to replace the expelled liquid. For example, when liquid is dispensed from a small hole a vacuum is formed in the cavity if air is not allowed to enter the cavity. If air is not allowed to enter the cavity, the vacuum is not released often leading to the sides of the container squeezing in if they are not rigid enough. Alternatively, or in addition to, a meniscus forms at the dispensing opening and a blockage occurs, thus the liquid is dispensed in a disrupted turbulent stream, or more simply, a “glug”, “glug” manner. The liquid may also dispense in a non-uniform manner if a small amount of air enters the container as the liquid is being poured and is caught up behind the flow of liquid. 
         [0047]    Some containers such as take away coffee cups overcome this issue by having a second hole in the lid to allow air to enter the container as liquid is poured out ensuring a vacuum is not formed. Creating an aeration hole at the time of opening the container of the present invention is not practical or desirable for many reasons. One such reason is that liquid may come out of the aeration hole while a consumer is pouring liquid out of a container, another reason is that it may be difficult to pierce the container covering to create an aeration hole. 
         [0048]    Other containers overcome the above issues by having the opening large enough that air can also enter the container cavity as liquid is being poured out of it. This is not ideal because the opening can be too large that liquid spills out of the opening where it is not intended. In addition, the liquid level inside the container needs to be much lower than it otherwise needs to be to ensure liquid does not spill out of the container. Also, it is not always possible to have such a large opening due to the shape of the container. 
         [0049]    The container of the present invention overcomes these issues by the shape and configuration of the break path  16  and hence dispensing opening  20 , which is formed when the container fractures and ruptures along the break path  16 .  FIGS. 6 ,  12  and  14  depict the shape and configuration of the dispensing opening  20  of the container when the container is fully opened.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the container, while  FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view showing the dispensing opening  20  of the container in a fully opened configuration.  FIGS. 14 and 15  show a view of the container in a fully opened position looking at the dispensing opening  20 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 12 , the break path  16  is not straight and is not in the one plane. The break path  16  may be considered as being generally an angular path, such as in the shape of a dog leg. The break path  16  is formed in the fracture portion  17  and between the fracture point  15  and the container flange  8  either side of the fracture point  15 . The break path  16  has end portions  24  that are substantially perpendicular to the container flange  8  and a main portion  23  extending between the fracture point  15  and each substantially perpendicular portion  24 . The container is fractured at the fracture point  15  in practice as the container is opened. The break path  16  commences at the fracture point  15  and follows an angled line  23  towards either side of the container  2  until just before it reaches the flange  8 . At this point the break path  16  changes direction and extends in a line  24  substantially perpendicular to the container flange  8 . The end portions  24  are generally between 10%-25% of the break path length, but optimally 15% of the break path length. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 12 , the dispensing opening  20  is formed when the container  2  is fully ruptured and opened along the break path  16 . In the fully opened configuration the dispensing opening  20  forms a spout  22  which is defined by the shape of the break path  16 . That is, the dispensing opening  20  and hence the spout  22  have a substantially triangular main portion  23  as shown “front on” in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . When viewed from the side, as in  FIG. 12 , the main portion  23  lies in a first plane with two end portions  24 , one on either end of the triangular main portion  23 , in a second plane that is different to the first plane. The second plane is perpendicular to the container flange  8  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The end portions  24  and triangular main portion  23  are not formed along the same plane. The triangular main portion  23  of the dispensing opening  20  which forms the spout  22  is angled and protrudes from the contents portion when the container is in a fully opened position. The triangular main portion  23 , together with the end portions  24  which are substantially perpendicular to the flange  8  are configured to form an angle α between the first plane and the second plane. Preferably the angle α is in the range of 110-150 degrees, and more preferably 130 degrees as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0051]    The main portion  23  of the break path defines an upper edge of the spout. The upper edge of the spout  22  protrudes from the body of the container at a distance below the rim  3 . The spout  22  is formed in three dimensions. The configuration of the spout and break path prevents a sharp break edge digging into the skin or nose of the drinker in use. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , when viewing the container front on, looking towards the dispensing opening, the break path  16  forms a substantially V shape with substantially straight end portions  24 , but may be other configurations for example, a U shape or a rounded V shape having arcuate instead of straight sides. The break path  16  at the fracture point  15  is preferably a V shape, however, it may be of other configurations for example, a U shape, a rounded V shape, a V with a rounded tip, or the V shape may further include a nipple. 
         [0053]    This configuration of the break path  16  is particularly advantageous because it overcomes, or at least ameliorates, problems with the prior art. When the opening tab  14  is fully opened ( FIGS. 6 and 12 ), and the dispensing opening  20  fully formed, the fracture portion  17  of the container  2  along the break path  16  forms the spout  22  (as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 12 ) allowing liquid in the cavity  7  of the body  4  to be poured smoothly and uniformly out of the container  2  without a disrupted turbulent stream, or more simply, without a “glug”, “glug” flow. This occurs because although the dispensing opening  20  is small (relative to the container), during normal pouring of liquid from the container, air is allowed into the container cavity  7  as liquid is poured out of it. Air can enter the dispensing opening  20  at the section  26  because when liquid is poured out of the container it does not fill the entire dispensing opening  20 , specifically the section  26 . This is due to the configuration of the dispensing opening formed by the end portions  24  being in a different plane to that of the triangular portion  23  that forms the spout  22 . Therefore there is no need for an aeration hole or other mechanism to allow air into the cavity of the container for smooth liquid flow out of the dispensing opening of the container. 
         [0054]    Another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 16-22 .  FIG. 16  shows an alternative container  202  for storing and sealing dispensable goods in a cavity  207 . The container of  FIG. 16  is in a closed configuration prior to having a container covering applied. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 17 and 18  show the container  202  in a closed configuration. This embodiment of the container  202  includes a body  204  having a rim  203  from which a flange  208  extends. The flange  208  has a cover side surface  210  for having a cover  212  affixed to it. The body  204  includes an opening tab  214  and a contents portion  205  with a fracture portion  217  positioned between the opening tab  214  and contents portion  205 . A fracture portion  217  contains a break path  216  having a fracture point  215 . The break path  216  defines the path along which the container  202  fractures. The container fractures, or ruptures, along the break path so as to form a dispensing opening  220  (shown in  FIGS. 20 and 22 ). 
         [0056]    In this embodiment, the contents portion  205  has a substantially cylindrical shape and construction including large curved ribs  251  and a sloping portion  252  from the ribs to a base  253  of the container. Other configurations, such as an elongate, oval, square or rectangular construction are contemplated. 
         [0057]    Referring to FIGS.  16  and  19 - 22 , the break path  216 , once fractured, forms an edge of a spout  222  of the dispensing opening  220 .  FIGS. 19 and 20  show the container  202  once the rupture has propagated along the break path  216 . As illustrated in the side view of  FIG. 19 , the break path  216  from a side view forms a substantially arcuate or curved line extending from the fracture point  215  to a terminus at the flange  208 . The break path is not in the one plane. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 21 and 22  show the container  202  in a completely opened configuration. The break path  216  is formed in the fracture portion  217  ( FIG. 17 ) and between the fracture point  215  and the container flange  208  either side of the fracture point  215 . The break path  216  has end portions  224  that are substantially perpendicular to the container flange  208  and a main portion  223  extending between the fracture point  215  and each substantially perpendicular portion  224 . In this embodiment, the break path  216  commences at the fracture point  215  and follows a curved line  223  towards either side of the container  202  until just before it reaches the rim  203  or flange  208 . 
         [0059]    The break path  216  defines the spout  222  of the dispensing opening  220 . The spout  222  has a main portion  223  and end portions  224 . Each of the end portions having a terminus. The main portion  223  starts in a first plane at the fracture point  215  and gradually moves along a curved or acuate path (the break path  216 ) until it reaches the end portions  224  which then extend to the rim  203  and are substantially perpendicular to the container flange  208 . Therefore, the break path  216  and hence spout  222  commences at the fracture point  215  in a first plane and gradually moves through many planes (in a continuous curve) such that the terminus of the end portions  224  is in a different plane to that of the first plane. More specifically, the fracture commences at the fracture point  215  and then propagates outwardly along the break path  216  such that an initial travel direction defines a first plane. The fracture is completed at each terminus of the end portions  224  such that a final travel direction defines a second plane which is different to the first plane. It is important to note that the spout is three dimensional. That is, the break path has a longitudinal and a latitudinal component. 
         [0060]    In this embodiment, when liquid is poured out of the container air enters the dispensing opening  220  at the section  226  because the liquid does not fill the entire dispensing opening  220 , specifically the section  226 . This is due to the configuration of the dispensing opening formed by the end portions  224  being in a different plane to that of the main portion  223  that forms the spout  222 . 
         [0061]    From a side view the break path is curved from the fracture point to the terminus, or end point, at the rim; the fracture path at the end point being substantially perpendicular to the flange. The break path gradually transitions from the first plane to the second plane. When looking at the front of the spout of the container (that is, looking towards the dispensing opening) the break path and hence spout forms an arcuate or rounded V shape with substantially straight end portions. However, other configurations are contemplated, for example, a U shape or a substantially V shape. The break path at the fracture point is preferably a V shape, however, it may be of other configurations for example, a U shape, a rounded V shape, a V with a rounded tip, or the V shape may further include a nipple. 
         [0062]    The opening tab  214  is connected to the contents portion  205  by the covering  212 , at which point it forms a hinge  219  ( FIG. 19 ). In another embodiment (not shown) the flange  208 , starting at the ends of the break path  216  (that is at the terminus of the end portions  224 ), may also fracture when the opening tab  214  is forced in the direction of the container cover  212 , thus forming the hinge  219 . The flange breaks in such a way that it factures substantially in a line between the end of the break path and an outer edge of the flange. The opening tab is connected only to the contents portion  205  by the container cover  212 . The opening tab  214  can then be used as an easy hold handle to peel back the container covering  212 . 
         [0063]    The structure of the break path and spout of the present invention is particularly advantageous because it allows the contents, especially liquid contents, to be dispensed smoothly as well as ensuring the container can hold as much liquid as possible. This structure makes liquid flow more uniformly because a spout protruding from the container is formed without the need to alter the structure of the container, such as folding out a spout (for example as is found in a milk carton), and air is able to enter the container cavity without the need for a separate aeration hole or other mechanism. 
         [0064]    In comparison, the break path of the container disclosed in U.S. patent publication no. 2012-0223075 is formed along a plane, that is, the container is fractured along the one plane. This leads to the issues described above because by fracturing along the one plane a protruding spout cannot be formed and also it is more difficult for air to enter the container through the dispensing opening to replace the liquid that has been dispensed. 
         [0065]    A further advantage of the structure of the container is that the fracturing of the break path acts as a tamper evident feature. If the break path is fractured it is evident that the container has been tampered with and that as a consequence the contents in the container may be spoiled or contaminated. 
         [0066]    Variations can be made to the above-described arrangements without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as described herein or as claimed in the appended claims. For example, the container body may be an elongate or other shape or the break path may be of differing configurations with sharper or smoother angles.