Patent Publication Number: US-2002000441-A1

Title: Reclosable dispenser package, reclosable outlet forming structure and method and apparatus for making same

Description:
[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/010,455, filed Jan. 23, 1996, and U.S. Provisional Application entitled “RECLOSABLE DISPENSER PACKAGE, RECLOSABLE OUTLET FORMING STRUCTURE AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SAME”, filed Jan. 3, 1997 by the same inventor of the instant non-provisional application, both of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] This invention relates to easy opening, self-contained, easy to use, single or multiple use dispenser packages capable of economical, high speed production, manufactured from a broad range of materials, many of which are recyclable. They may contain such products as syrups, cream, cheeses, salad dressings, shampoo, hand-cream, liquid detergents, motor oil, toothpaste pates, pet food and many other products. It additionally relates to a package which has the capability of dispensing the contained product, e.g., mouthwash, cough syrup, confections, alcoholic beverages, etc., directly into the mouth of the user, and which also includes a reclosure cap member formed as an integral part of the package and which preferably is tethered to the package by a tether also formed integrally with the package. It will also be seen that the easy opening feature together with the reclosure cap and tether may be formed independently and sealed or adhered to the surface of many packages such as bags, milk containers, pouches, pillow packages (sachets), etc. to make for very efficient low cost dispensing packages or squeeze bags. These squeeze bag type packages could dispense food pastes such as pet food, cremes, grease, yogurt, certain types of dough, cake frosting and could be made of everything from treated, coated paperboard plastic films, foils, laminates or coextrusions of these materials. The easy opening means of this application in its preferred embodiment is comprised of a drum-like protrusion from which a secondary frusto conical protrusion extends to create a tip which is encircled at its base by a fault line. To create the aperture this tip is broken away by applying light lateral finger pressure. In order to protect this breakaway tip during shipment or for reclosing the aperture, a tethered cap is also formed adjacent to the double protrusion. The tether functions not only to hold the cap, thereby preventing the cap from being lost, but also to hold the cap [on the tip] in place by acting like a spring.  
       [0003] In an alternate aperture forming system the initial drum like protrusion has, instead of a frusto-conical breakaway tip, a fault line pattern defined in its top surface, so designed as to rupture to create an outlet of various required shapes when a puncturing tool/plug is pressed into said fault line pattern. Such puncturing tool/plug may be formed instead of a cap and may be tethered or the cap may be double ended with a cap formation on one end and the puncturing tool/plug formation on the other. It will also be seen that a cap containing a protruding member formed within the cap similar to the style of a flower would perform as a central punch when the cap is pressed over the drum shaped protrusion. It will further be seen that in certain instances where a metal foil liner is required for a flowable product such as an alcoholic drink the drum shaped protrusion may be replaced by a moundlike protrusion with a central fault line pattern. The reason for such a moundlike shape instead of the drum shape is to prevent the stretching of the foil beyond its elastic limit at surface intersections in which case it would rupture during formation. Said pattern able to be punched open by a formed puncturing tool/plug said puncturing tool/plug may be thermoformed and tethered to the unit or may be independently made and the tether may have a formed ring at its free end into which the puncturing tool plug may be seated.  
       [0004] This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing the aforesaid formation and packaging, reliably at high speed, in many cases from fully recyclable material, so as to permit such packages to be produced at low cost and, in many cases, recyclable. Additionally the packages may use less plastic material than most other previously known portion packages leading to source reduction and environmental benefits even when non-recyclable materials are used.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] Various attempts have been made to provide a dispenser package in which a product may be packaged in the quantity normally required for single or multiple uses, and from which the contained product may be dispensed.  
       [0006] One type of such dispenser packages is a pillow pouch or sachet, typically made of relatively thin plastics and foils or combinations of laminated plastics and foils. These packages are most frequently encountered as containers for catsup, mustard, other condiments, homecare preparations such as hair conditioners, dyes and cremes, etc. Although this type of package is universally used, it is also universally disliked by the consumer. In order to access the contents, the pouch must be held in one hand while a tearing motion and force are applied by the other hand. Creating the initial tear to break the packages seal is often very difficult, often requiring the assistance of the user&#39;s teeth. Moreover, once the initial tear is created, the laminated foil and/or plastic material not only often tears in an uncontrolled fashion, but the holding pressure exerted by one of the user&#39;s hands often forces the contents out of the envelope not only before the user is ready to apply the contents, but even before the tearing motion is complete. Opening these packages leads to frayed tempers, broken fingernails, and chipped teeth, as well as other problems. The user must also use both hands to open the container. In the case of invalids, arthritis sufferers and other handicapped people, opening these packages is virtually impossible. Yet another problem associated with these prior packages is the impossibility of efficient reclosure, thereby precluding multiple use of the package, with consequent waste of the unused contents. Further disadvantages include the sachet&#39;s inability to function effectively with low viscosity products such as coffee cream, mouthwash or alcoholic beverages, due to the inability of the torn opening to control the direction of flow of such liquids from the package. These packages also are generally totally unrecyclable, and therefore become environmental pollutants. As above-mentioned however, should continued use of these sachets be preferred, then the easy opening feature of this application may be readily and economically adhered to the sachet to make for an easy opening, reclosable, high-barrier package.  
       [0007] Another dispenser package is the peel-top cup used for butter, margarine, syrup, sauces, salad dressing, and other similar products. This type of package requires good eyesight and manual dexterity. Such packages are often used as coffee creamers and have many disadvantages, including difficulty in peeling off the top in order to open, as well as difficulty in pouring, accidental spilling, and the inability to be reclosed so as to preclude more than a single use. Again the inventions described herein can be adhered or integrally formed into these packages to make them easy opening and reclosable. Yet another type of dispenser package is the unsealed corrugated paper package used for salt and/or pepper, which upon bending along an interrupted line cut through the corrugations forms an opening through which the salt or other material contained in the package may flow. These packages only dispense dry, solid flowables with the assistance of gravity, and cannot be used to contain, no less dispense, “wet” or liquid flowable materials. The package of this invention can contain and readily dispense both liquids and dry granular products.  
       [0008] Small, very expensive, metal capped bottles are used for alcoholic drinks and are either poured or consumed directly from the bottle. These bottles may be reclosed, but often are sized for a single drink so they do not have to be reclosed. The instant package can be used for alcoholic beverages at a fraction of the cost of the bottles.  
       [0009] Everyone is familiar with the ubiquitous gable top milk carton and everyone is familiar with the varying degrees of difficulty in opening them. These range from fingernail breaking to just plain unopenable without a knife or other tool.  
       [0010] They never truly reclose and at best are messy and unclean looking. In the U.S. there has been a move toward mounting a screw-on cap combination comprising a threaded nozzle member which is sealed onto one of the slanted gables of the carton and the other is an unattached screw-on cap. This little injection molded duo is costly to make and to install, possibly on the order of 3 to 5 cents and is commonly used on large gable top juice containers in the half gallon size. These are expensive, high profit items selling for about three dollars each and can bear the extra tariff for the screw-on outlets. There are however billions of these gable top units sold annually for milk and cream in varying sizes from half-pints to half gallons. Producers however are reluctant to increase carton cost significantly and the public continues to use difficult to open cartons.  
       [0011] The instant invention makes available a sealed and tamper evident outlet with a tethered cap, both formed in a single, small plastic unit which can be readily sealed or adhesively attached to the gable over a small pre-made hole. It is ultra low cost and may be made of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, PVC. Polyester etc. utilizing material costing small fractions of a cent. It will be seen that the cap serves a double purpose. It enables the outlet to be reclosed after opening and of equal importance, since the cap is in place over the breakaway tip during shipment it protects the tip from being accidentally hit or subjected to any forces which may open the outlet.  
       [0012] It may be seen that the lower drum-like formation beneath the breakaway tip may be elongated so that when the tip is broken away, an elongated nozzle remains which would allow the flowable substance to be ingested directly from the container or as in the case of motor oil, being poured directly into the engine oil inlet. Another disadvantage currently experienced with dispensing packages is the closing of the outlet opening. Closing the outlet opening of tubes is presently accomplished by means of an injection molded screw-on cap which normally includes a compressible gasketing material. The end of the tube requires a mating thread to match the cap. Both the separately molded gasketed cap and the threaded tube result in increased manufacturing costs. Additionally, the cap, as often as not, is dropped and/or lost while it is being threaded on or off. Furthermore, there has been a growing trend to manufacture such tubes at still greater cost by providing hinged caps with a flat end surface which permits the tube to stand upright. Thus, the cap members currently in use have the disadvantage that they tend to increase the overall cost of manufacture of the dispensing package.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a new and improved means of creating an aperture in a thermoformable plastic material as well as an integrally formed cap and tether where necessary.  
       [0014] A further object is to form independently such aperture creating means with or without a cap and/or tether for adhesion to other forms of previously difficult to open or non-reclosable packaging.  
       [0015] Another object of this invention is to provide new and improved dispenser packages.  
       [0016] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved aperture-forming structure for a dispenser package which allows the user to easily and controllably dispense the contents of the package directly to the user&#39;s mouth or in a directionally controlled manner, as desired.  
       [0017] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved aperture-forming structure for a dispenser package which opens easily and reliably and yet which can be manufactured economically and at high speed.  
       [0018] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable dispenser package so that the contents thereof may be dispensed in consecutive uses and the outlet opening reclosed between uses.  
       [0019] A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package with an attached cap member formed from the same plastic film which cap member may be thereafter placed over the unopened aperture forming means to protect it and/or to reclose the package after opening.  
       [0020] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and removable cap member which may be formed as an integral unit and where the cap member is attached to an integrally made tether and remains attached to the package and which may be placed over the unopened aperture forming means to protect it from changes or accidental opening during shipping and handling.  
       [0021] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and tethered cap member which may be formed as an integral unit from a thermoformable material.  
       [0022] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and tethered cap member which may be formed as an integral unit from a thermoformable plastic material that is recyclable.  
       [0023] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved dispenser package and cap member wherein the cap member has an open-ended top of predetermined shape so that, upon placing the cap over the aperture of the package the contents may be dispensed in such shaped stream.  
       [0024] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved dispenser package and cap member wherein the cap member includes a utensil device such as tiny protrusions or a flattened surface structure so that the cap member may function as a tool to brush, spread, or otherwise handle the contents dispensed from the package.  
       [0025] Another object of the invention is to replace the cap member with a dual function punch/plug member capable of punching through a tough pre-scored formation to create an aperture and to further act as a plug to close said aperture.  
       [0026] A still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved method of making a dispenser package embodying the aforesaid features.  
       [0027] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved method of thermoforming a dispenser package from a recyclable plastic material at high speed and yet provide a finished package which may be easily and reliably opened by the user.  
       [0028] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for forming an aperture-forming structure for a dispenser package.  
       [0029] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for forming a nozzle-like aperture structure in a dispenser package so that, upon opening, the contents of the package may be dispensed in a directionally controllable manner.  
       [0030] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved self-centering and self-aligning punch and die apparatus adapted to accurately and reliably form a thermoformable material into a hollow tip-like configuration having a peripherally extending fault line so as to permit the tip to be readily broken away by the user to form an aperture opening through which the contents of the package may be dispensed.  
       [0031] The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the invention are illustrative of those which can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which may be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the invention, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variations which may be apparent to these of ordinary skill in the art, the same being realized and attained by means of the parts, constructions and instrumentations, and combinations thereof, as well as in the steps and processes pointed out in the appended claims. The present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations, steps and processes, and improvements, herein shown and described.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032] Briefly described this invention is directed to a new reclosable aperture forming means which may be formed with an integrally formed cap member which may be tethered to said aperture forming means to create a unit which may be independently formed and adhesively or sealingly attached to a container wall or surface over a hole in said container wall to create an easy opening, reclosable, when necessary, dispensing package. Said reclosable aperture forming means embodying an integral, hollow protrusion member preferably comprised of two stages, a drum shaped base from which extends a generally conical or frusto-conical tip, said tip member having a fault line encircling it at its juncture with the flat top surface of the first drumlike formation which may be readily broken off to form an opening through which the contents of the package may be dispensed in a directionally controllable stream. After the tip of the protrusion member is broken off by applying light lateral finger pressure, the desired quantity of the contents may thereafter be expelled through the opened nozzle-like outlet by gentle hand squeezing of the package.  
       [0033] In a second embodiment the entire reclosable aperture forming means may be integrally formed into what will become an easy to use reclosable dispensing package. In this second embodiment a generally relatively flexible, compressible pouch or container member is sealably attached to a cover member forming the top or lid of the package. The cover member includes the new reclosable aperture forming means and tethered cap member as described above and similarly used.  
       [0034] In another desirable embodiment the pouch or container member has the integral hollow protrusion and tethered cap member thermoformed into the underside of its relatively stiff rim. The advantage of this version being that the cover member then becomes a relatively thin skinlike member which is very easy to print and less expensive than the formed upper cover member.  
       [0035] The aforesaid cap member which is initially formed with the package as an integral unit is preferably formed along one peripheral edge of either the cover member forming the top or lid of the package relatively closely adjacent to the breakaway protrusion member or on the underside of the rim. A cut line may create a tether member which permits the cap member to be mechanically removed by the user from its molded position in production and placed over the opened nozzle-like aperture forming means so as to protect the breakaway tip during shipping and handling, while remaining tethered to the package. As also preferably embodied, the aforesaid cap member permits the end user of the package to readily open or reclose the package after each use.  
       [0036] In other alternative embodiments of the dispenser package of the present invention:  
       [0037] (i) the breakaway protrusion member forming the aperture in the package may be broken off at the surface of the cover member forming the top or lid of the package, thereby eliminating the nozzle-like outlet configuration in those applications where the contents of the package don&#39;t require nozzle formation;  
       [0038] (ii) the cap member may be formed with miniature protrusions to act like a brush, or may have some other desired shape to perform some other desired tool function for use in handling the contents dispensed from the package, such as by brushing or spreading;  
       [0039] (iii) if reclosing the package is not required, the cap member may be open-ended having a predetermined shape such that, upon placing the cap member over the nozzle-like aperture of the package, the contents may be dispensed in such shaped stream;  
       [0040] (iv) the cap member may be provided with an internal central plug dimensioned to mate with the opening formed in the dispenser package to thereby serve as a plug to further ensure sealing of the opening after removal of the breakaway protrusion member; and  
       [0041] (v) the breakaway protrusion and tethered cap members may be formed in a portion of the cover member which extends beyond one end of the compressible pouch member at a predetermined angle and communicates with the product contained in the pouch by means of a shallow neck or channel, thereby facilitating application of the contents of the package onto a surface, such as, e.g., toothpaste onto a toothbrush or glue onto a break line. Alternatively, the breakaway protrusion member may be formed in the cover member directly over the pouch portion with the cap formed at an adjacent small flat area. This method yields a somewhat larger pouch volume while using the same total amount of material.  
       [0042] It will be understood that the foregoing preferred embodiments of the dispenser package of the present invention may be thermoformed from a wide variety of plastic materials, including, e.g., PP (polypropylene) Barex, HDPE (high density polyethylene), HIPS (high impact polystyrene) and foamed HIPS, as well as various laminations and/or coextrusions of the aforesaid materials and other plastic materials, including, e.g., PP/EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol)/PP; Barex/PP; Barex/EVOH/PP; PET (polyethylene tetrafluoride)/LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene); PET/EVOH/LLDPE; PVC (polyvinylchloride)/LLDPE; NY (nylon)/LLDPE; and NY/EVOH/LLDPE. Alternatively, the aperture forming means and the dispenser packages of the present invention may be formed by injection molding.  
       [0043] It also will be understood that the foregoing preferred embodiments of the dispenser packages of the present invention may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, as desired, although the preferred size range is from about 2 ml capacity to about 4 fluid ounce capacity. Similarly, the aforesaid package may be manufactured in a wide range of dimensions. A typical size for a package containing 30 ml or 1 fluid ounce of material is on the order of about 1 inch deep by about 1 inch wide by about 3 to 4 inches long, which fits comfortably in the palm of the hand of most users. Furthermore, the independent formations of aperture forming means and the tethered caps may be applied to a very wide range of packaged from single use sizes to half gallons.  
       [0044] Briefly described, as preferably embodied, the apparatus of the present invention forming the preferred aperture-forming protrusion member in the cover member of the dispenser package includes a two-stage punch member which advances to engage and clamp a thermoformable material against a self-centering and self-aligning hollow anvil member. The first punch member advances to initially form a hollow, drum-shaped protrusion in a specific heated area of the thermoformable material. Thereafter, a second punch member preferably located within, and moveable relative to, the first punch member continues to advance forward. The second punch member includes a first generally frusto-conically shaped surface adapted to form a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conically shaped hollow tip member extending from the drum-like protrusion formed by the first punch member. At the moment formation of the hollow tip member is completed, the forward advancement of the second punch brings a second shallow conical surface into cooperating engagement with the peripheral edge or rim defining the hollow portion of the anvil member to thereby compress the wall of the formed hollow tip about a peripheral portion thereof to create a weakened fault line in the hollow tip protrusion member. As here preferably embodied, the aforesaid punch and anvil members create a fault line at the base of the aforesaid hollow tip protrusion member which extends continuously about the periphery thereof.  
       [0045] In an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the heated sheet of thermoformable material is clamped against the anvil member and a single stage punch member having a generally frusto-conically shaped forward end portion is thereafter advanced to form the aforesaid hollow, substantially cylindrical or frusto-conically shaped tip member. At the moment formation of the hollow tip member is completed, the rim of the anvil member compresses the wall of the hollow tip member about the periphery thereof to create a weakened fault line. It will be seen that the heated thermoformable film (material) may be clamped against a relatively thin plate spaced away from the anvil which contains an accurately aligned hole centered on the aperture of the anvil member. In this embodiment, between the punch and anvil the film will be formed into a conical member as the punch is advanced through the plate and said conical member will then be further formed until it contacts the peripheral edge or rim at the opening of the aperture in the anvil. This alternate apparatus creates a fault line banding or girdling the formed conically-shaped tip member at a predetermined point between its base and its apex.  
       [0046] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing various brief descriptions and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the present invention, but are not intended to be restrictive thereof or limiting of the advantages which can be achieved by the invention or various combinations thereof. The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting in part hereof, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0047]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention with an integrally formed cap member;  
     [0048]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the dispenser package of FIG. 1;  
     [0049]FIG. 2 a  is a perspective view of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention with an integrally formed cap member on the underside of the containment members rim and their skin like unformed cover member;  
     [0050]FIG. 3 is an end view of the dispenser package of FIG. 1;  
     [0051]FIG. 3 a  is an end view of the dispenser package of FIG. 2 a  showing an unformed very thin flexible cover member;  
     [0052]FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation, partly sectional, of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention for forming the breakaway tip and nozzle protrusion members in a heated sheet of thermoplastic material;  
     [0053]FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view, partly in elevation, of the first and second punch members and the self-aligning hollow anvil member illustrated in FIG. 4, this view illustrating formation of the first protrusion member in the thermoplastic sheet material;  
     [0054]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 5, illustrating formation of the second protrusion member in the thermoplastic sheet material;  
     [0055]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of FIG. 6, illustrating formation of the peripherally extending weakened fault line at the base of the second protrusion member;  
     [0056]FIG. 7 a  an enlarged side plan view of first and second protrusion members according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0057]FIG. 7 b  is an enlarged side plan view of first and second protrusion members according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0058]FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the dispensing package of FIG. 1;  
     [0059]FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the dispensing package of FIG. 8, illustrating the cap member removed from its molded position and placed over the breakaway tip protrusion member;  
     [0060]FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing the use of a hollow punch member for forming a central sealing plug member in the cap member illustrated in the preceding drawings;  
     [0061]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a cap member formed with a central plug from the apparatus of FIG. 10;  
     [0062]FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the punch and anvil apparatus of the present invention, wherein a single punch member forms a hollow frusto-conical protrusion in the surface of the cover member for a dispenser package and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the protruding tip;  
     [0063]FIG. 12 a  is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the punch and anvil apparatus of the present invention, wherein a single punch member forms a hollow frusto-conical protrusion having a right-cylindrical base in the surface of the cover member for a dispenser package and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the protruding tip;  
     [0064]FIG. 12 b  is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the punch and anvil apparatus of the present invention, wherein a single punch member having a spherical tip forms a hollow mound protrusion in the surface of the cover member for a dispenser package and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the mound;  
     [0065]FIG. 13 is a schematic elevation view of the breakaway tip formed by the punch and anvil members illustrated in FIG. 12;  
     [0066]FIG. 13 a  is a schematic elevation view of the breakaway tip formed by the punch and anvil members illustrated in FIG. 12 a;    
     [0067]FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the breakaway tip and cap member are formed in a lateral extension of the cover member and the breakaway tip member communicates with the containment pouch through a shallow channel member;  
     [0068]FIG. 15 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14;  
     [0069]FIG. 16 is an end view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14;  
     [0070]FIG. 17 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein the lateral extension of the cover member also extends angularly downwardly;  
     [0071]FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the cap member, formed with bristles or nubs on its outer surface;  
     [0072]FIG. 19 is a schematic view of another alternate embodiment of the cap member, formed with a flattened spreader tool utensil on its outer surface;  
     [0073]FIGS. 20 a - d  are partial end views of still other alternate embodiments of the cap member of the present invention, each view illustrating an open-ended cap member;  
     [0074]FIG. 21 a  is a top plan view of a reclosable outlet aperture forming structure which can be applied to various forms of containers in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0075]FIG. 21 b  is a side view of the reclosable outlet aperture forming structure shown in FIG. 21 a;    
     [0076]FIG. 22 a  is a perspective view of the reclosable outlet aperture forming structure of FIGS. 21 a - b , as applied to a milk carton, in which the cap is placed over the outlet;  
     [0077]FIG. 22 b  is a perspective view of the reclosable outlet aperture forming structure of FIGS. 21 a - b , as applied to a milk carton, in which the cap is removed from the outlet so as to allow removal of the breakaway outlet tip;  
     [0078]FIG. 22 c  is a perspective view of the reclosable outlet aperture forming structure of FIGS. 21 a - b , as applied to a milk carton, in which the breakaway tip is removed from the outlet to form an opening therethrough;  
     [0079]FIG. 22 d  is a perspective view of the milk carton of FIGS. 22 a - c , in which the breakaway tip is removed from the outlet to form an opening through which milk is being poured;  
     [0080]FIG. 23 is a side view of a low profile breakaway tip in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0081]FIG. 23 a  is a side view of a low profile breakaway tip in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0082]FIG. 24 is a top view of the low profile breakaway tip of FIG. 23;  
     [0083]FIG. 24 a  is a top view of the low profile breakaway tip of FIG. 23 a;    
     [0084]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the low profile breakaway tip of FIG. 23 with the removed breakaway tip shown in phantom;  
     [0085]FIG. 26 is a side view of a cap for use with the low profile breakaway tip of FIG. 23;  
     [0086]FIG. 27 is a side view of a another embodiment of the present invention which utilizes a twist-lock or twist-threading arrangement to secure the cap to the base formation;  
     [0087]FIG. 28 a  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in which a tethered plug is used to open and close a pre-scored surface;  
     [0088]FIG. 28 b  is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 29 a  in which the pre-scored surface has been opened;  
     [0089]FIG. 28 c  is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 a  in which the plug has been placed in the outlet hole, thereby opening the hole along the pre-scored surface and/or plugging the hole;  
     [0090]FIGS. 29 a - d  are top views of the outlet of the embodiment of FIG. 28 a  depicting various types of scored surfaces formed in the outlet; and  
     [0091]FIGS. 30 a - d  are side views of the scored surfaces shown in FIGS. 29 a - d , in which each of the scored surfaces haves been penetrated to create an opening therethrough and a flap descending from the surface;  
     [0092]FIG. 31 is a partially elevated side view of an outlet forming structure according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, having a punch/plug and a scored mount, as applied to a milk carton;  
     [0093]FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the outlet forming structure of FIG. 31;  
     [0094]FIG. 33 is a side plan view of the outlet forming structure of FIGS. 31 and 32;  
     [0095]FIG. 34 is an enlarged elevated view of the outlet forming structure of FIGS.  31 - 33 ;  
     [0096]FIG. 35 is an enlarged side plan view of the outlet forming structure of FIGS.  31 - 34  showing the mound as punctured by the punch/plug;  
     [0097]FIG. 36 is an enlarged side plan view of the mound of FIGS.  31 - 35 ;  
     [0098]FIG. 37 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which an outlet forming structure, having a breakaway tip and cap, is applied to a foil package;  
     [0099]FIG. 38 is an enlarged side elevational view of the outlet forming structure of FIG. 37;  
     [0100]FIG. 39 is an elevated plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention as applied to a foil package;  
     [0101]FIG. 37 a  is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which an outlet forming structure is applied to a foil package;  
     [0102]FIG. 38 a  is a front plan view of the outlet forming structure of FIG. 37 a;    
     [0103]FIG. 39 a  is an elevated plan view of the outlet forming structure of FIGS. 37 a  and  38   a;    
     [0104]FIG. 40 is a partial elevational view of an outlet forming structure according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, having a snap-in auxiliary punch/plug/cap and protrusion member, that is manufactured by a pick-and-place method;  
     [0105]FIG. 40 a  is an enlarged side plan view of the outlet forming structure of FIG. 40 showing the punch/plug/cap puncturing the protrusion member;  
     [0106]FIG. 41 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment, wherein the outlet forming structures are formed from a single thermoplastic web in a mating arrangement;  
     [0107]FIG. 42 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the reclosable container is provided with a scored protrusion and a dual purpose tethered punch/cap;  
     [0108]FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the reclosable container of FIG. 42;  
     [0109]FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the reclosable container of FIGS. 42 and 43, wherein the tethered punch/cap is securely fastened over the scored protrusion;  
     [0110]FIG. 45 is an elevated plan view of an outlet forming structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0111]FIGS. 46 a - c  are side plan views of a container for use with an outlet forming structure according to the present invention;  
     [0112]FIG. 47 is an elevated plan view of the container of FIGS. 46 a - c  with the outlet forming structure of FIG. 45 mounted thereon;  
     [0113]FIG. 48 is a top plan view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0114]FIG. 49 is a side plan view of the container of FIG. 49;  
     [0115]FIG. 50 is a side plan view of the container of FIGS. 48 and 49 in a closed position;  
     [0116]FIG. 51 is a side perspective view of the container of FIGS.  48 - 50 ;  
     [0117]FIG. 52 is a side elevational view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0118]FIG. 53 is an enlarged side plan view of the outlet forming structure of FIG. 52; and  
     [0119]FIG. 54 is a top plan view of a section of a web of thermoformable material having a series of outlet forming structures formed therein. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0120] Referring now more particularly to FIGS.  1 - 4  and  9  of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a dispensing package indicated generally at  10  according to the present invention. The package  10  can be used for single or multiple uses and can be reclosed for further use.  
     [0121] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the package  10  includes a cover member  11  formed from a flexible but relatively stiff generally flat sheet  12  of a thermoformable plastic material most suitable to the product contained and the protection that the contained product requires.  
     [0122] Materials such as high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), high density polyethylene (HDPE) polyester, HDPE/EVOH (high density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol), Barex, polypropylene, etc. may be used. HIPS, HDPE, and HPDE/EVOH are each low cost and can be recycled. HDPE/EVOH creates a superior O 2  barrier.  
     [0123] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, whereas plastics of similar material may be heat-sealed or bonded together, heat sealing different plastics together requires an adhesive layer. Preferably, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) is used as such a layer. Thus, multi-layered plastics formed by coextrusion may be sealed together to form sheet  12  having sealant/barrier  14  of the present invention.  
     [0124] Also suitably bonded to one face of bonded sheet  12 ,  14  is a flexible sheet  18  forming at least one pouch chamber  22  adjacent one face of the relatively stiff sheet  12  or bonded sheet  12 ,  14  for containing a preferably flowable substance, e.g. a dry powdered or granulated material or a liquid material of any suitable viscosity capable of flowing under light to moderate hand pressure.  
     [0125] Advantageously, and as here preferably embodied, the layer of a suitable sealant/vapor impervious barrier material  14  is suitably integrally bonded to sheet  12  on the inner surface  16  which faces flexible sheet  18 . Flexible sheet  18 , advantageously formed by conventional means, such as vacuum forming, pressure forming, mechanical forming or combinations thereof, is likewise suitably integrally bonded to either inner surface  16  or sealant/barrier  14  of sheet  12 , as the case may be.  
     [0126] The bonds between substantially flat relatively stiff sheet  12 , sealant/barrier material  14  and flexible sheet  18  also may be formed by conventional means known to persons of ordinary skill in the packaging art, such as welding, heat sealing, or adhesive or cohesive bonding. It will be understood that the particular bonding method selected depends upon the particular properties of the materials used and the flowable substance(s) to be contained in the package.  
     [0127] Advantageously, and as preferably embodied, sheet  12  is preferably made of polypropylene (PP), Barex, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), but when combined with barrier  14  may be made of polystyrene, polyester, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene tetrafluoride (PET) or nylon, or a copolymer thereof, and barrier  14  is made of a suitable sealant/vapor impervious barrier material, preferably comprising saran and foil laminate, or comprising a laminate of foil and vinyl, or foil alone, depending on the nature of the contents to be contained.  
     [0128] A particularly tough high barrier construction comprises saran laminated on each side with polyethylene (sold by Dow Chemical Co. under the name “Saranex”) as barrier sheet  14 , in turn laminated onto polystyrene or polyester, forming the flexible but relatively stiff sheet  12 . The thickness of sheet  12  varies according to factors, such as the properties of the materials used, the flowable substance contained, and the intended usage. A generally utilized range is 4-12 mils (0.004-0.012″). As previously noted, sheet  12  preferably is somewhat flexible, although more rigid than the material  18  forming pouch  22 , and preferably is stiffened by raised portion  11   a  formed in cover  11  in the preferred construction of package  10 .  
     [0129] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the bonds formed between materials  12 ,  14  and  18  can be obtained by the conventional means previously described, again depending on the nature of the flowable substance being contained.  
     [0130] It will be seen from the foregoing that the structure of FIGS. 1 and 2 forms an enclosed pouch or chamber  22  between the flexible sheet  18  and the relatively stiff member  12 ,  14  in which a preferably flowable substance is contained and from which the contained substance is dispensed.  
     [0131] In accordance with the present invention as preferably embodied, the relatively stiff generally flat sheet  12  forming cover  11  includes an aperture-forming protrusion structure  30  which includes a neck member  32  and a breakaway tip member  34  so that, upon removal of tip  34 , neck  32  forms a nozzle-like aperture in package  10  through which the contents may be dispensed in a directionally controllable manner.  
     [0132] Neck and tip protrusions  32 ,  34  preferably are substantially hollow, substantially cylindrical and tip  34  preferably is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical. In the preferred embodiment as shown in the plan view of FIG. 3, the aperture-forming protrusion structure  30  is located in cover  11  directly over pouch  22  so that, when opened, nozzle aperture  32  communicates directly with the contents of pouch  22 .  
     [0133] In accordance with the present invention, as preferably embodied, dispenser package  10  includes a cap member  110  formed as an integral part of cover  11 . Advantageously, cap member  110  is removable from cover  11  along a line.  
     [0134] It will be seen that the cap  110  protects the breakaway tip structure  30  from inadvertently breaking off during shipping and handling prior to use, as well as providing a means to reclose the package after opening, i.e., after the protrusion tip member  34  is broken off. Thus, cap  110  protects the remaining contents of the package after each use, permitting multiple uses. The advantage of the tethered embodiment of the invention is that it costs practically nothing, acts as a side pressure spring to maintain the cap on the neck  32  at the opening, acts as a grasping member to assist removal of the cap for each subsequent use, and prevents loss of the cap before the contents of the package have been fully dispensed and the package is ready to be disposed of. Further details of the cap are explained below.  
     [0135] In practically all cases, however, it is believed preferable to provide the two-stage breakaway tip configuration since the first projecting cylindrical formation  32  acts as a nozzle yielding directionally controllable product dispensation, after the tip, i.e., second protrusion  34 , is broken off. Low and medium viscosity flowable products tend to squirt “side-ways” or spurt in non-controllable directions, when passing through an aperture formed in the plane of the cover member. Furthermore, elevating the breakaway tip from the surface of the cover member greatly enhances its ease of use with no practical increase in manufacturing cost.  
     [0136] In use, as here preferably embodied, package  10  preferably is positioned so that pouch or chamber  22  rests in the palm of the hand with the thumb resting on the cover  11 . The thumb or finger of the holding hand, or the user&#39;s other hand, if desired, may then be used to apply a light finger pressure against the side of protrusion tip  34 , i.e., the breakaway tip, thereby causing tip  34  to break off, leaving an open neck or nozzle-like aperture  32 .  
     [0137] Once tip  34  is removed and the package thereby opened, the contents of the package  10  may be expelled. This method of use depends on the type of substance contained in the package and where the user would like to place the contents. For example, if the package contains toothpaste, the open nozzle  32  preferably would be placed over a tooth brush, whereupon gentle squeezing of the package  10  will force the toothpaste onto the toothbrush. If the contents of the package are intended to be placed directly into the user&#39;s mouth, or the mouth of a patient, such as for oral medicine or mouthwash, the open nozzle  32  then may be placed directly into the mouth and a portion, or all, of the contents may then be directed into the mouth by squeezing the package. When the desired quantity of the contents of the package has been expelled, if some contents remain, package  10  may then be reclosed for future use by placing cap  110  over the open nozzle  32 .  
     [0138] As previously mentioned, as here preferably embodied, package  10  further includes a cap  110 . While cap  110  may be formed separately from the other elements of package  10 , in the preferred embodiment cap  110  is integrally formed with and is at least partially detachable from the relatively stiff sheet  12  forming cover  11 , as shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  9 - 10 ,  15 - 18 ,  22 - 23   d ,  29   a - c ,  32 - 35 ,  38 - 40 , and  42 - 47 , for example.  
     [0139] As shown in FIGS.  1 - 3  and  8 - 9 , cap  110  preferably is located at one corner in cover  11  so as to overhang pouch  22 . A cut line  114  allows cap  110  to be easily removed from cover  11 . Advantageously, as best seen in FIG. 10, cut line  114  extends only partially along the edge of cover  11  so as to provide a tether  130  to maintain cap  110  attached to package  10  even after the cap is paced over either the aperture-forming structure  30  or over the open nozzle  32 .  
     [0140] Cap  110  typically is unthreaded and is dimensioned to fit smoothly, yet securely, over the necked protrusion  32 , which preferably also is smooth and unthreaded, both before and after removal of tip  34 . Cap  110  has a base  126  which lies flat against the top of cover  11 . Tether  130  has several advantages. First, it has been discovered that the tether  130  acts as a spring pressing the cap against the sidewall of the necked protrusion  32 , thereby assisting to hold cap  110  in place when it is placed over the necked protrusion  32 . Additionally, tether  130  provides the added benefit of preventing the cap  110  from becoming lost and allows the user to grip the tether  130  to assist in removal of the cap  130  from the aperture-forming structure  30  or from open nozzle  32 .  
     [0141] Cap  110  of the present invention can be designed in several different embodiments. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cap can be formed from a hollow punch member  120  that forces the material into a hollow female member  122  with a central protrusion  124  to form a cap with a central plug  126 .  
     [0142] An alternative to the embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 4  is shown in FIGS. 2 a  and  3   a . As shown, the container  10   a  has generally the same configuration as container  10  depicted in FIGS.  1 - 3  is made of the same materials. Specifically, pouch  22   a  is formed between a flexible sheet  18   a  and the very thin skin like sheet  12   a ,  14   a , in which a flowable substance is contained. Unlike the previous embodiment, the aperture-forming protrusion structure  30   a  is formed on the underside of the flat sheet  18 . Similarly, the cap  110   a  is formed on the underside of the sheet  18 . With such an arrangement, not only are the neck and tip protrusions  32   a ,  34   a  of the protrusion structure  30   a  protected from accidental rupture, but also the container  10   a  is provided with a low cost flexible cover. In order for the protrusion structure  30   a  to be in fluid communication with the contents of the pouch  22   a , the pouch  22   a  is provided with a channel  11   b  which communicates with the protrusion structure.  
     [0143] It will be understood that the aperture-forming protrusion structure  30  may be made by a variety of methods and apparatus. In accordance with the present invention, however, as preferably embodied, a web of thermoformable material to be formed into cover  11  is first heated to a sufficient forming temperature. The web is then formed into the hollow cylindrical protrusion  32  with a closed end. The closed end portion of the cylinder  32  is then further deformed in its central section to create the tip  34 . At the moment tip  34  is completely formed, the intersection of the base of tip  34  and cylinder  32  is compressed, reducing its thickness, to thereby create a fault line extending about the periphery of the base of tip  34 .  
     [0144] Also in accordance with the present invention, as here preferably embodied, aperture-forming protrusion  30  is formed by means of a self-centering and self-aligning male and female punch and die apparatus, indicated generally at  40 , as shown in FIGS.  4 - 7 .  
     [0145] Apparatus  40  includes feed rollers  42  or other means to advance the web or film “F” of thermoformable material into a heating station  44  where a heater block  46  advances against the film to press the sheet against a stationary heater block  48 , which is temperature controlled by a thermocouple  50  and supplied with necessary power at connection  51 . An air cylinder  52  provides the driving force to move the heater block  46  by means of shaft  54 . The heater block  46  includes two heaters energized by an appropriate power source  58 .  
     [0146] A two-stage punch member  60  includes a first male punch  62  formed as a generally cylindrical hollow punch having a substantially flat end surface  64  at its operative end. When the first punch member is advanced, the end surface  64  engages and deforms the heated sheet of thermoformable, preferably plastic, material F, compressing the plastic against a similarly shaped, oppositely mounted, generally cylindrical hollow anvil member  66  movable in a bore  68  of a support  70 . The anvil  66  has an end face  71 . The first punch  62  has a clearance fit with the bore  68  so it can be moved therein to confront the end face of the anvil  66 . Anvil  66  has an aperture bore  67  formed as part of its hollow portion.  
     [0147] Anvil  66  is part of a spring-loaded rocker member  72 , preferably supported by a ball-shaped member  74 , or other similarly shaped curved rocker device, in a larger base opening  75  so as to be both resilient and self-centering and self-aligning with punch member  60 . Although rocker  74  is preferably curved or ball-shaped, a relatively flat surface in spring-mounted engagement with the base of adjustable mechanism  89  also serves to self-center the aperture opening  67  of anvil member  66  with respect to frusto-conical surface  84  and bevelled surface  83  of second punch  80 , more fully described hereinafter. The peripheral edge or rim of aperture  67  in anvil  66  is smaller than the bore of punch  62  to create an internal shoulder  76  when the opposing substantially flat end surfaces  64 ,  71  of the hollow cylindrical punch member  62  and the anvil member  66  are brought together. The anvil and first punch are preferably made of hardened steel.  
     [0148] In use, at the end of the first stage of the formation of the aperture-forming protrusion  30 , shown in FIG. 5, the plastic web F is formed into a projecting, closed end, hollow generally cylindrical drum-like shape, with the plastic web stretched across the end of the first generally cylindrical hollow punch, and clamped between the opposed facing end surfaces  64 ,  71  of the punch and anvil members.  
     [0149] A second punch member  80  is mounted for travel within a hollow bore  81  and beyond the end face  64  of the first punch member  62 . The second punch member  80  includes a shaft  82  whose operative end surface includes a shallow bevel  83 , advantageously on the order of  450 , terminating into a conically-shaped portion  84  with a flat end face  85  forming a frusto-conically shaped tip, indicated generally at  86 . The second punch member and its bevel  83  advances into controlled engagement with the internal peripheral edge of the shoulder  76  formed at the opposed end surfaces  64 ,  71  of the first punch  62  and anvil  66 .  
     [0150] In one aspect of the present invention, as preferably embodied, the second punch member  80  can be constructed in multiple parts. For example, each of the frusto-conical and beveled portions  84 ,  83  may be formed separately and removably attached to the leading end surface of the shaft  82 , such as by threaded connections. Alternatively, shaft  82  and tip portions  83 ,  84  may be formed as an integral unit. The second punch member is driven by air cylinder  87 .  
     [0151] It will be understood from the foregoing that the full length of the frusto-conical end  86  of punch  80  continues to travel past the formed internal shoulder  76  and into the anvil aperture  67  until such time as bevel surface  83  is brought into accurately controlled cooperating engagement with the internal peripheral edge of the internal shoulder  76  formed by the opposed end surfaces  64 ,  71  of the first punch  62  and the anvil  66 . Advancement of punch surface  83  against shoulder  76  is accurately controlled by micrometer punch adjustment mechanism  88  and anvil adjustable stop mechanism  89 .  
     [0152] The still-heated closed end of the initially formed hollow cylinder  32 , i.e., the first drum-like protrusion of the aperture-forming structure  30  is, in a second stage, further formed into a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conically shaped tip  34 , i.e., the second protrusion of the aperture-forming structure  30 , by the advancing second punch member until the shallow bevelled surface  83  of punch  80  engages the plastic sheet. At that time, the second punch surface  83  controllably compresses, cools and sets the plastic web F against the internal peripherally extending edge formed at shoulder  76  of the anvil to reduce the thickness, and thereby weaken, the wall of the plastic at the locus of the peripheral edge so as to form a narrow, peripherally extending indentation  100 , known as a rupture or fault line, at the base of tip protrusion  34 . It will be seen that fault line  100  permits the tip protrusion  34  to be readily broken away by means of only light lateral pressure to thereby form a nozzle-like outlet opening at neck protrusion  32 .  
     [0153] It should be noted that changes in the dimensions of the beveled end  86  and the anvil  66  are within the scope of the present invention. For example, it is often desirable to produce a fine stream of the contents of a container, such as motor oil. Consequently, the opening formed by the base of the tip protrusion  34  must be relatively small, such as shown in FIG. 8 a . To form such a aperture-forming protrusion structure  30 , the end  86  is elongated, and the beveled surface  83  is positioned closer to the distal end  85 . Furthermore, the anvil  66  is provided with a relatively narrow opening. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 7 a , the fault line  100  and the breakaway tip  34   a  are smaller. Alternatively, the entire punch  82  and, therefore, protrusion structure  30  is made narrower.  
     [0154] In other applications, where the contents of a container are large particles, such as cat food, the opening must be relatively large, such as shown in FIG. 7 b . To achieve a larger opening, the entire punch  82  and, therefore, protrusion structure  30  are made wider. Alternatively, the fault line  100  and the break away tip  34  are made larger.  
     [0155] In an alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a single punch  90  with a truncated end  92  can be used. The single punch  90  includes a bevelled surface  94  which engages the film or web F of thermoplastic material to form the generally frusto-conical hollow tip protrusion  34 . As here embodied, thermoplastic web F is first clamped between shoulder plate  96  and face  97  of an outer punch member similar to punch  62 . Thereafter, punch  90  advances, whereupon end  94  forms web F into frusto-conical tip  34 , as shown as FIG. 13. As alternatively embodied, however, as best seen in FIG. 12, upon completion of the formation of tip  34 , the peripheral edge  76   a  of anvil member  70  engages and compresses the outer surface of the frusto-conical wall of tip  34  to create a peripherally extending fault line  100   a  along the projecting surface of tip  34  between its base and apex.  
     [0156] In yet another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 a  and  13   a , a single punch  91  with a beveled, truncated end  93  can be used to form the generally frusto-conical hollow tip protrusion  31 . The single punch  91  engages the film or web F of thermoplastic material with the beveled surface  93 . As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the thermoplastic web F is first clamped between stop plate  95  and clamp means  98  of an outer punch member. Thereafter, punch  91  advances, whereupon end  93  forms web F into the frusto-conical tip  31 . As best shown in FIG. 13 a , contact of the peripheral edge  77  of angle member  71  compresses the outer surface of the frusto-conical tip  31  to create a peripherally extending fault line  10   b . In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the stop plate  95  is situated adjacent the shaft of the punch  91 , below the beveled, truncated end  93 . Consequently, the thermoplastic web F is formed around the beveled end  93  as well as the right cylindrical shaft  91   a . As can best be seen in FIG. 13 a , the resulting frusto-conical tip  31  has a breakaway tip  35 , a permanent projection  33 , and a bright cylindrical section  33   a . The right cylindrical section  33   a  is provided so a cap may be securely engaged with the tip  31 .  
     [0157] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 b , a single punch  91 B has a spherical tip  93 A. The spherical tip  93 A engages the thermoplastic web F to form a hollow mound protrusion. As embodied, the thermoplastic web F is first clamp beneath a stop plate  95 A. Thereafter, punch  91 B advances, whereupon the spherical end  93 A forms web F into a hollow mound. Furthermore, the punch  91 B is advanced forwards anvil  71 A until the outer surface of the web F engages the peripheral edge  77 A of anvil member  71 A, thereby creating a fault line that extends around the tip of the mound structures. It has been found that the spherical tip  93 A allows for self alignment of the punch  91 B as the web F engages the peripheral edge  77 A of the anvil  71 A.  
     [0158] Referring now more particularly to FIGS.  15 - 18  of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of the dispenser package of the present invention, indicated generally by reference manual  200 . As here embodied, cover  211  includes a lateral extension  211   a  which extends beyond one end of the container pouch  222  and both the aperture-forming structure  230  and reclosure cap member  240  are formed in cover extension  211   a . A shallow channel member  250  communicates aperture-forming structure  230  with the contents of pouch  222 . Further alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, lateral extension  211   a  of cover  211  is formed on an angle with respect to cover  11  so as to slope toward the pouch side of cover  11 .  
     [0159] It has been found that the embodiments of FIG. 14- 17  are advantageous in that they facilitate dispensing the contents of the package onto a surface, such as butter or cream cheese onto a slice of bread or toothpaste onto a toothbrush.  
     [0160] Referring now more particularly to FIGS.  18 - 20 , there are shown several other alternative embodiments of the cap member of the present invention. Thus, as shown at FIG. 18, the top of resealing cap  110  may include bristles or nubs to function as a brush member; as shown in FIG. 19, the top of cap  110  may have a flattened surface  270  capable of functioning as a spreading tool; as shown in FIGS. 20 a - d , cap  110  may be open-ended and have a shaped edge configuration, such as shown at  280 ,  281 ,  282 ,  283 , respectively, so that the contents of the package may be expelled in a shaped stream.  
     [0161] With reference to FIGS. 21 a - b  and  22   a - c , an alternate embodiment of the present invention will now be shown and described. In accordance with this alternate embodiment, an independent thermoformed unit is used to create an outlet aperture in a container. The independent thermoformed unit may take the form of a reclosable outlet forming structure  300 . The reclosable outlet forming structure  300  may generally comprise a cap  310 , a tether  320 , a base  330 , and a breakaway outlet tip  340 . Cap  310  may be connected to base  330  via tether  320 . Score  325  facilitates separation of the cap  310  from structure  300 . The reclosable outlet forming structure  300  may have a pre-applied adhesive or sealant in the area surrounding the base  330  to facilitate application of the structure  300  to a container, such as milk container  302 . As such, the structure  300  may be sealably or adhesively attached to any surface of a container requiring the subject outlet. In particular, the structure  300  may be sealed or adhered to the container in an area surrounding a hole in the container, but not in the area of the cap  310  or tether  320  which must be free of the container&#39;s surface. It is to be understood that reclosable outlet forming structure  300  may be attached to containers, such as milk carton  302 , prior to filling. As such, the structure  302  may be applied to a container when it is still a flat blank.  
     [0162] With reference to FIGS. 22 a - d , use of the reclosable outlet forming structure  300  will now be shown and described. With reference to FIG. 22 a , prior to shipping of the container  302 , the cap  310  may be placed over the outlet forming structure base  330  prior to removal of the breakaway tip  340  so as to assure that the breakaway tip  340  does not accidentally break and the contents of container  302  do not escape while the container  302  is in transit. With reference to FIG. 23 b , the cap  310  is removed from base  330  to provide access to breakaway tip  340 . The container at this point is ready for opening. With reference to FIG. 23 c , the breakaway tip  340  is then removed to create an opening  350 . Opening  350  leads to a hole (not shown) in container  302  to allow pouring the contents of container  302  therethrough. With reference to FIG. 23 a , the reclosable outlet forming structure  300  may be resealed by simply placing the cap  310  over base  330 .  
     [0163] In one embodiment of the present invention, base  330  and tip  340  are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, although it is to be understood that other shapes may be used. In this embodiment, the opening  350  is made of PET-PVC-BAREX. It is to be understood, however, that other materials in accordance with the present invention may be used.  
     [0164] As can be seen in FIG. 22 d , the cylindrical outlet  330  and opening  350  act a nozzle direct the flow of the contents of the container  302  into a control stream.  
     [0165] With reference to FIGS.  23 - 26 , a low profile breakaway tip and cap in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In general, lowering the height of a breakaway tip  360  will lower the possibility that the tip  360  may be accidentally opened during transit or by handling. Lowering the height of the breakaway tip makes it more difficult, however, to grasp and remove the breakaway tip. This difficulty is alleviated by creating undercuts or indents  370  in the sidewall of the breakaway tip  360 . These undercuts or indents  370  allows a user&#39;s finger to hook and break away the tip  360  in a single motion. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the low profile breakaway tip with the removed breakaway tip shown in phantom. With continuing reference to FIGS.  23 - 25 , the undercuts or indents  370  are preferably arranged in opposed positions to facilitate ease of use and manufacture. It is to be understood that the number and location of the undercuts/indents  370  may be varied. Once the breakaway tip  360  is removed from base  380 , a cap  394  may be used to reclose the opening (not shown) exposed by the removal of tip  360  in base  390 . Base indents  392  in base  380  are shaped and dimensioned to receive opposed inward protrusions  396  of cap  394 . These protrusions  394  snap into indents  392 , thereby securing cap  390  to base  380 . A tether (not shown) may also be used to attach cap  390  to base  380 .  
     [0166] As shown in FIGS. 23 a  and  24   a , the base  390   a  may have generally triangular cross-sectional area. Such a cross-sectional area, may aid in the dispensing of various materials. Furthermore, the relatively large bottom of the base  390   a  helps avoid accidental toppling of a container.  
     [0167] It is also to be understood that this embodiment of the present invention may be used in a wide variety of applications, including dispensers for creamers, unit dose medications, salad dressings, beauty aids, dental products, condiments, candy confections, syrups, granular products, etc. It is also to be understood that this embodiment of the present invention may be manufactured by utilizing a male punch member in conjunction with a self-centering and receding female anvil system, as previously shown and described.  
     [0168] Although the use of a tether limits the rotation of a cap pressed onto a base formation, a twist-lock or twist-threading arrangement may also be used to secure the cap to the base. With reference to FIG. 28, such an embodiment of the present invention which utilizes a twist-lock or twist-threading arrangement  400  to secure the cap  410  to the base formation  420  is shown. In this arrangement, cap  410  has an inner protrusion  415  which engages cam surface  430  of base  420 . Upon rotation of cap  410  with respect to base  420 , inner protrusion  415  engages cam surface  430  to create a twist-lock or twist-thread arrangement. It is to be understood that a tether (not shown) may also be used in such an arrangement. Base  420  may also have a breakaway tip  425  attached thereto.  
     [0169] As an alternative to the breakaway tip and tethered cap arrangement, the present invention also includes a tethered plug/punch and scored surface arrangement as shown in FIGS. 28 a - c ,  29   a - d  and  30   a - d . FIGS. 28 a  and  28   b  are perspective views of such an embodiment of the present invention in which a tethered plug is used to open and close a pre-scored surface. In this arrangement  450 , a plug  460  is used to open a pre-scored surface  470  of outlet  480 . In this embodiment, the score is in the form of an interrupted circle, although it is to be understood that other types of scored surfaces, such as those shown in FIGS. 29 a - d , may also be used. FIGS. 28 b  and  28   c  depict a flap  485  which is created when plug  460  is used to penetrate the scored surface  470 . A tether  490  may also be created through the use of a score  495  in arrangement  450 . Plug  460 , which may be connected to arrangement  450  via this tether  490 , may also be used as a cork to close the outlet hole. As such, plug  460  may be used both as a plug and as an opening tool to create and/or plug an aperture in the pre-scored surface. In this embodiment, plug  460  has a conical shape, although it is to be understood that other shapes may be used. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 28 a  and  29   a - d , the score may have a partially circular shape, a V-shape, an X-shape, a star shape, or box shape, although it is to be understood that other patterns may also be utilized. Depending on the shape of the scored surface, the flap created by the penetration of plug  460  will differ. For example, the penetration of scored V-shaped surface  490  will create a flap  491 ; the penetration of scored X-shaped surface  492  will create a flap  493 ; the penetration of scored star-shaped surface  494  will create a flap  495 ; and the penetration of a scored surface  496  will create a rectangular-shaped flap  497 .  
     [0170] An alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIGS.  31 - 36 . In accordance with this alternative embodiment, a container  500  is provided with a reclosable outlet forming structure  510 . More specifically, the outlet former structure  510  comprises a curvilinear dome or mound  530  and a dual purpose punch/plug  520 . As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, the container  500  includes a hole, not shown, over which the mound  530  is secured. Because the punch/plug  520  must be lifted and inverted for insertion into the scored area  532 , it must not be sealed to the container  500 . On the other hand, the mound  530  portion of the outlet forming structure  510  must be securely adhered over the hole in the container  500 .  
     [0171] As can best be seen in FIG. 34, the outlet forming structure  510  comprises a layer of foil  534  laminated to the plastic forming the outlet forming structure  510 . The portion of the foil  534  underneath the mound  530  should be unsupported other than the adhesive used to secure it to the mound  530 . It should also be noted that the foil  534  is secured to the container  500 , about the hole in the container  500 , so that the contents do not leak out beneath the outlet forming structure  510 . The foil laminated adhesive should be one that gives adequate adhesion but sets up with minimal tensile strength of its own. In alternative embodiments, the adhesive may approach being brittle.  
     [0172] The mound  530  further includes a fault line pattern or scored pattern  532 . The fault lines  532  may take on any number of patterns, such as those shown in FIGS. 29 a - d . As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the foil  534  is laminated to the entire surface of the mound  530  and preferably, is not scored. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive may be omitted from the fault line pattern  532 .  
     [0173] The punch/plug  520  is secured to the outlet forming structure  510  via a tether  524 . The tether  524  is created by a cut  522  through the foil/plastic laminate. As can best be seen in FIG. 32, the cut  522  preferably takes a curvilinear path, following the periphery of the outlet forming structure  510 . Such a cut  522  provides an elongated tether  524 .  
     [0174] In operation, the punch/plug  520  is firmly pushed into the fault line pattern  532  to rupture the scored mound  530 . This operation is best shown in FIG. 35. Having forced the punch/plug  520  through the scored area  532  of the mound  530 , an opening for dispensing the contents of the container  500  is formed. The punch/plug  520  is removed from the mound  530  so that contents of the container  500  may be dispensed. Because the scored area  532  has been deformed to the shape of the punch/plug  520 , the punch/plug  520  may be reinserted into the scored area  532 , thereby resealing the container  500 .  
     [0175] In an alternative embodiment, however, the foil layer  534  may span the hollow base of the mound  530  by being laminated only to the periphery of the mound. Of course, in such an embodiment, the punch/plug  520  must be long enough to extend past the plane of the foil  534  so that the foil  534  may be punctured. By wobbling the punch/plug  520  while inserted into the mound  530 , the opening in the foil is enlarged.  
     [0176] It should be noted that the mound  530  strengthens the outlet forming structure  510 . Furthermore, the shape of the mound  530  provides a nozzle function, directing the contents of the container  500  in an even stream. Depending upon the contents of the container  500 , the dimensions and shape of the mound  530  may be altered to provide the desired flow.  
     [0177] The outlet forming structure  510  of FIGS.  31 - 36  are preferably manufactured with a punch similar to that described with reference to FIG. 12 b . Of course, the tip of the punch need not be spherical, but rather may be elliptical, parabolic, or any curvilinear shape. Furthermore, it is preferred that the foil and plastic be laminated into a single web prior to the formation of the mound be the punch. Thus, the dimensions of the mound, as defined by the shape of the punch tip, will be limited only be the physical properties of the materials used.  
     [0178] In an alternative embodiment, which will now be described with reference to FIGS.  37 - 38 , a reclosable outlet forming structure  610  according to the present invention is utilized with a flexible plasti-foil pouch  600 . In general, the foil pouch  600  is formed by folding a generally rectangular shaped piece of the foil plastic combination in half and sealing the three open edges thereof. A reclosable outlet forming structure  610  is mounted on the seamless end  605  of the pouch  600 . The outlet forming structure  610 , which is sealed to the seamless end of the pouch  600  by applying an adhesive around a periphery of the base  612 , covers a hole, not shown, in the pouch  600 .  
     [0179] The outlet forming structure  610  may be of any type previously disclosed above, such as those described with reference to FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  8 - 9 ,  13 , and  13   a . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the outlet forming structure  610  includes an aperture forming protrusion  630 . More specifically, the aperture forming protrusion  630  includes a hollow cylindrical base  632  and a break-away tip  634 . A fault line  636  extends around the periphery of the protrusion structure  630 , permitting the breakaway tips  634  to be broken away from the base  632  in the tip  634 . More specifically, the fault line  636  is a narrowed, stress concentrating area.  
     [0180] The outlet forming structure  610  also includes a cap  620 . The cap  620  is a hollow tapered member, which has an inside base diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the base  632  of the protrusion structure  630 . The cap  620  is secured to the outlet forming structure  610  via a tether  624 . The tether  624  is formed by a cut  622  through the lower surface  612  of the outlet forming structure  610 . As can best be seen in FIG. 39, the curvilinear cut  622  separates the cap  620  from the protrusion structure  630  and follows the periphery of the base  612 . By having such a pattern, the cut  622  is relatively long and, consequently, produces a relatively long tether  624 . Due to the long tether  624  and the fact that the portion of the base  612  that supports the cap  620  is not fastened to the pouch  600 , the cap  620  may be raised and securely placed over the outlet forming structure  630 .  
     [0181] In operation, a user applies sidewise finger pressure to the protrusion tip  634 , thereby causing it to break away from the protrusion base  632  along a fault line  636 . Because the protrusion structure  630  is substantially hollow, an aperture, not shown, is created. Furthermore, because the protrusion member  630  has been affixed to the pouch  600  over a hole in the pouch, not shown, the contents of the pouch  600  may be dispensed via the now opened protrusion neck  632 . The cap  620  is placed over the base  632  during shipping, so that accidental rupturing of the fault line  636  is prevented. Furthermore, cap  620  is placed over the base  632  to reclose the package  600  when only a portion of the contents of the package  600  has been dispensed.  
     [0182] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 39, the same outlet forming structure  610  is secured to the side of pouch  640 . In this embodiment, the pouch  640  is formed from two generally rectangular sheets of foil plastic laminate which are sealed together around all four sides of each sheet. As with the previous embodiment, the protrusion structure  630  is affixed to the pouch  640  over a hole, not shown, so the protrusion neck  632  is in fluid communication with the contents of the pouch  640 .  
     [0183] An alternative embodiment of the present invention employing an outlet forming structure  610   a  disposed on a foil pouch  640   a  will now be described with reference to FIGS. 37 a ,  38   a , and  39   a . Briefly described, the outlet forming structure  610   a  is substantial the same as the outlet forming structure described with reference to FIGS.  37 - 39 . Specifically, the outlet forming structure  610   a  includes both a cap  620   a  and a protrusion member  630   a . As best seen in FIG. 39 a , the foil pouch  640   a  includes a lap seam on the side opposite the outlet forming structure  610   a.    
     [0184] An alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 40. A tethered punch/plug and base member with a star shaped fault pattern manufactured as a unit  700  is shown. A tether  730  is connected to the base  710  at a proximal end thereof, a ring structure  740  connected to a distal end thereof, and a tapered punch/plug  760 . The punch/plug  760  is manufactured separately from the other components.  
     [0185] As shown, the ring structure  740  defines an opening  750 . The opening  750  is larger than the tip  762  of the punch/plug  760  yet smaller than the base  764  of the punch/plug  760 . Furthermore, the punch/plug  760  includes a circumferential indentation  766 . The indentation  766  is formed on the punch/plug  760  just below a point where the outside diameter of the punch/plug  760  becomes larger than the inside diameter of the opening  750 .  
     [0186] Therefore, once the components have been separately manufactured, the punch/plug  760  is snapped into the opening  750 . When snapped into the opening  750 , the tapered punch/plug  760  causes the slightly elastic ring structure  740  to expand until the ring structure  740  reaches the indentation  766 . Upon reaching the indentation  766 , the ring structure  740  snaps into the indentation  766 . Consequently, the punch/plug  760  becomes connected to the ring structure  740  and the other components.  
     [0187] In use, as shown in FIG. 40 a , the punch/plug  760  is used to puncture the scored section  722  of the protrusion structure  720 . Such operation is described in greater detail with reference to FIGS.  28 - 30   d.    
     [0188] Turning now to FIG. 41, one embodiment for manufacturing a reclosable outlet forming structure according to the present invention is shown. Specifically, a pair of reclosable outlet forming structures  870  and  880  are formed from the same piece of thermoplastic web F. Each reclosable outlet forming structure  870 ,  880  comprises a protrusion structure  872 ,  882  as well as cap  874 ,  884 , respectively. As in the previously disclosed embodiments, each cap  874 ,  884  is connected to the corresponding protruding structure  870 ,  880  via a tether  876 ,  886 .  
     [0189] It is to be understood that the mating, horse-shoe arrangement of the outlet forming structures  870 ,  880  provides several benefits, such as reclining wasted portions of the web F, and that the manufacturing agreement may be repeated along the length of the web F.  
     [0190] Turning now to FIGS.  42 - 44 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Initially, it should be noted that the container  1000  shown is made of similar materials as described above with reference to FIG. 1- 3 .  
     [0191] The container  1000  comprises a first deformable pouch  1010  and a second deformable  1020 . The two pouches  1010 ,  1020  are joined by a shallow conduit  1030 . The deformable pouches  1010 ,  1020 , as well as the joining conduit  1030 , are sealed by a generally flat sheet  1040  of thermoformable plastic material. A hollow protrusion  1050  is integrally formed with the flat sheet of thermoformable plastic  1040 . The hollow protrusion  1050  extends from the flat sheet  1040 . The protrusion  1050  is directly above and in fluid communication with the conduit  1030 . The container  1000  further includes a punch/cap  1060 .  
     [0192] As can best be seen in FIG. 43, the hollow protrusion  1050  has scores or fault lines  1055  on the top face thereof. Despite these fault lines  1055 , which weaken the protrusion  1050 , the container  1000  remains sealed. Further shown in FIG. 46, the punch/cap  1060  is partially separated from the remainder of the container  1000  by cut  1062 . The cut  1062  which parallels one peripheral edge of the container  1000  creates a tether  1064 .  
     [0193] In order to open the container  1000 , the punch/cap  1060  is positioned over the protrusion  1050 . The punch/cap  1060 , and more specifically the pointed end  1066  of the punch/cap  1060  is forced through the score or fault lines  1055 , thereby opening the hollow protrusion  1050 . When punch/cap  1060  is removed from the hollow protrusion  1050 , an opening, not shown, exists. The opening is formed by the permanent deformation of the portion of the protrusion member  1050  between the fault lines  1055 . By inverting the container  1000  and gently squeezing either or both of the pouches  1010 ,  1020  the material contained within the pouches is dispensed via the opening in the protrusion  1050 .  
     [0194] It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment the protrusion  1050  is placed directly above the conduit  1030 . As a result, the contents of the pouches  1010 ,  1020  can be dispensed in a controlled manner. Specifically, the shallow conduit  1030  provides resistance to the flowing contents so that the contents do not spout from the opened protrusion  1050  uncontrollably, particularly when the protrusion  1050  is initially punctured.  
     [0195] As shown in FIG. 44, should less than all of the material contained within the pouch  1010 ,  1020  be dispensed, the container  1000  may be reclosed. Specifically, the punch/cap  1060  is inverted by twisting the tether  1064 . Because the punch/cap  1060  is hollow, having an inside diameter substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outside diameter of the protrusion  1050 , the punch/cap  1060  can be securely placed on the protrusion  1050 .  
     [0196] With regard to the embodiment of FIGS.  42 - 44 , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited by the type of outlet forming structure utilized. Specifically, any combination of break away tip, scored protrusion member, punch, plug, and cap may be employed. Furthermore, it should be understood that the particular shape of the pouches may vary according to the properties of the contents held therein.  
     [0197] An alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.  45 - 47 . As shown in FIG. 45, an outlet forming structure  1070  comprises a cap member  1072  and an aperture forming protrusion  1074 . As with the embodiments discussed above, the cap member  1072  is connected to the aperture forming structure  1074  by a tether  1076 . As can be seen, both the cap member  1072  and the aperture forming structure  1074  are formed in a curvilinear base  1078 .  
     [0198] Because the outlet forming structure  1070  is formed in a curvilinear base  1078 , it may be positioned on a container  1080  having a similar curvilinear surface. As shown in FIGS. 46 a - c , one such container  1080  is generally spherical and formed in two halves  1082 ,  1084 . The two halves  1082 ,  1084  are joined at one point along their circumferences, and are therefore hingeably connected. One half  1084  of the container  1080  includes an aperture  1086  formed therein.  
     [0199] In operation, as shown in FIG. 47, the outlet forming structure  1070  is affixed to the container  1080  such that the aperture forming structure  1074  is in alignment with the aperture  1086  in the container  1080 . As further depicted in FIG. 47, the cap member  1072 , shown in a sectional view, may be positioned over the aperture forming structure  1074 , thereby protecting it and sealing the container  180 . It is to be understood that the shape of the container  1080  is merely representative of those that may be employed with the present invention, as the outlet forming structure may be formed on a curvilinear base having virtually any shape.  
     [0200] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.  48 - 51 . The container  1090  generally comprises a rectangular sheet  1091  of thermoformable material. At the center of the rectangular sheet  1091  is an aperture forming structure  1092 , having a base and break away tip as described above with reference to the prior embodiments. On either side of the aperture forming structure  1092  are pouches  1098  formed on the underside of the sheet  1091  for holding any flowable substance. The pouches  1098  are in fluid communication with the aperture forming structure  1092 .  
     [0201] Also formed in the rectangular sheet  1091  of thermoformable material is a cap member  1094 . The cap member  1094  is preferably formed in one corner of the rectangular sheet  1091  and attached to the container  1090  via a tether  1096 . The tether  1096  is formed by a cut  1097  extending along the perimeter of the container  1090 .  
     [0202] The container  1090  may be folded generally in half along bending grooves  2006  disposed on either side of the aperture forming structure  1092 . Specifically, the ends of the container  1090  are brought together as depicted by arrows “A” in FIG. 49. Once the ends are brought together, a female package tie  2000  and a male package tie  2002 , both of which are integrally formed in the sheet of thermoformable material  1091 , are brought into engagement.  
     [0203] Engagement of the female package tie  2000  and the male package tie  2002  hold the container  1090  in the configuration as shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. In operation, lateral finger pressure on the tip of the aperture forming structure  1092  causes a fault line to rupture, thereby forming an aperture in the aperture forming structure  1092 . Thus, the contents of the container  1090  may be dispensed from the aperture. As shown in FIG. 51, the cap member  1094  may be placed over the aperture forming structure  1092 , thereby preventing accidental rupturing of the fault line or accidental dispensing of the contents after the tip of the aperture forming structure  1092  has been removed.  
     [0204] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.  52 - 54 . As shown in FIG. 52, an aperture forming structure  2016  according to the present invention may be positioned on a treated paper board tube  2012 , thereby forming a sealed container  2010 . The aperture forming structure  2016  comprises a generally hollow frusto-conical portion  2018 , a hollow cylindrical portion  2019 , and a breakaway tip  2020 . Integrally formed with the aperture forming structure  2016  is a cap member  2022  and an associated tether  2024 . As can best be seen in FIG. 54, the tether  2024  is formed by a curvilinear cut which allows the cap member  2022  to be partially separated from the aperture forming structure  2016  so that the cap member  2022  may be positioned over the cylindrical portion  2019  and the breakaway tip  2020 . Because the cap member  2022  has an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cylindrical portion  2019 , the cap member  2022  fits snugly thereon, thereby sealing the container  2010 .  
     [0205] As with the previously described embodiments, in operation, lateral pressure on the breakaway tip  2020  causes it to separate from the rest of the aperture forming structure  2016 , thereby forming an aperture into the generally hollow aperture forming structure  2016 . Thus, the contents of the container  2010  may be dispensed therefrom.  
     [0206] It will remain understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein, and that variations may be made without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.