Patent Description:
Some fresh fruits are used in the food and drink industries for the juice held within the fruit. It is often desirable to squeeze the fruit in order to extract the juice from the fruit and direct the juice over food or into a drink. In kitchens and bars, therefore, it is common for fruit, such as citrus fruits (lemons, limes), to be sliced or cut ready for use. This can, however, lead to wastage if the slices are not used within an acceptable timeframe. Also, squeezing the slices can be messy in that residue is left on fingers and in that the direction of the juice being extracted is not always predictable. Additionally, sometimes it is desirable to use the fruit after juice has been extracted,.

Furthermore, fruit production is generally seasonal and can be vulnerable to poor growing seasons as well as good growing seasons. Good seasons may lead to over-production of a particular fruit which can result in wastage and poor seasons may lead to shortages and/or increased prices, A more steady and predictable supply could be beneficial.

<CIT> discloses a storage dispenser for using two chambers and <CIT> discloses a dispersing bubble with for a compressible transport fluid.

The invention of the present application is defined in the attached claim <NUM>.

Preferred, optional features of the invention are set out in the subclaims attached hereto.

In preferred arrangements the first openable portion comprises at least one of the films having a grippable tab which can be manipulated to break the joint between the films at a predetermined location and ideally the joint between the films has different strengths along said periphery. With some embodiments the joint includes a first seal portion in the region of the first openable portion which is relatively weak compared to second seal portions on each side of the first seal portion, whereby the stronger second seal portions resist separation of the films beyond a predetermined amount so as to limit the first openable portion to a size which prevents removal of the product and often the two second seal portions constitute a unitary second seal extending around the periphery except for the first seal portion.

With further preferred arrangements the package has a second openable portion at a position spaced from the first openable portion, the second openable portion comprising at least one of the films having a further grippable tab which can be manipulated to break the joint between the films at a second predetermined location. With some of these embodiments the joint between the films has a third seal portion in the region of the second openable portion which is relatively weak compared to fourth seal portions on each side of the third seal portion, whereby the stronger fourth seal portions resist separation of the films beyond a second predetermined amount which is greater than said first predetermined amount so as to limit the size of the second openable portion.

In some arrangements, the package includes an absorbent product containing said liquid and is at least partially flexible to enable squeezing of the absorbent product to facilitate dispensing of the liquid. Examples of suitable liquids are cosmetic compounds such as moisturising creams or serums or pharmaceutical compounds such as medicines or ointments. In other arrangements, the product is a friable product which, when crushed, produces an amount of said particulate material.

Embodiments will be described in more detail. The description makes reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings (the embodiments of <FIG> and Figures <NUM> to <NUM> do not form part of the invention) in which:.

In the various packs described below, many features are shared by the embodiments and so like features have been given like reference numerals. Similarly, some embodiments can be readily combined such that an end product may incorporate two or more of the features which are described individually below, thereby compounding the advantages provided.

In <FIG>, there is disclosed a basic pack <NUM> comprising a sealed package <NUM> in which is sealingly retained a product <NUM> containing a liquid. In the embodiment shown, the product <NUM> is in the form of a slice of lemon or other citrus fruit and the sealed package <NUM> is formed from two fluid-tight films <NUM>, <NUM>. In this arrangement, the first film <NUM> is a flexible food-grade plastic film and the second film <NUM> is a more rigid food-grade plastic film , both films being made from appropriate materials known in the food industry. In other arrangements, one or both films could be made from other liquid impervious materials such as plastic-coated board/paper.

In <FIG>, the markings <NUM> around a periphery of each of the films <NUM>, <NUM> indicate where the two films are sealingly joined together so as to fully enclose the product <NUM> within an enclosed volume during manufacture of the pack <NUM> (similar markings are not actually shown on all figures although the sealed joint is still a feature of the other embodiments). The sealed joint <NUM> between the two films <NUM>, <NUM> is formed in one of a number of ways such as heat sealing, welding, adhesive or using a combination of these, and the process may involve shrink-wrapping or connection of pre-moulded film members. The continuous sealed joint <NUM> may be wider than as illustrated and may vary in width along its continuous length. It is also envisaged, and is discussed in respect of later embodiments, that a fold in a single folded film can constitute part of the peripheral seal encapsulating the product <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that if the liquid contained in the product is not a foodstuff then the films <NUM>, <NUM> need not be made of a food-grade material. The product <NUM> can be an absorbent substrate containing a liquid such as a cosmetic as shown in later figures or the product may simply be an amount of liquid.

Furthermore, the relative flexibility of the films <NUM>, <NUM> is not always important. In some embodiments described herein the second film <NUM> is relatively rigid compared to the first film <NUM>, usually so that the second film <NUM> has sufficient structure integrity to retain a particular shape or formation formed therein or thereon. However, in some embodiments, both films <NUM>, <NUM> could be highly flexible and not suited to retaining a shape or formation.

The package <NUM> shown in <FIG> is generally circular as shown in <FIG> but has a first openable portion <NUM> at one location on its periphery. In the embodiments shown, the first openable portion <NUM> is in the form of an easy-peel opening which is known in the packaging industry. Usually, this will comprise one or both of the films <NUM>, <NUM> having a grippable tab <NUM> which can be manipulated so as to break the sealed joint <NUM> by separating the films <NUM>, <NUM> at the first openable portion such that the enclosed volume of the package communicates with the exterior. This enables the liquid contained in volume to be dispensed through the opening created in the sealed joint <NUM>.

Suitable choice of films <NUM>,<NUM> and sealing method for securing the films in the region of the first openable portion <NUM> can result in the openable portion <NUM> being re-closable after opening such that the package can be stored, perhaps in a refrigerator, and used again to dispense any liquid that may remain in the package. Resealed joints may not be as strong as the original sealed joint but may be sufficient to prevent leakage between first and subsequent uses of the pack to dispense the liquid. After the initial seal is opened, one or both films retain a degree of tackiness for re-closing the pack sufficiently to prevent leakage during storage after opening, even when the seal area is wet as the result of the dispensing of some of the liquid.

The flexibility of at least parts of the package <NUM> enables the package to be squeezed and manipulated to extract the liquid from the product <NUM>. The opening created in the sealed joint <NUM> enables the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled direction and the fluid-tight films <NUM>, <NUM> help to ensure that the liquid does not get onto the hand/fingers of the user. As mentioned previously, this is of particular benefit with lemons and other citrus fruits when used in the cooking/restaurant/drinks industries, not only from the convenience and cleanliness points of view but also from a health point of view to reduce the possibility of juice contact for people susceptible to skin conditions such as phytophotodermatitis.

It will be readily appreciated that the actual shape of the pack <NUM> is not limited to those shown in the illustrative embodiments. The packs <NUM> can be of any suitable shape so as to provide a sealed volume containing a liquid containing product of any shape. Similarly, any number of films can be utilised to form the pack provided a sealed enclosure is formed around a volume containing the product. One or more of the films can even be a rigid sheet or incorporate rigid sections in certain embodiments. In the illustrations, the films are shown as being transparent in order to aid understanding but this need not be the case.

<FIG> illustrate an optional modification of the pack <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the modified embodiment, the second film <NUM> has an externally projecting foot <NUM> located in the region of the first openable portion <NUM> and projecting away from the pack. The foot <NUM> may be integrally formed with or subsequently attached to the second film <NUM>. The foot <NUM> enables the pack <NUM> to sit on a support surface (<FIG>), such as a table or worktop, at an angle so that the first openable portion <NUM> is elevated relative to other parts of the pack. This is illustrated in <FIG> and this arrangement is advantageous to prevent leakage from a pack that has been opened at the first openable portion <NUM> but which still contains liquid. The foot <NUM> is shown with a flat lower edge 19a to aid stability but a pair of spaced feet <NUM> on either side of the first openable portion <NUM> could also be provided to aid stability instead of the central foot shown. Such a foot or feet could be utilized in conjunction with any of the embodiments illustrated in the figures.

As shown in <FIG>, the pack <NUM> has the same features of the pack shown in <FIG> except that the second film <NUM> has a pre-formed hinge in the form of a linear fold or crease <NUM> whilst remaining generally planar or having a very shallow V-section as depicted in <FIG>. In the illustrations, the fold <NUM> extends fully across a diameter of the second film <NUM> from the first openable portion <NUM>, although it is possible that fold <NUM> could extend only across a portion of the second film <NUM> and, indeed, more than one pre-formed fold could be provided in the second film.

The diametral fold <NUM>, as illustrated, is particularly advantageous when the product <NUM> is a slice of fruit such as a lemon because it hinges to assist in initiating the folding of the package in order to maximise the squeezing of the fruit and maximise the juice extraction once the first openable portion <NUM> has been opened. The orientation of the fold <NUM> also tends to direct and channel the liquid towards the first openable portion <NUM> when the pack has been folded. The fold <NUM> also assists in the directing of the liquid on exiting the pack. In such arrangements, the second film must have sufficient structural integrity to support such a fold <NUM> such that the pack is easier to fold one way about the fold than the other.

<FIG> show an embodiment in which the pack <NUM> incorporates an insert plate or disc <NUM> between the product <NUM> and the first film. The disc <NUM> gives the pack <NUM> an additional degree of rigidity which is particularly useful when the product is being squeezed, as illustrated more clearly in <FIG>. The pressure applied by, for example, a finger <NUM> or a thumb of the user can be manipulated in various directions so as to increase the extraction of liquid from the product such as a lemon slice or other substrate. This squeezing action can be applied before or after opening of the first openable portion <NUM>, <FIG> showing the first openable portion still in a closed configuration. The disc <NUM> also provides some additional support to reduce possible damage to the pack/product during transportation and storage/stacking.

The actual shape, size and rigidity of the disc <NUM> is a matter of design choice. Also, if both films <NUM>, <NUM> are particularly flexible, a disc could be provided on both sides of the product <NUM> between the respective films <NUM>, <NUM> and the product <NUM>.

Furthermore, the or each disc <NUM> could be secured to the inside surface of its associated film <NUM>, <NUM> by means of heat welding or adhesive for example or may be unsecured between the inside surface of the film <NUM>, <NUM> and the product <NUM>. Securing the disc <NUM> gives an improved squeezing action and retains the disc <NUM> in an optimum position relative to the product <NUM> during squeezing and during transportation and storage. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the disc <NUM> could be secured to the outside of the film <NUM>, <NUM> and still have a beneficial effect on the liquid extraction from the product.

<FIG> also show an optional additional feature in the form of a linear hinge in the form of a pre-fold or crease 25a which extends across the width of the disc <NUM>, which again remains generally planar or having a very shallow V-section as with the second film <NUM> in <FIG>. The pre-fold 25a, if provided, could extend fully or partly across the width of the disc <NUM>. The pre-fold 25a hinges to assist in the folding of the pack <NUM>, and hence the folding of the product <NUM>, to aid the liquid extraction process in addition to the squeezing/manipulating action described earlier. It is envisaged that the pre-fold 25a extends from the end of the disc <NUM> nearest the first openable portion <NUM> to a diametrically opposite point, but other orientations of the pre-fold are possible, such as perpendicular to the orientation just stated.

It is also envisaged that, where provided, the pre-fold 25a could be aligned above a fold <NUM> provided in the second film <NUM> as discussed above in respect of <FIG>, thereby further assisting the process of folding the product <NUM> to aid liquid extraction. Furthermore the pre-fold 25a, depending on the material of the disc <NUM>, could be pre-disposed or biased so as to be easier to fold the two halves of the disc <NUM> towards each other in one direction than the other. In these embodiments it is envisaged that the bias of the pre-fold 25a is such that it is easier to fold the pack <NUM> in a way that the second film <NUM> is outside and the folded disc 25a is inside the folded pack.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment similar to that shown in <FIG> in that there is an insert plate or disc <NUM> provided between the first film <NUM> and the product <NUM>. In this embodiment, the disc <NUM> is provided with a number of projections <NUM> which extend towards the product <NUM> as illustrated more clearly in <FIG>. The projections <NUM> assist in the process of extracting the liquid from the product <NUM>. In particular, with fruits such as lemon, the projections <NUM> aid in the rupturing of the juice-containing sacs within the flesh of the fruit thereby increasing the amount of juice that can be extracted from the fruit.

<FIG> also show the second film <NUM> being formed with a number of similar projections <NUM> which also extend towards the product <NUM>. Such projections <NUM> are generally only possible in arrangements in which the material of the second film <NUM> is sufficiently rigid to maintain a shape. However, it is possible that a highly flexible film could still be formed with such projections <NUM> and these would still have a beneficial effect during the squeezing/juice extraction process. Either one of flexible films <NUM>, <NUM> could be pre-formed with such projections <NUM>, <NUM>. Similarly, a second disc <NUM> with projections <NUM> could be provided between the second film <NUM> and the product <NUM>. Again, the disc or discs <NUM> could be secured to the film or be provided loose between the product and the film.

It is also noted that either or both of the folds <NUM> or 25a described above could also be utilised in the arrangements shown and described with reference to <FIG>.

The arrangement shown in <FIG> is particularly useful in packs <NUM> in which the product is a fruit containing pips, such as a citrus fruit, or where there is other unwanted solid matter. In this arrangement, the second film is provided with an upstanding wall <NUM> which is disposed within the volume enclosed by the two films <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the wall <NUM> is provided between the first openable portion <NUM> and the product <NUM>. Once the first openable portion <NUM> is opened to enable the liquid to be dispensed from the pack, the wall <NUM> acts to prevent any pips or solid matter from being dispensed through the first openable portion <NUM> or from blocking the first openable portion <NUM>.

In other similar arrangements, not illustrated, a number of spaced walls <NUM> could be provided at least in the region of the first openable portion at spaced locations around the periphery of the product, whereby the walls <NUM> block unwanted solids and gaps between the walls <NUM> allow the liquid to flow through to the first openable portion <NUM>.

The wall <NUM> or walls would usually be secured to or integrally formed with the second (or least flexible) film <NUM> but it is also possible that the wall or walls <NUM> could be provided by a separate component inserted in the pack between the product <NUM> and the films during manufacture.

In <FIG>, there is shown a pack in which there are part-circular ridges <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the films <NUM>, <NUM> towards the product <NUM>, the relative sizes of the ridges <NUM> being such that one nests within the other when the two films <NUM>, <NUM> are squeezed towards each other. The ridges aid juice/liquid extraction when squeezed together and/or when the films <NUM>, <NUM> are manipulated in lateral directions relative to each other.

In the arrangement shown, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM> are part-circular because the general shape of a lemon slice is circular and are sized so as to engage the flesh of the lemon slice inside the rind/pith section of the fruit. Other shapes or arrangements of nesting ridges would be possible and are a matter of design choice. Also, the illustrated ridges <NUM>, <NUM> are shown without a ridge portion in the region of the first openable portion <NUM> so as to enable a clearer path for juice to flow from the pack during use. Again, the ridges could be formed integrally with the films or could be provided as a separate component or components.

In <FIG> there is shown a pack <NUM> embodiment in which the second film <NUM> has sufficient structural integrity to have a channel <NUM> formed therein, the open face of the channel facing towards the product <NUM>. The precise dimensions, cross-sectional shape, overall shape and length of the channel <NUM>, is a matter of design choice. In the illustration, the channel <NUM> is straight and extends partway along a diameter of the product <NUM>, terminating adjacent the first openable portion <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the ends of the channel <NUM> are located within the peripheral sealed joint <NUM> of the pack <NUM> such that the enclosed volume of the pack remains fluid-tight. The channel <NUM> improves the flow of liquid towards the first openable portion <NUM> and hence improves dispensing of the liquid. The channel <NUM> can also act as a hinge, similar to fold <NUM> in some respects, about which the pack can fold to aid liquid removal from the product <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the opening of the first openable portion <NUM> with the grippable tab <NUM> of the first film <NUM> being peeled away from the second film to expose the open face of the end of the channel <NUM>. This, of course, enables the liquid/juice to be dispensed from the pack. In fact, <FIG> serves to illustrate the opening of the first openable portion of other illustrated packs, save for the inclusion of the channel <NUM>, although the operation of peel apart seals is known in the food packaging industry and packaging industry in general.

<FIG> (but not <FIG>) also shows an optional additional feature in the form of a linear pre-fold or crease 20a in the second film <NUM> and extending between the end of the channel <NUM> remote from the first openable portion <NUM> and the edge of the second film <NUM>. The pre-fold 20a, together with the channel <NUM>, acts in a similar manner to fold <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, assisting in the folding of the pack to maximise the squeezing of the product <NUM> and thereby maximising the liquid extraction. It is also envisaged that a similar optional pre-fold or crease 20a could be provided between the first openable portion <NUM> and the end of the channel <NUM> adjacent the first openable portion, either in addition to or instead of the pre-fold 20a at the remote end of the channel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a modified form of the embodiment shown in <FIG>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, there is a main channel <NUM>, extending diametrally in this case, and also a number of additional feeder channels <NUM> which extend from the main channel. The feeder channels <NUM> also have their open faces directed towards the product <NUM> and are directed to different areas of the product <NUM>. This improves the flow of liquid towards the first openable portion <NUM> and improves the dispensing of the liquid. The size, shape and number of feeder channels <NUM> is a matter of design choice but an even distribution of channels across the area of the product is preferable. Again, the channel <NUM> can act as a hinge to assist folding of the pack to aid liquid removal.

<FIG> illustrate a further embodiment incorporating channels <NUM>, <NUM> in the second film <NUM>. In this arrangement, there are three main channels 40a, 40b and 40c which terminate at different distances from the first openable portion <NUM>, as illustrated more clearly in <FIG>. When peeling back the grippable tab <NUM> (not shown) in order to open the first openable portion <NUM>, the user can peel back the tab <NUM> a first amount (X) to reveal the end of only the middle channel 40b, a bit further (Y) to reveal also the end of the left side channel 40a and a bit further still (Z) to reveal also the end of the right side channel 40c. In this way, the user can control the amount of flow of liquid from the pack, the greater the number of channels being exposed resulting in a greater rate of flow of liquid from the pack. Again, the channel 40b can act as a hinge as described earlier.

It will be appreciated that different numbers of main/side channels could be provided, with or without all or some of the feeder channels <NUM>. It will also be appreciated that a similar pre-fold or pre-folds 20a as described above could also be utilised in the arrangements shown and described with reference to <FIG>.

In <FIG> there is shown a product <NUM> in the form of a slice of fruit, such as a lemon. The slice of lemon has an outer rind/pith portion <NUM> and an inner flesh portion <NUM>, the flesh portion <NUM> containing the liquid in the form of the juice of the fruit which is intended to be dispensed from the pack <NUM>, such as the basic pack <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The product <NUM> is provided with a formation for improving the dispensing of the liquid, the formation being in the form of one or more cuts <NUM> through the rind/pith of the fruit to the flesh and across the thickness of the disc from a top surface of the fruit to a bottom surface. In <FIG>, the cut <NUM> is provided at one location on the generally circular circumference of the product and this cut facilitates the folding of the slice in order to improve juice extraction during the squeezing process.

It has been found that it is best if the cut <NUM> is provided adjacent the first openable portion <NUM> such that the folding of the slice of fruit is initiated and occurs along a diagonal extending from the region of the first openable portion <NUM>. A further cut <NUM> provided on the opposite side of the slice of fruit has been found to improve further the folding of the fruit, particularly if the cuts <NUM> are aligned with pre-folds <NUM>, 25a.

<FIG> is similar to <FIG> but provides a cut <NUM> in the shape of a V-shaped notch. Again, further improved performance would be exhibited if a second opposite cut <NUM> was provided or even a simple cut <NUM> opposite the V-shaped cut <NUM> was provided. Other cut shapes and further cut locations could, however, be envisaged to improve juice extraction.

In <FIG>, which is similar in many respects to <FIG>, there is shown another product <NUM> in the form of a slice of fruit such as a lemon. In addition to the single cut <NUM> as discussed above with reference to <FIG>, the product <NUM> has additional cuts <NUM> through the rind <NUM> at spaced locations along the rind, the number of cuts being open to choice. Furthermore, <FIG> shows optional additional cuts <NUM> through the thickness of the flesh portion <NUM>, although a single additional cut <NUM> could be provided when there is a single cut <NUM> in the rind <NUM>. These additional cuts <NUM> are shown in <FIG> as being extensions of the cuts <NUM>, but this need not be the case. In addition, the additional cuts <NUM> are shown as extending generally parallel to each other across the majority of the width of the flesh portion <NUM>, but this is just one envisaged arrangement and any number of cuts <NUM> could be provided in any direction and of any length. The additional cut or cuts <NUM>, <NUM> assist in the folding/manipulation of the pack <NUM> and can improve the juice extraction process. The additional cut or cuts <NUM> can of course also be utilised with other shaped cuts <NUM> in the rind, such as those shown and described with reference to <FIG>.

In the arrangement shown in <FIG>, the pack <NUM> is similar in most respects to that shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the markings <NUM> are not provided to indicate the peripheral seal between the two films <NUM>, <NUM> but the peripheral seal is still present in this embodiment.

In addition to the standard peripheral seal, there is also provided a further connection between the two films <NUM>, <NUM> around part of the periphery, as indicated by reference numeral <NUM>. The further connection <NUM> can take a number of forms. The heat seal/weld or adhesive may simply be made stronger in the region <NUM> compared to the basic sealed joint of the <FIG> embodiment. Alternatively, there may be an additional joint in the connection <NUM> such as an adhesive connection in addition to a basic heat seal/weld extending around the entire periphery. It is, however, essential that the further connection <NUM> is not present in the region of the first openable portion.

The result is that the seal between the films <NUM>, <NUM> in the region of the first openable portion, i.e. a first seal portion <NUM>, is relatively weak compared to the portions of the seal on each side due to the stronger, further connection <NUM>, i.e. second seal portions <NUM>. When the pack <NUM> is to be opened by peeling one of the films <NUM>, <NUM> from the other, the first seal portion opens under a given force but the opening process stops when the opening reaches the stronger second seal portions. This, therefore, prevents the first openable portion from opening beyond a predetermined amount without excessive force being applied. Usually, this predetermined amount will be such that the product <NUM> cannot be forced out of the first openable portion <NUM>.

Although the stronger further connection <NUM>, that is the second seal portions <NUM>, are contiguous and extend all around the periphery except for the region of the first openable portion <NUM>, a similar effect could also be achieved with two separate further connections <NUM> (second seal portions <NUM>), one on either side of the first openable portion <NUM> (first seal portion <NUM>).

In <FIG>, there is shown a modification of the arrangement shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, there is provided a second openable portion <NUM> which in this embodiment is opposite the first openable portion <NUM>. Again, the second openable portion <NUM> is in the form of an easy-peel opening in which one or both of the films <NUM>, <NUM> has a grippable tab <NUM> which can be manipulated to break the sealed joint between the films <NUM>, <NUM>. As with the previous embodiment, the second openable portion <NUM> has the basic seal between the films, i.e. a third seal portion <NUM>, and has the stronger, further connections <NUM> on each side, the fourth seal portions <NUM>. The fourth seal portions <NUM> prevent the second openable portion <NUM> from opening beyond a second predetermined amount without excessive force being applied, which second predetermined amount in some arrangements being larger than the first opening such that the product can be removed from the pack. This feature enables the pack to dispense liquid through the first openable portion <NUM> and/or remove the entire product <NUM>, less any liquid that may already have been dispensed through the first opening, through the second openable portion. There are, of course, instances when some juice is required from the fruit prior to then using the fruit slice itself.

In <FIG> the product <NUM> is actually shown as being cut in half diametrally by cut line <NUM>. The halving of the slice can make it easier to remove the slice via the second openable portion in two parts. This embodiment is, however, just as suitable for a complete slice, although the positioning of the fourth seal portions <NUM> may vary depending on the dimensions of the fruit pieces to be removed. Instead more than one cut <NUM> can be provided to divide the slice into more than two pieces.

The arrangement shown in <FIG> is similar in many respects to <FIG> except that the product <NUM> is not depicted as a slice of lemon. The product <NUM> could be a slice of fruit but is depicted more generally as a substrate, and preferably an absorbent substrate, in which the liquid is contained, the product effectively acting as a reservoir for the liquid. The liquid could still be an edible foodstuff or could be a cosmetic substance such as a cream or a serum. By way of example, the substrate may be a form substrate, for example a memory foam which returns resiliently to its original shape after removal of a compressive, squeezing force or a non-memory foam which remains collapsed after removal of a compressive, squeezing force. The latter can be advantageous in that it provides a clearer indication of how much liquid has been removed because the substrate can flatten out under the compressive force used to extract the liquid.

Again, the product <NUM> containing the liquid is retained in a sealed volume between two films <NUM>, <NUM>. The second film <NUM> has sufficient structural integrity to include a tongue <NUM> extending therefrom in the region of the first openable portion <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> is formed with a depression <NUM> for collecting a quantity of liquid dispensed after opening the pack <NUM>. It is also possible for this pack <NUM> to function without the substrate such that the sealed volume contains only liquid, although a more viscous liquid would render operation of the spoon-like depression <NUM> much easier than a readily flowing liquid. The second film <NUM> would ideally include a fold <NUM> (not shown) as disclosed in <FIG> and extending from the first openable portion <NUM> adjacent the tongue <NUM> to direct better the flow of liquid.

Also, for hygiene purposes, the first film <NUM> could extend and seal over the depression <NUM> such that opening of the first openable portion <NUM> also involves the uncovering of the depression <NUM> prior to the dispensing of the liquid.

<FIG> shows a modification incorporating the further connection concept discussed in relation to <FIG> above such that opening of the first openable portion <NUM> involves breaking of a first seal portion <NUM>. Further opening beyond a predetermined amount is prevented by the presence of the stronger second seal portions <NUM> on either side of the first seal portion <NUM>. In certain arrangements, a further modification as illustrated in <FIG> above could also be incorporated if required in order to provide a second openable portion to enable removal of the product <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that in the arrangements described, the packs exhibit one or more formations which may improve the dispensing process by improving the extraction of liquid from the product or improving the flow of liquid within the pack prior to and during dispensing or otherwise improving the dispensing process.

In Figures 36a-c, there are shown three stages in the production of an alternative arrangement in which the first and second films <NUM>, <NUM> are constituted by a single fluid-tight plastic film <NUM> which is folded along an edge <NUM> around a product <NUM> containing a liquid. In this illustrated arrangement, the product <NUM> is a half slice of lemon with the diameter of the lemon lying adjacent the folded edge <NUM>, After folding over, the single film <NUM> is heat sealed/welded/adhered to itself in the hatched area <NUM> so as to enclose the product <NUM> in a sealed volume defined in part by the folded edge <NUM> and in part by the sealed area <NUM>. An unsecured grippable tab(s) <NUM> is provided at the first openable portion <NUM> for breaking the seal to open the pack.

In addition, and as shown in Figure 36b, a further connection or stronger seal <NUM> is provided in the manner discussed above so as to create a stronger second seal portion <NUM> adjacent a weaker first seal portion <NUM> in the region of the first openable portion <NUM>. Again, this limits the size of the first opening, ideally to prevent unwanted removal of the product except for the liquid contained therein.

Figure 36c shows the hatched area <NUM> trimmed to provide a more manageable and aesthetically pleasing pack <NUM>.

The same single-film process can, of course, be utilised for different sized/shaped products as desired.

In Figures 37a-c there are shown the same three stages as for Figure <NUM> except that a second openable portion <NUM> is provided opposite the first openable portion <NUM> and is defined by third and fourth seal portions <NUM>, <NUM>. As discussed above in relation to the stronger seal <NUM>, the second openable portion <NUM> can be larger than the first openable portion and can be large enough to enable the product to be removed from the pack either before or after liquid has been removed from the first openable portion.

<FIG> show a pack <NUM>. The pack is similar in most respects to the pack of <FIG> except that the product <NUM> is not a fruit slice but is an absorbent substrate containing a liquid such as a cream or serum for cosmetic or other purposes. (As noted above, the substrate may not always be required such that the volume contained between the first and second film contains only liquid). In addition, the first film <NUM> also shows an optional diametral pre-fold <NUM> which is generally aligned with the pre-fold <NUM> in the second film <NUM> to facilitate folding of the pack <NUM> and improve the dispensing of the liquid from the first openable portion <NUM>. This is similar in operation to the pre-fold 25a in the insert disc <NUM> of <FIG> except that the pre-fold <NUM> is in the first film <NUM> because there is no insert disc in <FIG>. In other arrangements, however, there is an insert disc associated with the first film <NUM> and the insert disc may or may not have the optional pre-fold 25a.

Claim 1:
A pack comprising a sealed package containing a squeezable product (<NUM>), the package having a first openable portion (<NUM>) and being at least partially flexible to enable squeezing of the package to facilitate dispensing of a liquid or particulate material emanating from the product (<NUM>) via the first openable portion (<NUM>) once opened, wherein the pack has at least one formation for improving the dispensing of the liquid or particulate material and wherein the package comprises one or more films (<NUM>, <NUM>) which are fluid-tight and which fully enclose a volume in which the product (<NUM>) is sealingly retained, wherein said one or more films (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a flexible first film (<NUM>) and a second film (<NUM>), which films are sealingly joined to each other about a periphery (<NUM>) thereby fully enclosing said volume in which the product (<NUM>) is sealingly retained, wherein said at least one formation comprises an extended tongue (<NUM>) projecting from the second film (<NUM>) adjacent the first openable portion (<NUM>), the extended tongue (<NUM>) being formed with a depression (<NUM>) for collecting liquid or particulate material dispensed after opening the pack, wherein the second film (<NUM>) is flexible but less flexible than the first film (<NUM>) and has sufficient structural integrity to hold the shape of the depression (<NUM>) formed in the extended tongue (<NUM>) and characterised in that the first film (<NUM>) extends and seals over the depression (<NUM>) prior to opening of the first openable portion (<NUM>), said opening of the first openable portion (<NUM>) also involving the uncovering of the depression (<NUM>).