Tear and spill resistant package for dispensing liquids in a controlled manner

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a pliable package that is tear resistant, requires a greater degree of dexterity to open, and prevents accidental discharge during or after opening of the package. The package includes a flexible, liquid storage reservoir having a funnel-shaped outlet passageway leading to a opening. The package also includes a reinforced tear resistant tab portion that may prevent accidental discharge of liquid when the tab portion is bent about the score line. The funnel-shaped outlet passageway may be shaped to allow the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present disclosure claims the right to priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 788,572 filed on Mar. 31, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]I. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to dispensary packages. More particularly, the present invention relates to veterinary packages for dispensing liquids.[0004]II. Description of the Related Art[0005]Over the years, designers have sought to improve container designs and processes for dispensing liquids. Conventional designs, however, suffer from many drawbacks. For instance, typical container designs are not adequately childproof. They are not sufficiently tear resistant to insure that the enclosed liquids are used for their intended uses. Many containers can be opened relatively easily, such as by twisting one part of the container relative to another. Nor do conventional designs adequately prevent liquid from being accidentally discharged during the proce...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of storing liquids inside a pliable package, including providing a plurality of flexible, liquid-impermeable superposed sheets; joining the superposed sheets by a liquid-tight seal along their respective peripheral edges; providing a liquid reservoir between the superposed sheets, the liquid reservoir including a funnel-shaped outlet passageway and a liquid discharge opening at a location along the liquid-tight seal; and providing a reinforced closure located along the liquid-tight seal for blocking the liquid discharge opening; wherein the pliable package prevents spillage and kickback of the liquids during unblocking of the liquid discharge opening.

[0011]A further aspect of the invention that is advantageous over the conventional “twist off” style of packages is that once the package is opened there is only one piece to discard. Thus, the risk of a pet or child of swallowing a twist off device may be eliminated.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional designs, however, suffer from many drawbacks.

For instance, typical container designs are not adequately childproof.

They are not sufficiently tear resistant to insure that the enclosed liquids are used for their intended uses.

Nor do conventional designs adequately prevent liquid from being accidentally discharged during the process of opening the container.

In addition, current designs are susceptible to uncontrolled discharge after opening because they typically permit liquid to freely flow through the torn opening.

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