Dosing pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing package for an ingestible paste product, comprising a flexible envelope (1) in which are formed: - a storage compartment (11); and - a dosing compartment (12); the two compartments being fluidly connected by a passage opening (13) allowing the ingestible paste product to flow between the two compartments, the volume of the storage compartment being at least twice the volume of the dosing compartment. The invention also relates to a bagged ingestible paste product and a method for filling such packaging with the ingestible paste product. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Dosing packaging Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of flexible disposable packaging, and more particularly to disposable packaging comprising at least two doses for their simultaneous or sequential distribution. Prior art

[0002] For many years, the advantages of single-dose sachets (a thin, leak-proof sachet containing individual portions) have been recognized, particularly due to their convenience, compact size and easy transport. In the case of pharmaceutical compositions or foods with high nutritional value, these single-dose sachets have particularly gained popularity due to their leak-proofness and preservation of the integrity of their contents, while ensuring accuracy in the filling quantity per dose. Furthermore, it is simple to open a single-dose sachet and use its contents.

[0003] Furthermore, the sachets can also be useful as packaging for outpatient treatments, particularly in the case of children suffering from malnutrition, particularly severe acute malnutrition, who need an adapted diet allowing them to regain a normal nutritional state. These doses of high nutritional value foods are high in calories and administered several times a day or a week for a given period. The precision of the administered dosage is important because overdosing can, conversely, harm malnourished or undernourished people because such a high calorie intake will not be adapted to the state of their digestive systems. Furthermore, these high nutritional value foods are often ready-to-use. Such ready-to-use high nutritional value foods do not require the addition of water or other liquids to reconstitute them.

[0004] Thus, these sachets facilitate the distribution of food at a precise dosage and consequently make it possible to considerably increase the number of people who can be treated, while improving the adherence of patients to treatment and therefore the cure rate.

[0005] Nevertheless, sachets have a wide variety of food applications. Regardless of the intended application, the inventors were interested in sachets containing a product of pasty consistency that can be stored under less restrictive conditions, for example at room temperature below 30°C. Depending on their contents, they can be easily stored in the shade and / or in a dry place.

[0006] However, sachets are generally made of plastic. The widespread use of The popularity of plastic in the packaging sector is explained by its technical properties: light, flexible but resistant to most external aggressions, it can meet the most complex barrier properties, in particular for the protection of foodstuffs. However, as indicated above, these plastic packages intended to protect doses of compositions are for the most part single-use. Thus, their use leads to a significant production of waste.

[0007] There is therefore a need to reduce the quantity of waste intrinsically linked to the use of single-use packaging.

[0008] Bulk distribution may appear to be a solution that is part of a responsible approach and makes it possible to address the problem of overconsumption of plastic. However, in the context of ready-to-use foods with high nutritional or therapeutic value or any other pasty product, bulk distribution can pose significant challenges, such as ensuring dosage accuracy, controlling hygiene conditions, storage, particularly in high-temperature areas, or access to a dose dispenser requiring people to move several times a day or week. This may discourage the use of such a product by the target audience.

[0009] Document US2976988 describes a flexible container consisting of one or more heat-sealable sheets, and in particular a container allowing the dispensing of a portion from its contents. The contents may be liquid or solid (granular), including in the form of pills or tablets. The contents typically comprise two compartments: a storage compartment and a dispensing compartment connected to each other by a passage orifice. The size of the passage orifice is adapted to the size of the contents: relatively large and slightly larger than the size of the tablet when the contents are solid, or, when the contents are liquid, relatively small for the passage of said liquid.

[0010] In the case of tablets, this document US2976988 indicates that the dispensing compartment is large enough to accommodate the daily dose required by the user, for example three tablets to be taken morning, noon and evening, and is separated from the storage compartment by two walls formed by sealing allowing the doses to be held in the dispensing compartment and leaving the passage opening free. The user then transfers three tablets from the storage compartment to the dispensing compartment and can draw the tablets one by one through a dispensing opening which is blocked by an easy opening before first use. However, this container is not suitable for dispensing doses of pasty products.

[0011] In the case of a liquid, this document US2976988 indicates that the volume of the distribution compartment is designed to contain a predetermined fraction of the total volume of liquid contained in the storage chamber so that in rem By folding the dispensing chamber, a desired dose is measured. This dose is then taken through the dispensing orifice. The dosage of a portion of the liquid to be dispensed and contained in the storage compartment is achieved thanks to the volume of the dispensing compartment. However, it is not suitable for pasty food.

[0012] Document US2005 / 006404 relates to a sachet comprising two chambers for hand sanitizing liquid, the dosage being carried out visually by the user. These adjacent chambers are separated by a two-part barrier created by sealing the front and rear walls. The two chambers are in fluid communication so that the sanitizing liquid can be transferred between them through a relatively small constrictive gap (1 mm or less) between the two parts of the barrier. This transfer of sanitizing liquid is possible by applying pressure to the walls using the fingers. However, during dispensing, it seems impossible to prevent leakage of the product between the two chambers and therefore to ensure accurate dosing of the product to be dispensed.

[0013] We are therefore still looking for packaging for a ready-to-use food of pasty consistency allowing the distribution of a pre-established dose and which is not for single use. Summary

[0014] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a packaging for dispensing an ingestible pasty product, comprising a flexible envelope in which are formed - a reserve compartment defining a reserve volume for storing several doses of the ingestible pasty product; and - a dosing compartment defining a dosing volume for dosing a dose of the ingestible pasty product, the dose being determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment; the two compartments being fluidly connected by a passage opening allowing a flow of the ingestible pasty product between the two compartments, the reserve volume being at least twice the dosage volume.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a bagged ingestible pasty product, comprising a packaging according to the first aspect and an ingestible pasty product contained in the reserve compartment.

[0017] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of filling a package according to the first aspect with an ingestible pasty product. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the des- detailed description below, and to the analysis of the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0019] [Fig.l] shows a diagram of one embodiment of the package in its unfolded state. Fig. 2

[0020] [Fig.2] shows a diagram of one embodiment of the package in its folded state. Detailed description

[0021] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another.

[0022] The invention relates to a packaging for dispensing an ingestible pasty product, comprising a flexible envelope in which are formed: - a reserve compartment defining a reserve volume for storing several doses of the ingestible pasty product; and - a dosing compartment defining a dosing volume for dosing a dose of the ingestible pasty product, the dose being determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment; the two compartments being fluidly connected by a passage opening allowing a flow of the ingestible pasty product between the two compartments the reserve volume being at least twice the dosage volume.

[0023] The ingestible pasty product may be a pasty food, for example a food with high nutritional value. Hereinafter, reference will simply be made to a (pasty) food, but it should be understood that the following description also concerns other ingestible pasty products.

[0024] Such packaging therefore makes it possible to preserve a food of pasty consistency with a view to its distribution through pre-established doses. By sizing the reserve and dosage compartments, the packaging is adapted to preserve a ready-to-use food and distribute it in separate doses several times.

[0025] The reserve compartment therefore has a reserve volume defined by the maximum volume which can contain said reserve compartment.

[0026] The dosing compartment therefore has a dosing volume defined by the maximum volume which can contain said dosing compartment.

[0027] Indeed, such packaging does not require a scale because the reserve compartment is sized to contain a plurality of doses and the dosing compartment is sized to contain a single dose.

[0028] Thus, the reserve compartment serves as a reservoir for the pasty food, while the dosing compartment has, at the same time, a function of dosing the pasty food, retention of the latter pending distribution.

[0029] Generally, the packaging has two layers of materials, in particular plastic or even thermoplastic, between which the reserve compartment and the dosing compartment are formed. The two layers of materials can come from a single folded sheet of materials or from two sheets of materials. The compartments can be formed by heat sealing the envelope.

[0030] The envelope is preferably made of flexible material. The flexibility of the envelope makes the packaging easy to handle. It also makes it possible to obtain lightweight packaging.

[0031] The envelope may be partially or totally transparent. Thus, the user can visually monitor the flow of the pasty food and in particular know whether the reserve compartment still contains pasty food. Thus, the envelope may have a transparent portion for viewing the filling rate of its compartments and for visually monitoring the flow of the pasty food.

[0032] The envelope may be partially or totally opaque in order to protect the pasty food from the harmful effects of light rays.

[0033] The general shape of the packaging may be rectangular, square, round. However, it is not limited to these examples.

[0034] The metering compartment seen in section passing between the two layers of materials, may have a rectangular shape. Preferably, the length of the rectangle formed by the metering compartment is parallel to the flow direction. In fact, the width is perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0035] The reserve compartment seen in section passing between the two layers of materials, may have a rectangular shape. Preferably, the length of the rectangle formed by the reserve compartment is parallel to the flow direction. In fact, the width is perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0036] Preferably, the lengths of the two compartments are parallel to the flow direction.

[0037] The width of the dosing compartment taken perpendicular to a direction of flow of the pasty food between the two compartments may be equal to the width of the passage opening. Such a configuration is advantageous in that it allows efficient and precise filling of the dosing compartment while preventing the pasty food from remaining "stuck" in corners of one of the two compartments.

[0038] The width of the dosing compartment may be less than that of the reserve compartment.

[0039] In the latter case, the packaging may further comprise an intercompartmental passage between the reserve compartment and the dosing compartment. This intercompartmental passage allows a smooth transition between the width of the reserve compartment and the dosing compartment. reserve and that of the dosing compartment and thus improve the flow of the pasty food from the reserve compartment to the dosing compartment. Preferably, the intercompartmental passage has a funnel shape. The intercompartmental passage also makes it possible to avoid resistance due to the wall on which the passage opening is made.

[0040] The packaging may further comprise a closure system for closing the reserve compartment.

[0041] The closure system may be configured to close both the reserve compartment and the dispensing compartment.

[0042] The closure system may comprise at least one fold, in particular a fold of the portion of the envelope in which the dosing compartment is formed.

[0043] For example, the closure system is formed by two notches made in the envelope on either side of the dosing compartment and by the portion of the envelope in which the dosing compartment is formed. This configuration allows simple closing of the packaging, and, consequently, easy reopening.

[0044] The notches allow the part of the envelope housing the dosing compartment to be received for closing the container and in particular after a double folding. Indeed, after folding, the portion of the envelope in which the dosing compartment is formed has two external corners. The two notches are adapted to each receive one of the two external corners and hold them in place.

[0045] The packaging advantageously comprises a dispensing opening fluidly connected to the dosing compartment and allowing the pasty food to exit to the outside.

[0046] For example, the dosing compartment has the dispensing opening, i.e. the dispensing opening is formed in the dosing compartment. Preferably, an axis connecting the dispensing opening and the passage opening is parallel to the flow direction. The flow of the product from the reserve compartment to the dosing compartment is thus facilitated. Such a configuration allows the flow of the food in the same direction between the passage opening and the dispensing opening. This also makes it possible to avoid the presence of obstacles located across the flow direction, such as a change in the direction of flow which would involve a change in the speed of the flow of the food within the casing, or to reduce the number thereof.

[0047] The dosing compartment is preferably free of obstacles across the flow direction. Dispensing the product to the outside of the casing therefore does not require additional effort from the user to "guide" the food to the outlet.

[0048] The width of the dosing compartment taken perpendicular to the direction flow rate can be constant between the dispensing opening and the passage opening. This also helps to avoid the appearance of recesses in the dosing compartment, which would also involve changes in the speed of the feed flow.

[0049] The packaging may further comprise a closure obstructing the dispensing opening. This closure may be provided with an easy opening system on the envelope at the dispensing opening. In particular, the closure is a sealing of the envelope at the dispensing opening; tearing of the easy opening then leads to the formation of the dispensing opening.

[0050] The easy opening system can be formed by perforations in the envelope at the dispensing opening. This allows the envelope to be opened in a single movement. These perforations are preferably non-through, thus improving the preservation of the pasty food.

[0051] The transfer of the pasty food from the dosing compartment to the outside of the casing via the dispensing opening is possible by applying pressure to the casing at the dosing compartment using the fingers. In particular, the thumb and index finger of one hand are arranged on either side of the dosing compartment and are then slid towards the dispensing opening in order to force the food out and dispense it.

[0052] The dimensions of the intercompartmental passage opening and the distribution opening allow them to be blocked by pinching using the thumb and another finger.

[0053] The invention also relates to a bagged pasty food, comprising a package as described above and a pasty food contained in the reserve compartment. This product is suitable for community distribution (action program, health center, refugee camps, etc.) for the supply of doses of a pasty food. It also makes it possible to reduce the quantity of waste by avoiding the use of single bagged doses.

[0054] The volume of the pasty food contained in the reserve compartment may be a multiple of the volume of the dose determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment.

[0055] For example, the relative volumes of the dosing compartment and the pasty food contained in the reserve compartment can be expressed as follows:

[0056] (Volume of the pasty food contained in the reserve compartment) = kx (Volume of the dosing compartment), where k is a natural whole number greater than or equal to 2.

[0057] An uncertainty representing the margin of error associated with the values ​​measured or determined when determining the volumes may be less than 10%, preference between 0 and 5%.

[0058] The invention also relates to a method for filling a package as described above with a pasty food. The filling can be carried out with equipment for vertically bagging the pasty food, for example using a vertical formfill machine seal. For example, the packaging can be manufactured by a single multifunctional bagging machine integrating several modules, such as sealing jaw profiles, cutting systems, notching systems, etc. Examples

[0059] A packaging for dispensing a pasty food is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0060] The packaging for dispensing a pasty food comprises a flexible envelope 1. The shape of the packaging is not decisive as long as it allows precise dispensing of the pasty food. Figures 1 and 2 show schematic illustrations of the packaging, the shape of which, seen in section passing between the two layers of materials, is rectangular.

[0061] By pasty food is meant food in the form of a paste with a viscosity of at least 250 Pa.s, preferably at least 300 Pa.s, always preferably at least 350 Pa.s. Advantageously the viscosity is not greater than 650 Pa.s, preferably 600 Pa.s, always preferably 550 Pa.s.

[0062] The present viscosity values ​​are determined using the TA Instruments DHR3 machine temperature controlled by a Peltier effect plane, with a plane-plane geometry of 60 mm diameter Smooth in order to control the deformation applied to the samples. The sample is placed on the lower plane then spread at G using the upper plane. The excess product is removed using a spatula. The air gap is then set to 1 mm and the sample conditioned at a measurement temperature of 25°C. A regime test is carried out on the sample for an increasing shear rate from 0.01 to 100 s 1 to obtain flow curves and by applying the so-called "Herschel-Bulkley" model. The above viscosity values ​​correspond to the viscosity measured using the flow curve when the shear rate is 1 s1.

[0063] [Fig.l] shows a diagram of the packaging according to one embodiment in its unfolded state, the packaging comprising an envelope 1 in which are formed: - a reserve compartment 11 defining a reserve volume for storing several doses of the pasty food; and - a dosing compartment 12 defining a dosing volume for dosing a dose of the pasty food, the dose being determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment. The reserve volume is at least twice the dosing volume.

[0064] The reserve compartment 11 is therefore sized to accommodate at least two doses of the pasty food. For example, the reserve volume is at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 times greater than the dosing volume. The reserve compartment 11 is fluidically connected to the dosing compartment 12 by a passage opening 13 allowing a flow of the pasty food between the two compartments.

[0065] The dosing compartment 12 has a dispensing opening 14 allowing the release of the pasty food towards the outside of the packaging. An easy opening system 15 is present on the envelope 1 at the dispensing opening 14. The easy opening system is formed by perforations in the envelope at the dispensing opening. Other opening systems can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art.

[0066] When the entire volume of the dosing compartment 12 is filled with the pasty food, that is to say when the dosing compartment 12 is filled with a dose of pasty food, pressure is exerted on it in order to evacuate the food from the dosing compartment 12 to the outside of the packaging via the dispensing opening 14. More particularly, pressure is exerted from the passage opening 13 towards the dispensing opening 14. The flow is therefore ensured thanks to the existence of a pressure difference between the passage opening 13 and the dispensing opening 14. Unlike a liquid, the pasty food is subjected, among other things, to two forces which compensate each other: the pressure forces and the viscosity forces. Without a pressure force, that is to say without a pressure difference, it cannot have a flow.

[0067] Once the dosage compartment 12 has been emptied of its contents, a new dose can be poured into it by exerting pressure from the reserve compartment 11 towards the dosage compartment 12 while pinching the dispensing opening 14, until the latter is filled. This process is repeated until the doses contained in the reserve compartment are used up.

[0068] The casing 1 may further comprise an intercompartmental passage 11' between the reserve compartment 11 and the dosing compartment 12. The intercompartmental passage 11' may have a funnel shape. Even if the shape of the intercompartmental passage 11' is not decisive, it is preferable that it be sized to facilitate the flow of the pasty food from the reserve compartment 11 to the dosing compartment 12 and to avoid the appearance of obstacles with respect to the direction of flow of the food.

[0069] The reserve 11 and metering 12 compartments are arranged so that a axis connecting the distribution opening 14 and the passage opening 13 is parallel to the flow direction. This allows the pasty food to flow in a constant direction.

[0070] Let us recall that the viscosity of a product is associated with the capacity of this product to exert forces on the objects with which it is in contact. Thus, the internal walls of the casing will affect the flow of the layers of the moving pasty food in different ways. Indeed, the layers of the pasty food coming into contact with the walls of the casing are subjected to viscous friction forces, exerted between the food and the internal surface of the wall of the casing 1. Like all friction forces, the viscous friction forces act on the moving food and their directions are opposite to the direction of movement of the food. The friction forces exerted on these layers reduce their speeds.By ensuring that an axis connecting the distribution opening 14 and the passage opening 13 is parallel to the direction of flow, it is possible to better control the flow rate of the pasty food and therefore, finally, the distribution of the doses.

[0071] The fact that the width of the dosing compartment 12 taken perpendicular to the flow direction is constant between the dispensing opening 14 and the passage opening 13 also ensures a relatively uniform flow of the pasty food.

[0072] The closure system is formed by notches 16 made in the casing on either side of the dosing compartment 12 and by the portion of the casing in which the dosing compartment 12 is formed. The shape and arrangement of the notches is easily chosen and adapted by the person skilled in the art according to his needs.

[0073] [Fig. 2] illustrates a package in its folded or closed state. In the example of [Fig. 2], the dosing compartment 12 is folded at least once, a first fold being formed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the food by bringing the dispensing opening 14 and the passage opening 13 together. The dosing compartment 12 can be folded a second time in the same direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the food. The outer corners of the dosing compartment are then arranged so as to be housed in the notches 16. The number of folds is not limited.

Claims

Claims

1. Packaging for dispensing an ingestible pasty product, comprising a flexible envelope (1) in which are formed: - a reserve compartment (11) defining a reserve volume for storing several doses of the ingestible pasty product; and - a dosing compartment (12) defining a dosing volume for dosing a dose of the ingestible pasty product, the dose being determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment; the two compartments being fluidically connected by a passage opening (13) allowing a flow of the ingestible pasty product between the two compartments, the reserve volume being at least twice the dosing volume.

2. Packaging according to claim 1, further comprising an inter-compartmental passage (11') between the reserve compartment (11) and the dosing compartment (12) and having a funnel shape.

3. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, in which the reserve compartment comprises a width taken perpendicular to the flow direction and in which the width of the dosing compartment taken perpendicular to the flow direction is less than that of the reserve compartment.

4. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims further comprising a closure system for closing the reserve compartment.

5. Packaging according to claim 4, in which the closure system is formed by notches (16) made in the envelope on either side of the dosing compartment (12) and by the portion of the envelope in which the dosing compartment is formed.

6. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims in which the dosing compartment (12) has a dispensing opening (14), said dispensing opening allowing the release of the ingestible pasty product towards the outside of the packaging and in which an axis connecting the dispensing opening and the passage opening is parallel to the direction of flow.

7. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, the width of said dosing compartment (12) perpendicular to the flow direction of which is constant between the dispensing opening and the passage opening.

8. Bagged ingestible pasty product, comprising a packaging according to one of claims 1 to 7 and an ingestible pasty product contained in the reserve compartment.

9. An ingestible pasty product according to claim 8, wherein the volume of the ingestible pasty product contained in the reserve compartment is a multiple of the volume of the dose determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment.

10. Method of filling a package according to one of claims 1 to 7 with an ingestible pasty product.

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