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] This disclosure falls within the field of flexible disposable packaging, and more particularly disposable packaging comprising at least two doses for their simultaneous or sequential distribution. Previous technique

[0002] For many years, the advantages of single-dose sachets (a thin, airtight sachet containing individual portions) have been recognized, particularly due to their convenience, compact size, and ease of transport. Especially in the case of pharmaceutical compositions or foods with high nutritional value, these single-dose sachets have become particularly popular because of their airtight seal and the preservation of the integrity of their contents, while ensuring precise filling of each dose. Furthermore, it is simple to open a single-dose sachet and use its contents.

[0003] Furthermore, single-dose sachets can also be useful as packaging for outpatient treatments, particularly for children suffering from malnutrition, especially severe acute malnutrition, who require a suitable diet to regain a normal nutritional status. These doses of high-nutritional-value foods are high in calories and are administered several times a day or week for a given period. Accurate dosing is important because overdosing can, conversely, harm malnourished or undernourished individuals, as such a high-calorie intake will not be appropriate for the state of their digestive systems. Moreover, 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 for reconstitution.

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

[0005] Nevertheless, single-dose sachets have a wide variety of applications in the food industry. Regardless of the intended application, the inventors focused on single-dose sachets containing a product with a paste-like consistency that can be stored under relatively undemanding 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, the dose sachets are generally made of plastic. The widespread use of The use of plastic in the packaging sector is explained by its technical properties: lightweight, flexible, yet resistant to most external factors, it meets the most complex barrier requirements, particularly for food protection. However, as mentioned above, these plastic packages designed to protect individual doses of various products are mostly single-use. Therefore, their use generates a significant amount of waste.

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

[0008] Bulk distribution may appear to be a solution that aligns with a responsible approach and addresses the problem of plastic overconsumption. However, for ready-to-use, high-nutritional-value or therapeutic foods, or any other paste-like product, bulk distribution can present significant challenges, such as ensuring accurate dosing, maintaining hygiene standards, storage (particularly in high-temperature environments), and access to a dosing dispenser, requiring users to travel several times a day or week. This can discourage the target audience from using such a product.

[0009] US patent 2976988 describes a flexible container made 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 by a passage. The size of the passage 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 US2976988 document indicates that the dispensing compartment is large enough to hold 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 sealed partitions that keep the doses in the dispensing compartment while leaving the dispensing opening clear. The user then transfers three tablets from the storage compartment to the dispensing compartment and can take the tablets one by one through a dispensing opening that is closed by an easy-open mechanism before first use. However, this container is not suitable for dispensing doses of paste-like products.

[0011] In the case of a liquid, this document US2976988 indicates that the volume of the dispensing compartment is designed to contain a predetermined fraction of the total volume of liquid contained in the storage chamber so that, in rem By pleating the dispensing chamber, a desired dose is measured. This dose is then dispensed through the dispensing orifice. The dispensing of a portion of the liquid contained in the storage compartment is determined by the volume of the dispensing compartment. However, it is not suitable for pasty foods.

[0012] US patent 2005 / 006404 relates to a sachet with two chambers for hand sanitizer liquid, the dosage of which is determined 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 fluidic communication, such that the disinfectant liquid can be transferred between them through a relatively small constriction (1 mm or less) between the two parts of the barrier. This transfer of disinfectant liquid is possible by applying pressure to the walls with the fingers. However, during dispensing, it appears impossible to prevent leakage of the product between the two chambers and therefore to ensure accurate dispensing of the product.

[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] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a dispensing package for an ingestible paste product, comprising a flexible envelope in which are formed - a reserve compartment defining a reserve volume for storing several doses of the ingestible paste product; and - a dosing compartment defining a dosing volume for dosing a dose of the ingestible paste product, the dose being determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment; the two compartments being fluidly connected by a passage opening allowing the unmanageable, pasty product to flow between the two compartments, the reserve volume being at least 2 times greater than the dosing volume.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an ingestible pasty bagged product, comprising a package 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 analysis of the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0019] [Fig.1] shows a diagram of an embodiment of the packaging in its unfolded state. Fig. 2

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

[0021] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other.

[0022] The invention relates to a dispensing package for an ingestible, paste-like product, comprising a flexible envelope in which the following are formed: - a reserve compartment defining a reserve volume for storing several doses of the ingestible paste product; and - a dosing compartment defining a dosing volume for dosing a dose of the ingestible paste product, the dose being determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment; The two compartments are fluidly connected by a passage opening allowing the ingestible, pasty product to flow between them. the reserve volume being at least 2 times greater than the dosing volume.

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

[0024] Such packaging therefore makes it possible to preserve a food with a paste-like consistency for distribution in pre-established doses. By sizing the storage and dosing compartments, the packaging is adapted to preserve a ready-to-use food and distribute it in separate doses over several servings.

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

[0026] The dosing compartment therefore has a dosing volume defined by the maximum volume that 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 storage compartment serves as a reservoir for the paste-like feed, while the dosing compartment has both a dosing function for the paste-like feed and retention of this item pending distribution.

[0029] Generally, the packaging has two layers of material, particularly plastic or even thermoplastic, between which the storage compartment and the dosing compartment are formed. The two layers of material may be made from a single folded sheet or from two sheets of material. The compartments may be formed by heat-sealing the packaging.

[0030] The envelope is preferably made of a flexible material. The flexibility of the envelope makes the packaging easy to handle. It also allows for a lightweight package.

[0031] The casing may be partially or totally transparent. This allows the user to visually monitor the flow of the paste-like food and, in particular, to determine if the reserve compartment still contains paste-like food. Thus, the casing may have a transparent section for visualizing the fill level of its compartments and for visually monitoring the flow of the paste-like 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, or round. However, it is not limited to these examples.

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

[0035] The storage compartment, seen in cross-section and passing between the two layers of material, may have a rectangular shape. Preferably, the length of the rectangle formed by the storage 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 direction of flow.

[0037] The width of the dosing compartment, measured perpendicular to the direction of flow of the paste between the two compartments, can be equal to the width of the passage opening. Such a configuration is advantageous because it allows for efficient and precise filling of the dosing compartment while preventing the paste from becoming "stuck" in corners of either compartment.

[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 include an intercompartmental passage between the reserve compartment and the dosing compartment. This intercompartmental passage allows for a smooth transition between the width of the compartment and The intercompartmental passage is designed to improve the flow of the paste from the storage compartment to the dosing compartment. Preferably, the intercompartmental passage is funnel-shaped. This intercompartmental passage also helps to avoid resistance caused by the wall on which the passage opening is made.

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

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

[0042] The closure system may include 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 for simple closure of the packaging, and, consequently, easy reopening.

[0044] The notches for receiving the portion of the envelope housing the dosing compartment for closing the container, particularly after 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 includes a distribution 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, meaning that the dispensing opening is formed within the dosing compartment. Preferably, an axis connecting the dispensing opening and the passage opening is parallel to the flow direction. This facilitates the flow of the product from the storage compartment to the dosing compartment. Such a configuration allows the feed to flow in the same direction between the passage opening and the dispensing opening. This also avoids the presence of obstacles across the flow direction, such as a change in the flow direction that would imply a change in the feed flow velocity within the container, or reduces the number of such obstacles.

[0047] The dosing compartment is preferably free of obstructions in the direction of flow. Therefore, dispensing the product out of the casing does not require any additional effort from the user to "guide" the feed towards the outlet.

[0048] The width of the dosing compartment taken perpendicular to the direction The flow rate can be constant between the distribution opening and the passage opening. This also prevents the formation of corners in the dosing compartment, which would also cause changes in the feed flow rate.

[0049] The packaging may further include a closure blocking the dispensing opening. This closure may be equipped with an easy-open system on the envelope at the dispensing opening. In particular, the closure is a seal on the envelope at the dispensing opening; tearing the easy-open system then leads to the formation of the dispensing opening.

[0050] The easy-opening system can be formed by perforations in the pouch at the dispensing opening. This allows the pouch to be opened with a single movement. These perforations are preferably not penetrating, thus improving the preservation of the pasty food.

[0051] The transfer of the paste-like food from the dosing compartment to the outside of the pouch via the dispensing opening is possible by applying pressure to the pouch at the dosing compartment using the fingers. Specifically, the thumb and forefinger of one hand are placed on either side of the dosing compartment and then slid towards the dispensing opening to expel and dispense the food.

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

[0053] The invention also relates to a bagged paste food, comprising packaging as described above and a paste food contained in the reserve compartment. This product is suitable for community distribution (action programs, health centers, refugee camps, etc.) for providing doses of a paste food. It also reduces waste by avoiding the use of single-dose bagged portions.

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

[0055] For example, the relative volumes of the dosing compartment and the pasty feed contained in the storage 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 integer greater than or equal to 2.

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

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

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

[0060] The dispensing package for a pasty food comprises a flexible sleeve 1. The shape of the package is not critical as long as it allows for precise dispensing of the pasty food. Figures 1 and 2 show schematic illustrations of packages whose cross-sectional shape between the two layers of material is rectangular.

[0061] By pasty food, we mean foods 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 plate with a 60 mm diameter smooth plane-to-plane geometry to control the deformation applied to the samples. The sample is deposited on the lower plate and then spread using the upper plate. Excess product is removed with a spatula. The gap is then set to 1 mm and the sample is conditioned at a measurement temperature of 25°C. A flow test is performed on the sample for increasing shear rates from 0.01 to 100 s⁻¹ to obtain flow curves, applying the Herschel-Bulkley model. The viscosity values ​​above correspond to the viscosity measured using the flow curve when the shear rate is 1 s⁻¹.

[0063] Figure 1 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 paste-like feed; and - a dosing compartment 12 defining a dosing volume for dosing a dose of the pasty feed, the dose being determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment. The reserve volume is at least 2 times greater than the dosing volume.

[0064] The storage compartment 11 is therefore sized to hold at least two doses of the paste-like feed. For example, the storage 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 storage compartment 11 is fluidly connected to the dosing compartment 12 by a passage opening 13 allowing the paste-like feed to flow between the two compartments.

[0065] The dosing compartment 12 has a dispensing opening 14 allowing the release of the paste-like food to 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 easily be devised by a person skilled in the art.

[0066] When the entire volume of the dosing compartment 12 is filled with the paste-like food, that is, when the dosing compartment 12 is filled with a dose of paste-like food, pressure is exerted on it to expel the food from the dosing compartment 12 to the outside of the packaging via the dispensing opening 14. More specifically, pressure is exerted from the passage opening 13 to the dispensing opening 14. The flow is thus ensured by the existence of a pressure difference between the passage opening 13 and the dispensing opening 14. Unlike a liquid, paste-like food is subject, among other things, to two forces that balance each other: pressure forces and viscosity forces. Without pressure forces, that is, without a pressure difference, there can be no flow.

[0067] Once the dosing compartment 12 is emptied of its contents, a new dose can be poured into it by applying pressure from the reserve compartment 11 towards the dosing compartment 12 while pinching the dispensing opening 14, until the latter is full. This process is repeated until the doses contained in the reserve compartment are exhausted.

[0068] The casing 1 may further include an intercompartmental passage 11' between the storage compartment 11 and the dosing compartment 12. The intercompartmental passage 11' may be funnel-shaped. Although the shape of the intercompartmental passage 11' is not critical, it is preferable that it be sized to facilitate the flow of the paste-like feed from the storage compartment 11 to the dosing compartment 12 and to prevent obstructions to the direction of feed flow.

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

[0070] Recall that the viscosity of a product is associated with its ability 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 subject to viscous friction forces, exerted between the food and the internal surface of the casing wall 1. Like all frictional forces, viscous friction forces act on the moving food and their direction is opposite to the direction of the food's movement. The frictional forces exerted on these layers reduce their speeds.Ensuring that an axis connecting the distribution opening 14 and the passage opening 13 is parallel to the direction of flow allows for better control of the flow pattern of the pasty feed and therefore, finally, the distribution of doses.

[0071] The fact that the width of the dosing compartment 12 taken perpendicular to the direction of flow is constant between the distribution 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 envelope on either side of the dosing compartment 12 and by the portion of the envelope in which the dosing compartment 12 is formed. The shape and arrangement of the notches is easily chosen and adapted by a person skilled in the art according to their needs.

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

Claims

Demands

1. Dispensing package for an ingestible paste 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 paste product; and - a dosing compartment (12) defining a dosing volume for dosing one dose of the ingestible paste product, the dose being determined by the maximum volume of the dosing compartment; the two compartments being fluidly connected by a passage opening (13) allowing flow of the ingestible paste product between the two compartments, the reserve volume being at least 2 times greater than the dosing volume.

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

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

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

5. Packaging according to claim 4, wherein 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 any one of the preceding claims wherein the dosing compartment (12) has a dispensing opening (14), said dispensing opening allowing the release of the ingestible paste product to the outside of the packaging and wherein an axis connecting the dispensing opening and the passage opening is parallel to the direction of flow.

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

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

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

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

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