OA11229A

OA11229A - Flexible pouch and dispensing nozzle assembly

Info

Publication number: OA11229A
Application number: OA9900274A
Authority: OA
Inventors: Shashank Vaman Dhalewadikar; Ronald John Milio; Nagesh Keshav Pal
Original assignee: Unilever Nv
Priority date: 1997-06-10
Filing date: 1999-12-08
Publication date: 2003-07-18
Also published as: AP1132A; BR9810025A; AU8625798A; CN1266409A; HUP0004652A2; WO1998056685A1; CN1211258C; HUP0004652A3; ID24679A; CA2293264A1; JP2002511823A; TR199903038T2; AP9901712A0; IN190966B; PL337335A1

Abstract

A sachet/pouch assembly comprising a sachet/pouch body portion (1) containing liquid/semi-liquid/viscous product and obtained of deformable material, a nozzle assembly (2) secured to the sachet/pouch body portion (1) and comprising a nozzle having an opening for communication with the inside of the body portion and means (7) for opening and closing the nozzle as and when desired.

Description

011229 - 1 -

FLEXIBLE POUCH AND DISPENSING NOZZLE ASSEMBLY

The présent invention relates to an improved sachet/pouchSystem, and in particular to a reclosable sachet/pouchSystem which would retain the contents therein underhygienic, microbial contamination free and storage stablecondition after every use of the contents therefrom. Thesachet/pouch System is of particular use as a toothpasteholder, and has small dimensions and a closure.

It is presently known to provide small packages l-50gms ofliquid/semi viscous products such as toothpaste, shampoos,sauces, ketchup's etc. in the form of pouch/sachets.

Such conventional sachets/pouches are basically obtained ofplastic/poylined materials and are sealed from ail ends.

For use of the contents from such pouches/sachets, the useris required to eut open a portion of the pouch/sachet andthereafter dispense the contents from the opening formed inthe pouch/sachets. However, such conventional sachets/pouches do not hâve any reclosable means, and thusonce the pouch/sachet is eut open for application/use thecontents hâve to be either consumed at the first instance,or the remainder of the contents haS to be left inunhygienic conditions, exposed to potential microbialcontamination.

Moreove-r, in the absence of any effective reclosing means insuch conventional sachets/pouches, lots of the contents arelost unused through the opening, thereby resulting in lossof expensive product formulation contained in the sachet/pouch. Importantly, due to such problems of reclosing of the eut sachet/pouch, it is not ..convenient to use the conventional pouches/sachets as a carry pack once the sachet/pouch is eut open for its first use. 2 011229

Added to the above, cutting and opening of the conventionalsachet/pouch often resulted in an improper opening in thesachet/pouch, the opening being either too wide resulting inloss of expensive product formulation, or too narrow causingproblems in dispensing the contents therethrough for use.

Existing toothpaste holders currently on the market tend totake the form of a laminate sheet which is shaped into atubular structure. This process is carried out on largescale and involves reasonably complicated technicalprocedures. The technicalities and cost involved make itimpossible to produce laminate toothpaste holders of smalldimensions efficiently, effectively and at low unit cost.Conversely, local manufacture is prohibitive due to the costof the machinery necessary to manufacture such holders.

An alternative toothpaste holder takes the form of analuminum tube. Production processes allow aluminum tubes tobe made with small dimensions suitable for export todeveloping and emerging countries. However, such tubes areonly possibly suitable for certain types of toothpaste, andare not suitable for toothpastes which tend to hardenquickly due to their reactivity with aluminum. In anyevent, gas release from gel type pastes has been known tooccur.

It is thus the basic object of the présent invention toprovide for an improved sachet/pouch system which wouldprovide for convenient opening and closing of thesachet/pouch for repeated use/application of the contentstherein as and when desired, and also to maintain effective,hygienic, contamination free conditions for the productstored therein. 3 011229

Another object of the présent invention is to provide animproved sachet/pouch System for small size packaging ofliquid/semi liquid/viscous products such as dental, hair,skin préparations including toothpastes, shampoos, skinlotions etc. and also for the packaging of sauces, ketchups,purees etc., but in particular for toothpastes, which wouldretain the properties/characteristics of the products storedtherein, even after repeated application/use of the contentstherefrom. A further aim of the invention is to provide a more effective and efficient toothpaste holder which is moresuitable for manufacture in, and optionally export to,developing and emerging countries.

Yet a further object of the présent invention is to providefor an improved sachet/pouch System which would serve as aneffective packaging for making small size packages of say 1-50gms. of liquid/semi liquid/viscous products such asherein described at affordable prices, and which would serveas an effective hygienic contamination free and storagestable carry pack for such products.

Yet a further object of the présent invention is to providean improved sachet/pouch System which would provide forconvenient, controlled and user friendly dispensing of theproduct therefrom for use/application purposes.

Thus according to a first aspect of the présent invention,there is provided an improved sachet/pouch Systemcomprising a sachet/pouch body portion containing liquid/semi .liquid viscous products and obtained of déformable material; 4 011229 a nozzle assembly secured to the sachet/pouch body portion and comprising a nozzle having an opening for communicating with the inside of said sachet/pouch body portion and means for opening and closing said opening as and when desired.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there isprovided a reclosable toothpaste holder comprising twolaminated metalised sheets, a neck and closure means,wherein edges of the laminated metalised sheets are sealedto form a sachet, the sachet having a neck inserted into,and protruding out of, one end of the sachet, wherein theneck has an aperture defining an opening through whichtoothpaste can pass from the sachet and wherein the closuremean is detachably fixed at the distal end of the neck so asto close the aperture.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there isprovided a packaged toothpaste composition comprising atoothpaste composition, which may be a silica or chalk basedtoothpaste composition, packaged in a toothpaste holder orsachet/pouch as described above. Also contemplated is apackaged dental or dentifrice composition which is a liguid,and is packaged in a toothpaste holder or sachet/pouch asdescribed above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there isprovided a sachet/pouch assembly for holding liquid orviscous compositions such as shampoos, skin creams andlotions, sauces, ketchups and purees.

In one embodiment of the invention, the closure means can comprise a plug having a cylindrical elongate member, and the aperture is sized to receive the cylindrical elongate member as a friction fit so as to reclose the sachet after

In such embodiments, the closure means can 5 011229 conveniently be molded integrally with the neck portion,providing a sealed unit. However when first use of theholder is made, the closure means is snapped off of the neckportion, the contents dispensed, the closure means inverted,and thereafter the elongate member of the closure portioncan close the neck by means of a friction fit.

In a further embodiment of the above disclosed improvedsachet/pouch System and or toothpaste holder, the nozzleassembly can be obtained as a single piece, with the meansfor opening and closing the nozzle opening being provided inthe form a flip top cap connected to the nozzle.

Alternatively, the nozzle assembly nozzle can comprise oftwo pièces comprising of the nozzle and a cap adapted to bereleasably secured onto the nozzle to facilitate opening andclosing of the nozzle opening. The cap can be releasablysecured with respect to the nozzle either by providing co-operating threads on the external of the nozzle and theinternai of the cap, or the cap may be adapted to releasablepress fit with respect to the nozzle.

This sachet System, for which a convenient use is as atoothpaste holder, is economical and easy to manufacturewith readily available equipment. The laminate typicallyhas a thickness in the région of 40-90, preferably 45microns, this being substantially thinner than the thicknessof a standard toothpaste tube, which is typically around 300microns. Preferably, the laminate matériel is a polyestersuch as PET, or is a polyolefin such as polypropylene orpolyethylene, but it can be any matériel that is.heatsealable and provides a suitable barrier to oxygen, waterand flavour loss. A particularly preferred laminatematerial comprises 12 micron layer of PET, a 9 micron laverof aluminum, and a 60 micron layer of low density 6 011229 polyethylene, though the materials utilized can preferablycomprise a 5-15 micron layer of PET, a 5-15 micron layer ofaluminium, and a 40-80 micron layer of low densitypolyethylene.

However, and depending on the end use of the sachet/pouchSystem, the sachet/pouch body portion can be obtained of anysuitable déformable material such as monolayer and/ormultilayer plastic/paper substrate depending upon thecontents to be packed and the end use/application required.

Advantageously, the edges of the laminated metalised sheetsare heat sealed together around their periphery. It ispreferred that the sachet/pouch System is one which does nothâve a gusset. In a preferred embodiment, the two laminatedmetalised sheets are constituted by a single laminatedmetalised sheet folded back on itself; it is therefore notsealed along one edge. Hence for example where thesachet/pouch system is a rectangular shape, it is sealed,preferably heat sealed along three edges.

The nozzle assembly can be obtained of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene or similar polymericmaterial. Preferably, the nozzle opening can be providedwith a tamper proof seal to evidence its fresh unusedcondition. At the time of first use of the contents fromthe sac-het/pouch, the seal is punctured to create saidnozzle opening which can thereafter be reclosed after everyuse by the means for opening and closing of the nozzleopening. A further advantage the sachet System according to the invention has over standard toothpaste tubes is that, due to 7 011229 its production process, it can readily be produced either assingle units or in sheets or strings using known techniques,each sachet being détachable from its neighbour. Theproduction equipment is also more readily available, and canbe readily adpated as necessary, and there are various waysin which the sachets can be efficiently manufactured, forexample by filling each sachet with paste from the neck endprior to inserting the neck of the closure, or by filing thesachet from the end opposite to the closure before heatsealing the edges at that end.

Dentifrices which may be used in packaged compositions ofthe présent invention may comprise optional, conventionalingrédients such as pharmaceutically acceptable carrierslike starch, sucrose, water or water/alcohol Systems etc..Small amounts of surfactants may also be included, such asanionic, nonionic, cationic and zwitterionic or amphotericsurfactants, typically at levels of 1-2%. They may alsopreferably comprise particulate abrasive materials such assilicas, aluminas, calcium carbonates, dicalciumphosphates,calcium pyrophosphates, hydroxyapatites, trimetaphosphates,insoluble hexametaphosphates and so on, includingagglomerated particulate abrasive materials, usually inamounts between 3 and 60% by weight. A preferred embodimentof packaged composition according to the invention is one inwhich the dentifrice is not in the form of a gel.

Furtheritore, packaged compositions may comprise humectantssuch as glycerol, sorbitol, propyleneglycol, xylitol,lactitol and so on, usually in amounts ranging from 10-80%by weight.

Binders and thickeners such as sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose, xanthan gum, gum arabic etc. may also beincluded, as well as synthetic polymers such as 8 011229 polyacrylates and carboxyvinyl polymers such as Carbopol7,typically at levels of 0.1-2%.

Flavours such as peppermint and spearmint oils may also beincluded, as well as preservatives, opacifying agents,colouring agents, pH-adjusting agents, sweetening agents a^dso on, usually at levels of 0.5-3%.

Anti-bacterial agents may also be included such as

Triclosan, chlorhexidine, copper-, zinc- and stannous saltssuch as zinc citrate, sodium zinc citrate and stannouspyrophosphate, sanguinarine extract, metronidazole. Furtherexamples of anti-bacterial agents are quaternary ammoniumcompounds such as cetylpyridinium chloride; bis-guanidessuch as chlorhexidine digluconate, hexetidine, octenidine,alexidine; halogenated bisphenolic compounds such as 2, 2'methylenebis-(4-chloro-6-bromophenol).

Polymeric compounds which can enhance the delivery of activeingrédients such as anti-bacterial agents can also beincluded. Examples of such polvmers are copolymers ofpolyvinylmethylether with maleic anhydride and other similardelivery enhancing polymers, such as those described in DE-A-3,942,643 (Colgate).

Furthermore anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen,flurbiprofen, aspirin, indomethacin etc. may also beincluded.

Anti-caries agents such as sodium- and stannous fluoride,aminefluorides, monosodiumfluorophosphate, casein, plaquebuffers such as urea, calcium lactate, calcium glycérophosphate, strontium polyacrylates may also be included. Other optional ingrédients include vitamins such as vitamin C, and plant extracts. Additional desensitising 9 011229 agents such as potassium citrate, potassium chloride,potassium tartrate, potassium bicarbonate, potassiumoxalate, potassium nitrate as well as strontium salts mayalso be included.

Buffers and salts to buffer the pH and ionic strength of thecompositions may also be included. Liposomes and otherencapsulâtes may also be used to improve delivery orstability of active ingrédients.

Furthermore, the packaged oral compositions may compriseanti-calculus agents such as alkalimetal pyrophosphates,hypophosphite-containing polymers, organic phosphonates,phosphocitrates etc.

In addition, the packaged compositions may comprisefunctional biomolecules such as bacteriocins, antibodies,enzymes and so on.

Other optional ingrédients that may be included are e.g.bleaching agents such as peroxy compounds e.g. potassiumperoxydiphosphate, effervescing Systems such as sodiumbicarbonate/citric acid Systems, colour change Systems, andso on.

The nature of the invention, .and its objects and advantageswill be further apparent from the ensuing description madewith relation to non-limiting exemplary embodiments of theimproved sachet/pouch System of the invention as per theaccompanying figures.

Three forms of toothpaste sachet, each of which isconstructed in accordance with the invention, will now bedescribed in detail, by way of example, with reference tothe drawings, wherein; 10 011229

Figure 1 is a side view of the first form of toothpastesachet;

Figure 2 is a side view of the first form of sachet illustrating how a plug is used to reclose the sachet afteruse ;

Figure 3 is a side view of a second form of toothpastesachet ;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an improved sachet/pouch in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the nozzle assembly used inthe improved sachet/pouch of Figure 4.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a toothpasteholder comprising two rectangular, laminated metallisedsheets which are heat-sealed at three of their edges la toform a sachet 1. The sachet 1 is filled with toothpastebefore a plastic neck 2 is inserted into its open end lb,which is then sealed around the neck. The neck 2 is formedwith a central aperture 2a so as to define an opening in thesachet 1 through which the toothpaste can pass. A plug 3 isdetachably fixed to the neck 2, the plug protruding outwardsfrom the sachet l. The plug 3 comprises a base 4 and acylindr'ical elongate member 5 protruding outwards therefrom.

The diameter of the cylindrical elongate member 5 isslightly less than the diameter of the aperture 2a in theneck 2 of the sachet 1, such that the aperture is able toreceive the cylindrical elongate member as a friction fit 11 011229 when the plug 3 is turned upside down, as can be seen inFigure 2.

The base 4 of the plug 3 is détachable from the neck 2 ofthe sachet l by a simple breaking motion, thus exposing theaperture 2a to allow toothpaste to pass. Once the requiredamount of toothpaste is passed through the aperture 2a, thesachet l can be resealed by inserting the cylindricalelongate member 5 of the plug 3 into the aperture. Thecylindrical elongate member 5 has an outwardly-protrudingridge 6· situation at a predetermined distance from itsdistal end, so as to prevent the cylindrical elongate memberfrom being inserted through the aperture 2a beyond apredetermined length.

The toothpaste sachet shown in Figure 3 is a modifiedversion of the sachet Figure 1, so like reference numeralswill be used for like parts, and only the modifications willbe described in detail. Thus, the main modification is tomodify the neck 2 of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 toprovide a threaded aperture 2'a, and to replace the plug 3by a screw cap 7.

In each of the embodiments, the laminated sheets preferablyare made from a metallised polyesters such as PET, orpolyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene, with thepreferrea métal being aluminum. Kowever, other knowncompounds are also suitable, provided they are capable ofbeing heat sealed to provide a suitable barrier to water andoxygen, and also so as to prcvide a barrier against flavourloss. A single laminated metallised sheet, folded back on itself, can constitute the two laminated metallised sheets. In this 12 011229 case only two edges la will need to de heat sealed beforeinsertion of the neck 2.

The dimensions of the rectangular laminated sheets are smallso as to keep the cost of production of the toothpastesachets to a minimum, thereby making the sachets économiefor export to developing and emerging countries.

In another embodiment, figure 4 shows the rectangular shapedpouch/sachet body portion BP with the nozzle assembly (NA)secured in a leakproof manner to the sachet/pouch bodyportion. The sachet/pouch body portion (BP) is sealed fromail ends as évident from the seal margin (SM) at the sides.The nozzle opening (NO) (Fig.5) communicates with the insideof the pouch/sachet body portion containing the liquid/semiliguid viscous product. Preferably, a seal (S) is providedat the nozzle opening to evidence the tamperproof unusedcondition of the sachet/pouch System. A cap (C) is providedscrewed onto the nozzle to releasably close the nozzleopening.

For the purpose of first use of the contents from theimproved sachet/pouch, the cap (C) is first unscrewed fromsaid nozzle and thereafter seal (S) is punctured, and therequired guantity of the contents are dispensed by pressingon the déformable body portion of the pouch/sachet.Thereafter, the remainder of the contents of the pouch/sachet are maintained in a hygienic, microbialcontamination free storage stable condition by replacing ofthe cap (C) onto the nozzle. For every subséquent usethereafter, the cap (C) is unscrewed to allow dispensing ofthe product through the nozzle opening, and thereafter againrecapped to close said nozzle opening and retain thecontents under hygienic conditions. 13 011229

In the instance however that a seal membrane is not provided, cap (C) can be simply released from the nozzle andthe contents dispensed through the nozzle opening.Thereafter, the cap (C) is again screwed onto the nozzle tostore the remaining contents under hygienic, storage stableconditions for subséquent uses. Thereafter, for everysubséquent use the cap (C) is released from the nozzle, andthe nozzle subsequently recapped as detailed above.

The sachet/pouch body portion can be rectangular as per theillustrated embodiment discussed in figures 4 and 5, or ofany other suitable geometrical shape and configuration.Likewise, the nozzle assembly can aïso hâve various shapesand configurations depending upon sachet/pouch get updesired, the contents therein and the end use/applicationdesired.

In each of the embodiments, the laminated sheets preferablyare made from metallised polyesters such as PET, orpolyclefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene, with thepreferred métal being aluminium. However, other knowncompounds are also suitable, provided they are capable ofbeing heat sealed to provide a suitable barrier to water andoxygen, and also so as to provide a barrier against flavourloss .

It is thus possible by way of the improved sachet/pouchSystem of the invention to provide for hygienic microbialcontamination free storage stable pouch/sachet packaging ofliquid semi liquid/viscous products. Importantly, thepouch/sachet system of the invention would provide forcontrolled dispensing of the product therethrough the nozzleopening, and also provide for convenient closing of thenozzle opening after every use to thereby ensure hygieniccontamination free storage of the remaining contents of thepouch/sachet until its subséquent use is desired.

Claims

14 011229 CLAIMS

1. A sachet/pouch assembly comprising a sachet/pouch bodyportion containing liquid/semi-liquid/viscous productand obtained of déformable màterial, a nozzle assemblysecured to the sachet/pouch body portion and comprisinga nozzle having an opening for communication with theinside of the body portion and means for opening andclosing the nozzle as and when desired.

2. A reclosable sachet/pouch assembly according to claim 1which is toothpaste holder comprising two laminatedmetallised sheets, neck and closure means, whereinedges of the laminated metallised sheets are sealed toform a sachet, the sachet having a neck inserted into,and protruding out of, one end the sachet, wherein theneck has an aperture defining an opening through whichtoothpaste can pass from the sachet, and wherein theclosure means is detachably fixed at the distal end ofthe neck so as to close the aperture.

3. A holder as claimed in claim 2, wherein the closuremeans comprises a plug having a cylindrical elongatemember, and wherein the aperture is sized to receivethe cylindrical elongate member as a friction fit so as . to reclose the sachet after use.

4. A holder as claimed in claim 2, wherein the closuremeans comprises a screw cap which is engagable with acomplementary threaded portion of the neck of thesachet.

5. A holder as claimed in any of daims 2 to 4, whereinsaid edges of the laminated metallised sheets are heat-sealed together. 15 011229

6. A holder as claimed in any one of daims 2 to 5,wherein the two laminated metallised sheets areconstituted by a single laminated metallised sheetfolded back on itself.

7. A holder as claimed in any of the preceding daims,wherein the nozzle has a tamper évident seal.

8. A holder as claimed in any of the preceding daims,wherein the sachet/pouch is sealed around theperiphery.

9. A holder as claimed in any of the preceding daims,wherein the sachet/pouch is gussetless.

10. A holder as claimed in any of the preceding daims,wherein the sachet/pouch has a capacity of 1-50 gm ofmaterial.

11. A holder as claimed in any of the preceding daims,wherein the closure means comprises a flip top capattached to the nozzle.

12. A packaged dentifrice composition comprising a holderaccording to any of the preceding daims containing adentifrice composition.

13. A packaged composition according to daim 12, whereinthe composition is silica or chalk based'.

14. A packaged composition according to daim 12, whereinthe composition is a liquid. 16 011229

15 . A packaged composition comprising a holder according toany of the preceding daims containing shampoo, skincream or lotion, sauce, ketchup or puree, the holdercomprising two laminated métal sheets, and neck andclosure means, wherein the edges of the laminatedmetallised sheets are sealed to form a sachet, thesachet having a neck inserted into, and protruding outof, one end of the sachet, wherein the neck has anaperture defining an opening through which thecomposition can pass from the sachet, and wherein theclosure means is detachably fixed at the distal end ofthe neck so as to close the aperture. 10