WO2009086344A1

WO2009086344A1 - Bubble-seal apparatus for delivering a debris fluid blast for providing a clean zone

Info

Publication number: WO2009086344A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/088101
Authority: WO
Inventors: William S. Perell
Original assignee: Poppack Llc
Priority date: 2007-12-27
Filing date: 2008-12-23
Publication date: 2009-07-09

Abstract

A breachable access structure for providing access to contents stored in a storage package is disclosed. The access structure includes two opposing laminae and a breachable edge. A breachable bubble is formed between the opposing laminae and has breaching fluid located within the breachable bubble. The breachable bubble is expandable under applied pressure towards the edge of the access structure, the expansion separating the opposing laminae until the breachable bubble creates a breach through the edge. The breachable bubble is adapted to cause an exit blast of the breaching fluid when the breaching fluid is pressured out of the breachable bubble. The exit blast ejects debris from a zone adjacent the breachable access structure.

Description

PCT PATENT APPLICATION

TITLE:

BUBBLE-SEAL APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING A DEBRIS FLUID BLAST FOR

PROVIDING A CLEAN ZONE

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/009090, filed December 27, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, many different types of products are packaged in flexible containers that are made, for instance, from one or more layers of polymer film. These containers are used in a wide variety of applications including the storage of consumer products such as food products, beverages, personal care products, sun screen compositions, etc. In pharmaceutical applications, the containers may be used to store pills or other medicines in liquid, solid, powder, or other form. In medical applications, the containers may be used to store a sterilized medical instrument, such as a scalpel or a syringe containing a pre-measured dosage.

[0003] Unfortunately, many of the above described flexible containers produced in the past have been somewhat difficult to open. These types of containers may be especially difficult to open for young children, the elderly, or those that suffer from hand ailments, such as arthritis. These problems can become more enhanced in operating rooms where technicians are attempting to open the package wearing gloves. [0004] Another problem with these containers is that the container may become contaminated with debris settled on the container or the area surrounding the container such as dust, pollution, pollen, or other ambient particles. In medical and pharmaceutical applications, particular concern may be had over bacteria, viruses or other foreign matter that has settled on the container or area surrounding where the contents of the container are to be received. This may be especially true in hospitals which have been known to breed pathogens, especially drug resistant pathogens. Indeed, hospitals have become harboring places for infections, resulting in the spread of many illnesses among patients. [0005] Thus, a need exists for a container that is relatively easy to open and is configured to provide a blast of fluid to eject the settled debris from a zone adjacent to the access structure of the container in order to provide a clean, debris free zone.

SUMMARY

[0006] One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a breachable access structure for providing access to contents located within an interior of a storage package. The access structure includes two opposing laminae and an edge. As used herein, the term laminae includes any laminate material or film. The laminae may be multi-layered or single layered and may be composed of many different composites of materials or composed of a single material. The laminae may be flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid. A breachable bubble is formed between the opposing laminae and includes breaching fluid within the breaching bubble. When pressure is applied, the breachable bubble expands towards the edge of the access structure. The expansion of the breachable bubble separates the opposing laminae until the breachable bubble creates a breach through the edge. The breachable bubble is adapted to cause an exit blast of the breaching fluid through the breach when the breaching fluid is pressured out of the breachable bubble. The exit blast ejects debris from the zone adjacent the breachable access structure.

[0007] In a variation of this exemplary embodiment, the end of one of the opposing laminae extends beyond the end of the other opposing laminae so as to present a flap defining an exposed surface. The flap may include a retaining lip to retain contents received from the interior of the package. The flap may also be concave for centering contents received from the interior of the storage package on the flap. The flap may even comprise a pour spout to facilitate the discharge of liquid, powder, or other substance from the container. In certain embodiments, the direction of the exit blast of the breaching fluid may be determined by the flap. The exit blast of breaching fluid may eject ambient debris from the flap defining the exposed surface.

[0008] In another variation of this exemplary embodiment, the flap is moveable from an open position in which the flap extends outward from the edge and a storage position in which the flap is folded inward from the edge. The access structure may include a latch for holding the flap when the flap is in the storage position. The flap may even may be disposed over the breachable bubble and be contoured to generally match the contours of the breachable bubble when the flap is in the storage position.

[0009] The breaching fluid of the present disclosure may be a gas or a liquid. In certain embodiments, the breaching fluid may be vaporized into a gaseous state during the exit blast. In other embodiments, the breaching fluid may be dispersed into a droplet mist during the exit blast. The breaching fluid may also include an additive substance such as powder that becomes airborne during the exit blast. The additive substance may be flavored or scented and may even include a product security marking.

[0010] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage container that includes an interior for containing a stored item and an edge for providing access to the stored item. In this embodiment, two opposing laminae form an access band between the interior of the storage container and the edge. An end of one of the opposing laminae extends beyond an end of the other opposing laminae so as to present a flap. The storage container includes a breachable bubble containing a breaching fluid formed between the two opposing laminae and located within the access band. The storage container has an inner seal formed by the opposing laminae located within the access band between the breachable bubble and the interior and an outer seal formed by the opposing laminae located within the access band between the breachable bubble and the edge. Under applied pressure, the breachable bubble is expandable towards the edge of the access structure. The expansion of the breachable bubble separates the opposing laminae until the breachable bubble creates a breach through the edge. The breaching fluid is pressured out of the breachable bubble through the breach so as to cause an exit blast of breaching fluid that ejects ambient debris from the flap.

[0011] Although the teachings of the present disclosure are well suited for incorporation into flexible containers, it should be understood that the present disclosure is also directed to the construction of rigid containers and/or semi-rigid containers.

[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 provides a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2a provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure before pressure has been applied to the breachable bubble;

[0016] Figure 2b provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure while pressure is being applied to the breachable bubble;

[0017] Figure 2c provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure after pressure has been applied to the breachable bubble;

[0018] Figure 3 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure that includes a flap with a retaining lip;

[0019] Figure 4 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure that include a flap with a pour spout;

[0020] Figure 5 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure with a flap that is concave for centering contents received from the interior of the storage package;

[0021] Figure 6a provides a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure before pressure has been applied to the breachable bubble;

[0022] Figure 6b provides a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure while pressure is being applied to the breachable bubble; and

[0023] Figure 6c provides a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a breachable access structure according to the present disclosure after pressure has been applied to the breachable bubble. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a breachable access structure for providing access to contents located within an interior of a storage package. In one embodiment, the access structure includes two opposing laminae and an edge. A breachable bubble is formed between the opposing laminae and includes breaching fluid within the breaching bubble. When pressure is applied, the breachable bubble expands towards the edge of the access structure. The expansion of the breachable bubble separates the opposing laminae until the breachable bubble creates a breach through the edge. The breachable bubble is adapted to cause an exit blast of the breaching fluid through the breach when the breaching fluid is pressured out of the breachable bubble. The exit blast ejects debris from a zone adjacent the breachable access structure.

[0026] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2a-2c, for instance, one exemplary embodiment of a storage package 10 made in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the storage package 10 defines an interior 12 for storing various different items. The interior 12 can have any suitable size or shape and may be configured to hold food items, beverages, medical instruments, pharmaceuticals, medicines, general merchandise and the like. It should be understood that the above list of possible products is merely exemplary and is not intended in any way to limit possible applications for the storage package 10. [0027] The storage package 10 can be made from any suitable material. For example, in one embodiment, the storage package 10 can be made from flexible materials such as polymer films. Polymers that may be used to form the storage package 10 include, for instance, polyesters, polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, mixtures thereof, copolymers and terpolymers thereof, and the like. When formed from a polymer film, for instance, in one embodiment, the film may be made from multiple polymer layers. The polymer film, for instance, may include a core layer laminated to other functional layers, such as heat sealing layers, oxygen barrier layers, and the like. In one embodiment, for instance, the polymer film may include a metalized layer for providing oxygen barrier properties.

[0028] It should be understood, however, that the storage package 10 can also be made from more rigid materials. For instance, the storage package 10 can also be made from coated paperboard materials and shape-retaining polymers, such as polystyrene, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins, polycarbonates, and the like.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2a-2c, the storage package 10 includes a breachable access structure 14 for providing access to the contents located in the interior 12 of the storage container 10. The access structure 14 is formed from two opposing laminae 22 and 24 pressed into sealing engagement and includes an edge 26. An access band 20 extends along the access structure 14 between the interior 12 of the storage container 10 and the edge 26. The access band 20 is formed by the opposed laminae 22 and 24. [0030] A breachable bubble 30 is formed between the opposing laminae 22 and 24 and is located in the access band 20. The breachable bubble 30 is expandable under applied pressure towards the edge 26 of the access structure 14. An example of such a breachable bubble 30 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,726,364 issued on April 27, 2004 to the present inventor. The subject matter of U.S. Patent No. 6,726,364 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this disclosure.

[0031] The breachable bubble 30 may include a bubble seal disposed around the periphery of the breachable bubble. The bubble seal may include an inner seal portion 32 disposed between the breachable bubble 30 and the interior 12 of the storage package 10 and an outer seal portion 34 disposed between the breachable bubble 30 and the edge 26. The outer seal 34 may be more easily breachable than the inner seal 32. The outer seal 34 may be made using any suitable method or technique. For example, less adhesive may be used in the outer seal 34 if the inner seal 32 and outer seal 34 are made using an adhesive. If the inner seal 32 and the outer seal 34 are made by applying heat and pressure to form a thermal bond, the outer seal 34 can be made by varying the pressure of the seal bar, varying the temperature, or varying the amount of time the seal bar is in contact with the materials along the outer seal 34.

[0032] In other embodiments, the outer seal 34 or both the inner seal 32 and the outer seal 34 may comprise a peel seal. Various different methods and techniques are used to form peel seal portions. For example, in one embodiment, the outer seal 34 or both the inner seal 32 and the outer seal 34 may include a first portion that is adhesively secured to a second portion along the seal. The first portion may be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive may comprise, for instance, any suitable adhesive, such as an acrylate. The second and opposing portion of the peel seal, on the other hand, may comprise a film coated or laminated to a release layer. The release layer may comprise, for instance, silicone. [0033] In an alternative embodiment, each opposing portion of the peel seal may include a multi-layered film. The major layers of the film may comprise a supporting layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive component, and a thin contact layer. In this embodiment, the two portions of the peel seal can be brought together and attached. For instance, the thin contact layer of one portion can be attached to the thin contact layer of the opposing portion using heat and/or pressure. When the breaching bubble 30 is breached, and the peel seal is peeled apart, a part of the sealed area of one of the contact layers tears away from its pressure sensitive adhesive component and remains adhered to the opposing contact layer. Thereafter, resealing can be affected by re-engaging this torn away contact portion with the pressure sensitive adhesive from which it was separated when the layers were peeled apart. [0034] In this embodiment, the contact layer can comprise a film having a relatively low tensile strength and having a relatively low elongation at break. Examples of such materials include polyolefms such as polyethylenes, copolymers of an olefin and an ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, and the like. The pressure sensitive adhesive contained within the layers, on the other hand, may be of the hot-melt variety or otherwise responsive to heat and/or pressure.

[0035] In still another embodiment, the outer seal 34 of the breachable bubble 30 or both the inner seal 32 and the outer seal 34 can include a combination of heat sealing and adhesive sealing. For instance, in one embodiment, the outer seal 34 may comprise a first portion that is heat sealed to a second portion. Along the outer seal 34, however, may also exist a peel seal composition that may, in one embodiment, interfere with the heat sealing process of the bubble seal to produce to make the outer seal 34 more easily breachable than the inner seal 32. The peel seal composition, for instance, may comprise a lacquer that forms a weak portion along the outer seal 34.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive may be spot coated over the length of the outer seal 34. Once the outer seal 34 is breached the adhesive can then be used to reseal the two portions together after use. [0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2a-2c, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure the end of laminae 24 extends beyond the end of laminae 22 so as to present a flap 50 or staging platform along the edge 26 of the access structure 14 for receiving the contents of the storage container 10. The flap 50 has an exposed surface that is not protected or shielded from debris or contaminants.

[0038] The flap 50 may have any suitable size and shape and may include a variety of configurations for retaining contents received from the storage package 10. For example, as illustrated in Figure 3, the flap 50 may comprise a retaining lip 55. The retaining lip 55 is formed around the periphery of the flap 50 and is adapted to keep contents received from the interior 12 of the storage package 10 on the flap 50. The retaining lip 55 may be integral with the flap 50 or may be formed from a separate material attached to the flap 50. The retaining lip 55 may be attached to the flap 50 using any suitable bonding technique. [0039] Another exemplary embodiment of a flap 50 is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the flap 50 includes a pour spout 56. The pour spout 56 is adapted to dispense contents from the interior 12 of the storage package 10. For instance, the pour spout 56 may be adapted for dispensing liquid products, solid products such as powders or granules, or semi-solid products such as gels and pastes. The pour spout 56 may be formed integrally with the flap 50 or may be formed from a separate material attached to the flap 50. For instance, the pour spout 56 may be formed by folding the flexible laminae that make up the flap 50. The pour spout 56 may also be a separate structure that is attached to the flap 50 using any suitable bonding technique. The pour spout 56 may have any size or configuration suitable for dispensing products from the storage container 10.

[0040] Still another exemplary embodiment of a flap 50 is shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the flap 50 is concave for centering contents 60 received from the interior 12 of the storage container 10. For instance, the flap 50 may be spoon shaped so that the contents 60 received from the interior 12 of the storage package 10 naturally rest in the center of the flap 50. The flap 50 illustrated in Figure 5 includes a retaining lip 55 for preventing contents received onto the flap 50 from falling over the periphery of the flap 50. [0041] As shown in Figure 2a, debris or contaminants 16 may settle on the flap 50 or in a zone adjacent to the breachable access structure 14 of the storage container 10. This debris may include, for instance, dirt, pollen, dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses, germs, contaminants or the like. In medical and pharmaceutical applications, particular concern may be had over bacteria, viruses or other foreign matter that has settled on the container or the zone surrounding where the contents of the container are to be received. This may be especially true in hospitals which have been known to breed pathogens, especially drug resistant pathogens. As will be discussed in detail below, the present disclosure provides for a breachable access structure that provides an exit blast to remove the debris from the flap or the zone adjacent the breachable access structure.

[0042] The breachable bubble 30 is expandable to open the storage package 10 by external pressure 70 applied by the consumer. For small bubbles, the consumer may simply pinch a bubble or bubbles between the consumer's thumb and forefinger. Slightly larger bubbles may require thumb-to-thumb pressure. Pressure can also be applied to the bubble by placing the bubble against a flat surface and applying pressure with one's fingers or palms. For example, when the storage package 10 is to be opened in an operating room, a nurse or physician may want to apply pressure to the bubble by laying the bubble adjacent to a surface and applying pressure in order to facilitate opening of the container, especially when the attendants in the operating room are wearing medical or surgical gloves. [0043] In general, the breachable bubble 30 can have any suitable shape. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the breachable bubble 30 may have an elliptical shape. In other embodiments, however, the breachable bubble 30 can have a circular shape, a triangular shape, a heart-like shape, a rectangular shape, or any other suitable shape. [0044] Referring now to Figure 2b, when external pressure 70 is applied to the breachable bubble 30, the breaching fluid 35 within the bubble 30 applies pressure to the outer seal 34 of the breaching bubble 30 which causes the opposing laminae 22 and 24 used to form the breachable bubble 30 to separate. The separation occurs along the edge 26 of the breachable access structure 14 creating an exit breach.

[0045] The breachable bubble 30 is adapted to cause an exit blast of breaching fluid 35 that ejects the debris 16 from the flap 50 or from a zone adjacent the breachable access structure 14 when the breaching fluid is pressured out of the breachable bubble 30. During bubble expansion, the opposing laminae 22 and 24 separate in such a manner that the breaching fluid 35 rushes through the breach in the edge 26 of the breachable access structure 14. This exit blast of breaching fluid 35 ejects debris 16 that has settled on the flap 50 of the storage package 10 and/or the zone adjacent the breachable access structure 14. [0046] The strength and focus of the exit blast is dependent on the size and configuration of the breach through the edge 26. For instance, if only a small portion of the edge 26 is breached when pressure is applied to the breachable bubble 30, a smaller breach exists for the escape of the breaching fluid 35. This creates a focused and strong exit blast for blowing debris and contaminants from the flap 50 or the zone adjacent to the breachable access structure 14. If a large portion of the edge 26 is breached when pressure is applied to the breachable bubble 26, a larger breach exists for the escape of breaching fluid 35. This creates a broader exit blast of breaching fluid 35 through the edge 26 during bubble expansion. [0047] The size of the breach can be adjusted by varying the strength of the outer seal 34 using any of the teachings disclosed above. For instance, a portion of the outer seal 34 may configured to be more easily breachable than another portion of the outer seal 34. By adjusting the strength of various portions of the outer seal 34, the strength and focus of the exit blast of breaching fluid 35 can be varied. For instance, if the outer seal 34 is made by applying heat and pressure to form a thermal bond, the size and orientation of the breach may by predetermined by varying the pressure of the seal bar, varying the temperature, or varying the amount of time the seal bar is in contact with the materials along certain portions of the outer seal 34. In this manner, the direction of the exit blast can be determined by the size and configuration of the breach.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the flap 50 may also determine the direction of the exit blast of breaching fluid 35. For instance, the flap 50 may be contoured so that as the breaching fluid 35 is pressured out of the breachable bubble 35, the flap directs the exit blast of breaching fluid 35 in a particular direction from the edge 26 of the access structure to a zone adjacent the access structure. This embodiment allows further control of the exit blast of breaching fluid 35.

[0049] The breaching fluid of the present disclosure may be a liquid or a gas. For example, the breaching fluid may comprise an inert gas such as nitrogen gas or any of the noble gases. The breaching fluid may contain an antimicrobial agent so that the exit blast kills any bacteria, germs, microbes or other contaminates that may be on the flap 50 or in the zone adjacent the breachable access structure 14. For example, the breaching fluid may include various gaseous chemosterilizers such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, beta- propiolactone, ozone, carbon dioxide, a halogen gas, or the like. Any of the above antimicrobial agents may also be contained within the interior 12 of the storage package 10 to ensure that the entire package 10 remains sterile and does not harbor any contaminants. [0050] The breaching fluid may also be a liquid capable of sterilizing the zone adjacent the breachable access structure 14. In certain embodiments, the breaching fluid may have a vapor pressure such that the breaching fluid is vaporized into the gaseous state during the exit blast. The dramatic reduction in pressure caused by the breach of the breachable bubble causes the breaching fluid to vaporize as it is expelled through the exit blast. In other embodiments, the breaching fluid may also be dispersed as a droplet mist during the exit blast.

[0051] The breaching fluid may comprise an additive substance such as a powder which becomes airborne during the exit blast. These additive substances may be capable of sterilizing the zone adjacent the breachable access structure 14 and may be flavored or scented. For example, the additive substance may be pleasantly scented for household use or specifically scented to identify the contents of the package.

[0052] Once the edge 16 of the container is breached, as shown in Figure 2c, a pair of opposing tabs is formed. At least one of the tabs 24 forms a peelable tab that can be grasped by the user for manually peeling the opposed laminae 22 and 24 apart as dictated by the arrow.

[0053] Of particular advantage, the peelable tab is formed by breaching the bubble as opposed to being formed during the manufacturing process of the storage package 10 itself.

In this manner, the outside perimeter of the storage package 10, with the possible exception of a flap 50 presenting an exposed surface, can be completely sealed against the environment to prevent any contamination of the product contained inside the storage package 10. In addition, opening the container by breaching the bubble may be much easier than opening many of the conventional containers made in the past that are intended to include peel away corners.

[0054] Referring now to Figures 6a-6c, another embodiment of a breachable access structure 14 is disclosed. In this embodiment, the flap 50 is movable between a storage position and an open position. Figure 6a depicts an embodiment of the present disclosure with a flap 50 in the storage position. As illustrated, the flap 50 is folded inward from the edge 26 of the breachable access structure 14 when in the storage position. The breachable access structure 14 may include a latch 56 for holding the flap 50 when the flap is in the storage position. The flap 50 may also include a protrusion 58 that engages the latch 56 when the flap 50 is in the storage position. As illustrated in Figure 6a, the flap 50 may disposed over the breachable bubble 30 and be generally contoured to match the contours of the breachable bubble 30 when the flap is in the storage position.

[0055] Figure 6b depicts an embodiment of the present disclosure with a flap 50 in the open position. As illustrated, the flap 50 extends outward from the edge 26 of the breachable access structure 14. The outwardly extending flap 50 may include debris or contaminants. According to the present disclosure, when pressure 70 is applied to the breachable bubble 30, breaching fluid 35 disposed within the breachable bubble 30 is pressured out of the breachable bubble to create an exit blast to eject the debris from the flap 50 as illustrated in Figure 6b.

[0056] Once the debris has been ejected from the flap 50, the contents 60 stored in the interior 12 of the storage package 10 may be received onto the flap 50. Figure 6c depicts an embodiment of the present disclosure where contents have been received onto the flap 50. Because the exit blast has cleared the debris from the flap 50, the contents 60 may be safely received on the flap 50 without risk of contamination. For example, if the contents 60 comprised a pill as in many pharmaceutical applications, the pill could be received onto flap 50 without risk of contamination.

[0057] The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be particularly well suited for containing sterile medical supplies including bandages, surgical instruments, implants, and the like. Such items must typically be delivered to an operating room contained in a package in sterile condition. The package then must be opened by medical personnel while wearing medical or surgical gloves. The presence of gloves can interfere with the ability to open the sealed package. By having the breachable bubble access structure of the present disclosure, however, one can breach the bubble by placing the bubble against an adjacent surface and applying pressure.

[0058] In addition, during the expansion of the bubble, breaching fluid is pressured out of the breachable bubble so as to create an exit blast ejecting contaminants from a zone adjacent the breachable access structure. This allows the contents of the storage package to be received onto a debris and contaminant free zone. For instance, the scalpel or other medical instrument may be pushed from the back of the storage package into the debris free zone. Alternatively, the contents may gravitationally drop out of the opened package and fall past the debris free zone and into a surgical sterile field or the gloved hand of a recipient. This accessing and presentation to the surgeon, nurse, or the like is accomplished without contamination. Although the present disclosure may be particularly suited for application in the medical and pharmaceutical field, it should be understood, however, that the present disclosure may equally be applicable to hold various other items, such as food items or other general merchandise. [0059] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A breachable access structure for providing access to an interior of a storage package, the access structure comprising: two opposing laminae and an edge; a breachable bubble formed between the opposing laminae, the breachable bubble comprising breaching fluid within the breachable bubble, the breachable bubble expandable under applied pressure towards the edge of the access structure, the expansion separating the opposing laminae until the breachable bubble creates a breach through the edge; wherein the breachable bubble is adapted to cause an exit blast of the breaching fluid through the breach when the breaching fluid is pressured out of the breachable bubble, the exit blast ejecting debris from a zone adjacent the breachable access structure.

2. The breachable access structure of claim 1 , wherein an end of one of the opposing laminae extends beyond an end of the other opposing laminae so as to present a flap defining an exposed surface, wherein the exit blast of breaching fluid ejects debris from the flap defining the exposed surface.

3. The breachable access structure of claim 1 , wherein the direction of the exit blast is determined by the size of the breach.

4. The breachable access structure of claim 2, wherein the direction of the exit blast is determined by the flap.

5. The breachable access structure of claim 2, wherein the flap has a retaining lip to retain contents received from the interior of the storage package.

6. The breachable access structure of claim 2, wherein the flap is concave for centering contents received from the interior of the storage package.

7. The breachable access structure of claim 2, wherein the flap comprises a pour spout.

8. The breachable access structure of claim 2, wherein the flap is movable from an open position in which the flap extends outward from the edge and a storage position in which the flap is folded inward from the edge.

9. The breachable access structure of claim 8, wherein the access structure further comprises a latch for holding the flap when the flap is in the storage position.

10. The breachable access structure of claim 8, wherein the flap is disposed over the breachable bubble when the flap is in the storage position.

11. The breachable access structure of claim 8, wherein flap is contoured to generally match the contours of the breachable bubble when the flap is in the storage position.

12. The breachable access structure of claim 1, wherein the breaching fluid is a gas.

13. The breachable access structure of claim 1, wherein the breaching fluid is a liquid.

14. The breachable access structure of claim 14, wherein the breaching fluid is vaporized into the gaseous state during the exit blast.

15. The breachable access structure of claim 14, wherein the breaching fluid is dispersed into a droplet mist during the exit blast.

16. The breachable access structure of claim 1 , wherein the breaching fluid comprises an additive substance.

17. The breachable access structure of claim 17, wherein the additive substance is a powder which becomes airborne during the exit blast.

18. The breachable access structure of claim 17, wherein the additive substance is flavored.

19. The breachable access structure of claim 17, wherein the additive substance is scented.

20. A storage container; comprising: an interior for containing a stored item; an edge for providing access to the interior of the storage container; two opposing laminae forming an access band between the interior of the storage container and the edge, an end of one of the opposing laminae extending beyond an end of the other opposing laminae so as to present a flap; a breachable bubble formed between the two opposing laminae and located within the access band, the breaching bubble comprising breaching fluid located within the breaching bubble; an inner seal located within the access band between the breachable bubble and the interior, the inner seal formed by the opposed laminae; and an outer seal located within the access band between the breachable bubble and the edge, the outer seal formed by the opposed laminae; wherein under applied pressure, the breachable bubble is expandable towards the edge of the access structure, the expansion separating the opposing laminae until the breachable bubble creates a breach through the edge, the breaching fluid being pressured out of the breachable bubble through the breach so as to cause an exit blast of breaching fluid that ejects debris from the flap.