Dispenser

Abstract

A dispensing package including an extrudable flowable content an enclosed space is defined at least in part by a flexible packaging film sealed at first and second ends and along a longitudinal extent there between. The package includes a nick configured for enabling at least a partial tear through at least a portion of the package's surface. The flowable content of the package can be extruded through at least a portion of the tear. A method of using the dispensing package is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package comprising
 an enclosed space defined at least in part by a flexible packaging film sealed at a first end, a second end, and along a longitudinal extent between said first and said second ends;   a pinch seal on a surface of said package; and   a nick in said pinch seal.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said nick is configured for enabling at least a partial tear in at least a portion of said surface. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said longitudinally extending seal arrests propagation of said tear. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said tear defines adjacent first and second openings in said package. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said package includes a flowable content extrudable through at least a portion of said tear. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 5 , wherein said flowable content is selected from the group consisting of liquids, viscous fluids, semi-solid mixtures, batter, gel, solid edible particles, semi-solid edible particles, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said nick is offset from said longitudinally extending seal. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible packaging film comprises a thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and said second end is transversely sealed. 
     
     
         10 . A method of dispensing a flowable content of a package, said method comprising
 grasping adjacent sides of a nick in a pinch seal on a surface of said package;   pulling apart said adjacent sides of said nick to at least partially tear at least a portion of said surface; and   extruding said flowable content through at least a portion of said tear.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said pinch seal is offset from a longitudinally extending seal on said surface. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising arresting said tear at said longitudinally extending seal. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , comprising extruding said flowable content through a first and a second opening created by said tear. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein extruding said flowable content comprises pushing said flowable content towards said tear. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said flowable content is selected from the group consisting of liquids, viscous fluids, semi-solid mixtures, batter, gel, solid edible particles, semi-solid edible particles, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         16 . A package comprising
 an interior volume defined by a surface formed of a flexible packaging film;   a longitudinal seal extending along at least a portion of said surface;   a pinch seal on said surface; and   a nick in said pinch seal.   
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 16 , wherein said nick is in a transverse relationship to said longitudinal seal. 
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 17 , wherein said nick is configured for enabling at least a partial tear in at least a portion of said surface. 
     
     
         19 . The package of  claim 18 , wherein said longitudinal seal arrests propagation of said tear. 
     
     
         20 . The package of  claim 18 , wherein said package includes a flowable content selected from the group consisting of liquids, viscous fluids, semi-solid mixtures, batter, gel, solid edible particles, semi-solid edible particles, and any combination thereof extruded through at least a portion of said tear.