Single Dose Dispensing Package

Abstract

A single dose dispensing package ( 100 ) having a backing ( 102 ) for maintaining the package in a substantially flat orientation is disclosed. A score ( 106 ) through the backing allows the package to open upon flexure. At least one additional score on the opposite side provides at least one metered opening in the package. Absorbent material ( 112 ) placed over the score, and adhered to the dispensing package only in the area of the score, provides controlled dispensing and application of the contents using essentially an entire surface of the absorbent material as an applicator.

1 . A single dose dispensing package for one or more compositions comprising:
 (a) a backing layer including an outer and an inner side, the backing having sufficient rigidity to maintain said dispensing package in a substantially flat configuration, wherein at least one score is formed at least partially through said backing;   (b) at least one pouch formed on said outer side of said backing layer that is adapted to carry the composition of the package, the composition being in fluid communication with the at least one score; and   (c) an absorbent material positioned over the at least one score on said inner side of said backing layer, said absorbent material secured to the backing in a vicinity of the score such that ends of the absorbent material are unsecured to the backing   wherein said backing has an elastic limit selected such that said backing breaks along said at least one score when subjected to a flexure force.   
     
     
         2 . The dispensing package of  claim 1  wherein essentially a full surface area of the absorbent material can be used to contact a target surface. 
     
     
         3 . The dispensing package of  claim 1  wherein the absorbent material remains essentially perpendicular to the package when the package is flexed. 
     
     
         4 . The dispensing package of  claim 1  wherein the absorbent material is sufficiently wide to shield the edges of the package from contact with a target surface. 
     
     
         5 . The dispensing package of  claim 1  wherein the absorbent material functions as an effective applicator to transfer the composition to a target surface. 
     
     
         6 . The dispensing package of  claim 1  wherein the absorbent material is adhered to the package in a manner to promote a full use of a surface area of the absorbent material to contact a target surface. 
     
     
         7 . The dispensing package of  claim 1  wherein the absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of sponge, cloth, flock, and foam. 
     
     
         8 . The dispensing package of  claim 1  comprising one pouch. 
     
     
         9 . The dispensing package of  claim 1  comprising two or more pouches. 
     
     
         10 . The dispensing package of  claim 9  further comprising a chamber between the two or more pouches and the absorbent material. 
     
     
         11 . A single dose dispensing package for one or more compositions comprising
 (a) a backing of sufficient rigidity to maintain the package in a substantially flat configuration and having a first and a second side, with a first score extending at least partially into the first side of the backing, and having a coating formed on the second side of the backing, said coating having a second elastic limit greater than a first elastic limit of the backing;   (b) a pouch formed on the second side of the backing adapted to hold the composition of the package, said second side having at least one second score extending at least partially into the backing and substantially aligned with the at least one first score; and   (c) an absorbent material positioned over the at least one first score on the first side of the backing, wherein the absorbent material is secured to the backing in a vicinity of the at least one first score such that ends of the absorbent material are unsecured to the backing;   wherein a flexure of the backing sufficient to cause the backing to break along the at least one first score is insufficient to exceed the second elastic limit of the coating of the second side of the backing.