CA2178165A1 - Outer container having a container insert therein for holding a predetermined volume of material - Google Patents
Outer container having a container insert therein for holding a predetermined volume of materialInfo
- Publication number
- CA2178165A1 CA2178165A1 CA 2178165 CA2178165A CA2178165A1 CA 2178165 A1 CA2178165 A1 CA 2178165A1 CA 2178165 CA2178165 CA 2178165 CA 2178165 A CA2178165 A CA 2178165A CA 2178165 A1 CA2178165 A1 CA 2178165A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- insert
- wall
- recited
- interior
- Prior art date
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- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A container is formed from an outer container and a container insert. An outer wall of the container insert is secured to an inner wall of the outer container and there is a completely enclosed space between the outer container and the container insert. A stabilizing mass, an odor affecting substance, or a premium item is placed in the space. The outer container and/or the container insert are opaque, clear, colored or impervious to ultraviolet radiation.
Description
-- 1 ' 21~8165 . ~
OUTER CONTAINER ~AVING A CONT~INER INSERT
T~EREIN FOR EnT~n~G ~ , N~ VO~:~TTMT'' QF M~T7;!T~r.7~T, Cross-~ç:ee~qnce ~o Related AT~TJlication This application is a rnnt;nll~tion-in-part of co-pending application Serial No. 08/127,399 filed September 27, 1993, which is a ~-nnt;nl~tion-in-part of co-pending application Serial No. 07/959,513, filed October 13, 1992, now U.S. Patent No. 5,315,811, which is a continuation of application Serial No. 07/756,~09 filed September 9, 1991, ~ nrlnnPd, which is a divisional of application 5erial No. 07/707,489 ~iled May 30, 1991, now U.S.
Patent No. 5,197,602.
Field o~ the InveIltion The present invention relates to packaging a predetermined volume of material and, more particularly, to a container insert for holding a predetermined volume of material within an outer cnnt~; nPr~ :
Back~Tround ~ the Inve~tiQn _ _~
In order to decrease the cost and increase the efficiency of packaging materials, it would be useful to have cnnt;~nPr8 of uniform outer dimengions which allow for packaging of different predetermined volumes of material. For example, a typical pharmaceutical manufacturer may package dif~erent quantities of a product for shipment to retail 25 pharmacies in correspondingly sized different cnnt~nPrs. The manu~acturer may decide to ship a product in two or three differe~t quantities (e.g., 50 or 200 ta~lets) in two or three different sized nnt~;nPrS. The tablets or pills to be shipped may contain dif~erent dosages of medication (e.g., 30 30 mg, 100 mg, etc. ) . The tablets may be sized or shaped l~iZZ7 . 1 .
217gl6~
differently. Each of these factors, and other factors too numerous to mention, may affect the volume of material to be packaged in an individual bottle. A manufacturer may, therefore, need a series of bottles having different interior volumes to accommodate the disparate volumes of material to be packaged. Each series of bottles may have different exterior dimensions and configurations, thereby re~uiring different equipment lines for packaging and labelling the bottles.
It would be advantageous for a manufacturer to have available cr)nti~;nors of uniform outer dimension and configuration in order to standardize systems for filling, closing, and labelling each bottle and rendering tamper-proof the bottle closures The size of dispensing and shipping cartons and the packaging system therefor may also be standardized.
In addition, it would be advantageous for a manufacturer to have available a cont~;n~r at least partially f ormed f rom recycled materials in order to lessen container cost and to help preserve the environment. E~owever, in areas - 20 where r~nt~m;ni~tion of the packaged material is of concern, it is desirable that the recycled portion of the ront~;n,~r not contact the packaged material . t ont~m; n~tion of the packaged _ material is particularly undesirable in the pharmaceutical industry, where product integrity is imperative.
Cont~;nPrs suffer from other problems inherent in their design. For example, containers of certain shapes are = :~
easily tipped over, thereby jostling or spilling the content8.
Tightly closed ront~;n~rs lock in odors given off by the contents. ~ikewise, odors given off by the conti~;nPr material may be absorbed by the rnntf~nt~. If odor affecting or odor controlling substances are placed in the cont~;n.or, the substances will directly contact the cont~;nf~r rontPnt~ If a premium item is desired to be delivered with the container, the item must be placed in the cont~;n~r where it will contact the ~-~nt~nt~ To prevent light or ultraviolet radiation from impinging on the r"nt;,;nF-r contents, the ~ ont~;n~r must be _ 3 _ 2178165 made opar~ue or impervious to ultraviolet radiation. However, the colors and materials which must be employed to make the container opaque or impervious to ultraviolet radiation may clash with marketing considerations for the preferred 5 appearance of the contAinpr. Coloring containers increases their m-n7lf;7rtl7ring cost because of the co~t of the colorant and the additional manufacturing steps re-~uired to color the raw material (typically, plastic).
The present invention fulfills a long-felt need in the art by overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art rf7ntAinPrs and providing other advantages as set forth below.
S7~mma-~f of the Invention The present invention comprises a container for holding a material. In one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises an outer container, a container insert and a mass. The contAinp~ insert is positioned within the outer rontA;nPr. A wall of the ront_7inP~ in7ert is ~ecured to a wall of the outer ront 7;nPr. A mas~ posltioned within the contA;nPr in a space between the insert and the outer ~-container. The mass stabilizes the ront;7;nPr in an upright position .
In another embodiment of the invention, the ront;7inP~ comprises an outer rontA;nPr, a container insert and an odor affecting substance. The rnnt;7;nPr in7ert is poiiitioned within the outer cont;7;nP~. A wall of the container insert i~ secured to a wall of the outer container.
The odor affecting substance is positioned within the container in a space between the insert and tae outer rnntA;nPr The space is in fluid ro-777~n;cation with the interior of the rontA;nPr insert 70 that when the r- nt;7;nP~ i~
capped, the odor affecting substance alters the odor of the ~ _ material in the interior portion of the insert.
In another embodiment of the invention, the rontAinPr comprises an outer rr~ntA;nP~ and a cf-nt-7;nPr insert 217816~
which is either opaque or clear. The rnnt~1nPr in3ert is positioned within the outer rnnt~;nPr A wall of the rnnt~;nPr insert is secured to a wall of the outer container.
In another embodiment of the invention, the cnnt~;nPr comprises an outer cont~;nPr, a container in~ert and an object such as a premium item. The container insert is positioned within the outer rnnt~;nPr A wall of the rnntil;nPr insert is secured to a wall of the outer cnnt~;npr The object i3 positioned within the rnnt~;nPr in a space between the insert and the outer container.
Brie~ DeacriPtion of the Drawinqs The foregoing summary, as well as the following ~Pti~; 1 Prl description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invcntion, there is shown in the drawings Pmhnrl;r^nts which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclo3ed. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an outer container having a rnnt~;nPr insert in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention therein;
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the outer rnntil;nPr and cnnt~;npr insert of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer container and cr~nti~;nPr insert of Fig. 1 taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is an elevational view, partially in cross section, of an outer rnnt~;nPr having a rnnt;~;nPr insert in accordance with a second Pmhorl;mPnt of the invention therein;
Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the rnnt~;nPr insert of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second outer -rnnt;~;nPr having a second rnnt~;nPr insert therein, in ` ~ . 21~816~
accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention therein;
Fig. 7 is an elevational view, partially in cross section, of an outer rnnt~;n,~r having a container insert in accordance with a modified version of the second embodiment of the invention therein, and also including a stabilizing weight placed between the outer container and container insert;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second outer ~ -container having a second container insert therein, in accordance with the f irst embodiment of the present invention therein, the second outer container being partially broken away to show a stabilizing weight between the outer rnnt~;nPr and cnnt~;nPr insert;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second outer container having a second container insert therein, in accordance with the f irst embodiment of the present invention therein, the second outer rnntA;n~r being partially broken away to show an odor affecting substance between the outer rnnt~;nPr and container insert;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a sec~nd outer - -cnnti~; nPr having a second container insert therein, in accordance with the first embodiment o~ the present invention -therein, and also including an odor affecting substance located between the outer rnnt~;nPr and rnnt~;n~r insert;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a second outer rnnt~;n~r having a second rnnt:~;nf~r insert therein, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention therein, the second outer rnnti~;n~or being partially broken away to show a premium item between the outer container and cnnt~;nPr insert;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an oparlue second outer container having a clear second rnnt~l;n~r insert therein, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention therein, the second outer rnnt~;nPr being partially broken away to show the clear second cnnti~;nPr insert; and Fig. 13 18 a perspective view of a clear second outer rnnti~;nPr having an opaque second rnn~;nPr insert =:
therein, in accordance with the f irst embodiment of the present invention therein.
Detailed Desqription of Preferred ;r ' ~'~ ts Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs.
through 3 and 6 an outer rnnt~;nPr, generally designated 10, having a rnnt~;nPr insert 12 therein for holding a predetPrm; nP-l volume of material (not shown), in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
The outer cnnt~;npr 10 comprises a container bottom 14 having a periphery 16 and a rnnt~;nPr wall 18 extending generally upwardly from the periphery 16. It is preferred that the cnnti~;nPr bottom 14 be generally planar, although the bottom 14 may be concave ~see Fig. 4). The periphery 16 of the cn~t~;nPr bottom 14 may be slightly rounded to eliminate any sharp edges from the container 10. Preferably, the rnnt~;nPr ~ottom 14 and cnn~;npr wall 18 define an outer rnnt~;nPr 10 which is generally annular in cross section, although the outer rrnt~;nPr 10 may be of any shape such as generally rectangular in cross section, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand.
As best shown in Figs . 2 and 3, the cnnt~; nPr bottom 14 and the cnnti~;npr wall 18 define an interior rnnt~;nPr portion, generally indicated at 2 0, having a predetermined volume. The intPr;rr rnnt~;nPr portion 20 is sized to accommodate the rnnti~;nrr insert 12, as described in more detail hereinafter. The container wall 18 comprises a neck portion 22 defining an opening, indicated generally at 24, for receiving the rrnt~1nPr insert 12 therein. Preferably, the opening 24 in the neck portion 22 is generally circular in cross section and has a diameter which is smaller than the inner ~ nPtPr of the cnnt~inPr wall 18. The neck portion 22 includes a transition surface or shoulder 25 between the neck 2~7816~
-. portion 22 and cnnt~inpr wall 18. The shoulder 25 is preferably curved to eliminate sharp edges and increase structural integrity. The neck portion 22 has an interior surface 26 complementarily sized to accommodate an exterior surface 28 of the ~nnt~;nPr insert 12 for securely fixing the container insert 12 within the interior container portion 20, as described in more detail hereinafter. The interior surface 26 is preferably generally textured to reduce the surface area ~-of the interior surface 26 and friction between the interior surface 26 and the exterior surface 28 when the cnnt~;nPr ==~-=
insert 12 is positioned within the outer container 10, as is also described in more detail hereinafter.
As best shown in Fig. 3, it is preferred that the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22 include a lip 54 P7~tPn(l; ng radially inwardly along the upper end thereof for preventing the insert 12 from being removed from the interior container portion 20. That is, the insert 12 is ;n;t;;~lly positioned within the outer container 10 with a snap fit. The lip 54 prevents the insert 12 ~rom moving upwardly out of the outer container 10. The neck portion 22 has an exterior surface 30 which preferably includes threads 32 for receiving a cap tnot shown). One skilled in the art would understand that other means besides threads 32 may be used to accommodate the cap, such as a friction fit or a child-proof fastener (not shown). In addition, any gap between the cap and the opening 24 of the neck portion 22 may be sealed by a sheet of material, such as plastic, in order to inhibit tampering, as is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art.
As best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the present invention further comprises a .nnt~;nPr insert 12 positioned within the interior ,nnt~;nPr portion 20 of the outer rnnt 2;nPr 10. The rnnt;~;nPr insert 12 comprises a bottom 34 having a periphery 36 and a wall 38 extending generally upwardly from the periphery 36. Presently, it is preferred that the bottom 34 and wall 38 of the cont~;npr insert 12 define a cnn~;npr in3ert 12 which is generally annular in 21 7~
cross section, although one skilled in the art would understand that the shape of the cnnt~;n~r insert 12 may be generally rectangular in cross section, or any other compl PmF~nt~ry shape which may be accommodated within the interior rm~nt~inrr portion 20 and neck portion 22 of the outer cr~nti~inrr 10, in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The bottom 34 and the wall 38 of the r~ntA1nPr insert 12 def ine an interior portion, generally indicated at 40, of predetermined volume for holding the predetermined volume of material. The predetermined volume of the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 shown in Fig. 1 is less than the predetermined volume of the interior rt~nti~inf~r portion 20 of the outer cf~nt~in~'r 10 In Fig. 6 there is shown a second outer container 10, which is generally identical to the outer cnnt~inPr 10 shown in Fig. 1, having a second container insert 12 therein. The predetermined volume of the interior portion 40 of the second insert 12 shown in Fig. 6 is less than the :
predetermined volume of the interior rr~nt:: ;n~r portion 20 of the outer ~rnti~;nf~r 10 as well as the predetermined volume of the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 shown in Fig. 1.
As best shown in Fig. 2, the wall 38 comprises an upper portion 42 spaced apart from the bottom 34. The upper portion 42 defines an opening, indicated generally at 43, for receiving the material to be packaged. A8 shown in Fig. 3, ~~
the upper portion 42 has an exterior surface 44 in facing engagement with the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22. Preferably the exterior surface 44 and interior surface 26 are securely engaged together by a friction fit, although one skilled in the art would understand that other means, such as adhesive or fasteners, may be used to m~;nt~;n the surfaces 44, 26 in engagement. The surfaces 44, 26 are aligned such that the top edge of the exterior surface 44 is in ~ eLlt with the lip 54, as best shown in Fig. 3. The upper portion 42 has a height which corresponds to the height of the neck portion 22 of the outer rmnt::l;nF~r 10.
` ~ 217816~
The cont~;npr insert 12 preferably includes vent means in the exterior surface oi the wall 38 for allowing fluid, such as air, to pass from the interior cont~inpr -= -portion 20 to the atmosphere when the cont~;npr insert 12 is 5positioned within the outer ront~;nf~r 10.
In the first embodiment, the vent means preferably includes four grooves 46 in the exterior sur~ace of the wall 38 of the insert 12, each groove 46 having a first end 48 and a second end 50. Because of the arcuate periphery of the lip 1054, the first end 48 of the grooves 46 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere surrounding the outer container 10 and the insert 12. The second end 50 of the grooves 46 is in fluid ~:~ ; ration with the interior ront~;nPr portion 20 of the outer ronti:l;nPr 10 for allowing 15fluid, such as air, to pass through the grooves g6 from the interior ront~;nPr portion 20 to the atmosphere when the cont~;nPr insert 12 is positioned within the outer ront~inPr 10 .
Preferably, the second end 50 of the grooves 46 20extends to the periphery 36 of the bottom 34, such that the grOQVeS 46 extend the length of the insert 12. Therefore, as the insert 12 is positioned within the interior container =
portion 2 0, the interior container portion 2 0 is in continuing ~luid r~lmTm~n; r~tion with the ~,u--~ullding atmosphere to allow 25air within the interior ront~;nf~r portion 20 which is displaced by insertion of the insert 12 to pass to the atmosphere .
A skilled artisan understands that the grooves 46 may be of any length sufficient to span the exterior surface 3044 of the upper portion 42 of the ~ont;l;nf~r insert 12. The width of the grooves 46 may be any width sufficient to allow the air within the interior container portion 20 to escape to the atmol phere without impeding insertion of the insert 12 .
However, a sufficient portion of the exterior surface 44 must 35remain to ensure sufficient contact between the exterior surface 44 of the upper portion 42 and interior surface 26 of lO - 21 781 S~
the neck portion 22 to maintain the desired friction fit. One skilled in the art would understand that any number of grooves g6 may be provided in the wall 38 of the container insert 12 including one, two or six. Presently, it is preferred that the four grooves 46 be formed equidistantly around the exterior surface 44, although they may be randomly placed thereabout .
It is understood by those skilled in the art that other vent means may be provided in the rnnt~;nPr insert 12 or outer container 10 for allowing air to pass from the interior rnnti~;nPr portion 20 to the surrounding atmosphere. For instance, an opening (not shown) can extend through the wall 3 8 of the insert 12 or the wall 18 of the outer container 10 for allowing fluid to pass therethrough between the interior -cnnt~inPr portion 20 and the atmosphere without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Preferably, at least one of the insert 12 and the outer rnnt~;nPr 10 is constructed of a thermoplastic, such as a high density polyethylene or polypropylene. For pharmarP-ltir~l applications, it is preferred that the insert 12 and outer rnnt~inPr 10 be formed from virgin material to inhibit rnnt~m;n~t;nn of the material to be packaged therein.
However, one skilled in the art would understand that the insert 12 and outer rnnt~inPr 10 may be formed from any suitable material, such as glass. It is preferred that the outer container 10 be formed from an injection-blow moldable material which contracts upon cooling to ambient temperature in order to maintain the friction fit between the exterior : -surface 44 o~ the insert 12 and the interior surface 26 of the outer cnnt~;npr 10, as described in more detail hereinafter.
Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, there is shown a second embodiment of an outer rnnt~;nPr 10 and rnnt~;nPr insert 12. The outer rnnt~inPr 10 is generally identical to .
the outer ,-nnt~inPr described above in connection with the f irst embodiment shown in Figs l through 3 . Similarly, the rnnt~inPr insert 12 is generally identical to the cnnti~inPr 217~16~
insert 12 described above in connection with the f irst embodiment, except that the upper portion includes a flange 60 PYtPn~l;ng generally radially outwardly a distance sufficient to substi~nt; ~l l y overlap an upper edge 56 of the neck portion 5 22.
As best shown in Fig. 5, the exterior surface of the rnnti~;nPr insert 12 include~ a complementary groove 58 just below the flange 60 for receiving the lip 54 of the neck portion 22 to assist in securely locking the rnnt~; nPr insert 10 12 within the outer container 10. In order to allow the air within the interior container portion 20 to escape to the atmosphere, the grooves 46 extend to the periphery of the f lange 6 0 .
Since the cnnt~;~Pr insert 12 includes a flange 60, 15 the material to be packaged does not contact the outer container 10 during packaging and dispensing. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is preferred that the outer container 10 be formed fro;n a recyclable material, such as plastic. In the pharmaceutical industry, where maintaining 20 product purity is imperative, it is particularly desirable that the recycled portion of the cnnt~;npr not contact the packaged material.
In the present invention, the portion of the container insert 12 which receives the material to be packaged 25 is insulated from the outer rnnt~;nPr 10 by the wall 38 of the cnnt~;nPr insert 12 and an air barrier or space 61 between the cnnti~inPr ingert 12 and the outer container 10 which prevents rnntAni n~tion of the park~rP~ material as a result of contact with the recycled outer rnnt:~inPr 10. Thus, the second 3 0 embodiment is advantageous because recycled plastic is generally less costly than virgin plastic and is beneficial to the environment.
The method according to the present invention f or assembling the outer rnnt~inPr 10 having a container insert 12 35 therein will now be described generally. The following description of the method of assembly, while directed to the - 12 - 21 781 6~
. first embodiment, is er~ually applicable to the second embodiment .
With reference to Fig. 2, the method comprises the initial steps of forming the outer rr>ntA~nPr 10 and rnntA;nPr insert 12. The rnn~A;nPr 10 and insert 12 are preferably formed by injection-blow molding, although other molding processes, such as extrusion blow molding or injection molding, may be used. It i8 preferred that the portion of the mold (not shown) which forms the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22 be sandblasted with 30 grit ~ m; nllm oxide at a pressure of 3 0 psi . and then be chrome plated. Thi~ results in the interior surface 26 being generally textured such that it has a plurality of minute pits and projections 26a. While it is preferred that 30 grit Alllm;nllm oxide at a pressure of 30 psi. be used, it is under~tood by those skilled in the art that other grit sizes, materials and/or pressures could be used to achieve the generally textured surface without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It was found that if the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22 and the exterior surface 44 of the upper portion 44 were formed to be generally smooth, during the process of inserting the container insert 12 into the outer container 10 from ten to eleven percent of the assembled product would be unusable. More particularly, even with the venting, the relatively high degree of friction between the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 during insertion of the rnntAinrr insert 12 often resulted in the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 her- ;nrJ bound together before the rnntA;nr-r insert 12 is entirely positioned within the outer rnntA;nPr 10 causing the shoulder 25 to collapse due to the force o~ the assembling device ~not shown) .
~3y molding the interior surface 26 to be generally rough, the surface area of the interior surface 26 which engages the exterior surface 44 is reduced resulting in less ~riction between the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 during insertion of the cont~;nr-r insert 12 into the outer 2I 7~I 6~
container 10. With less friction between the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 the problem of collapsin~ the shoulder 25 during assembly is obviated.
While it is preferred that the interior surface 26 be generally rough to reduce friction during assembly, it is understood by those skilled in the art that only the exterior surface 44 could be generally rough or both the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 could be generally rough, without departing from the spirit and scop~ of the invention.
To aid in the removal of the cn~t~;npr insert 12 during the molding process, the exterior surface 44 of the container insert 12 includes a second groove 52 to provide a gripping surface. In addition, the lip 54 of the outer =_ container 10 also provides a gripping surface to facilitate removal of the heated outer ~nnt;3;n~r 10 from the injection molding apparatus. Xowever, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to any particular method of removing the container insert 12 or=
~nnt;l;nPr 10 from the injection blow molding apparatus and that other methods could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the i~vention.
Next, the temperature of the ,-nnt~inPr insert 12 is controlled such that the container insert 12 is at a f irst predet.orrn;nPr~ temperature. Preferably, the step of controlling the temperature of the ~nnt~;nPr insert 12 comprises cooling the ~rnnt~n~r insert 12 to the first predetermined temperature after it has been formed. This cooling may be affected by exposing the container insert 12 to air at ambient conditions or by refrigeration. It is preferred that the first predetermined temperature be ambient temperature, generally between 50F to 80F, although one skilled in the art would understand that the first predetermined temperature may be any temperature which is less than the temperature of the cnnt~;nPr 12, as discussed below.
The temperature of the outer r nnt~;nPr 10 is controlled such that the outer ~nnt~;nPr 10 iS at a secorLd ~ 21781~5 predetermined temperature greater than the f irst predetermined temperature of the rnntA;nPr insert 12. The elevated second temperature is achieved when the outer rnnti~;nPr 10 is removed from the injection molding apparatus, prior to significant cooling. Preferably, the second predetPrm;np~i temperature is between 100F and 150F. Xowever, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the second predetPrrn; nPd temperature of the outer rnntA;n~r 10 can be achieved by reheating the outer container 10 by other means, such as an oven (not shown), if the outer container 10 has cooled to a temperature below 100F.
When the outer container 10 is at the second predetermined temperature and the insert is at the first predetermined temperature, the container insert 12 is positioned through the opening 24 in the neck portion 22 into the interior container portion 20 of the outer rrntA;nF.r 10 such that the exterior surEace 44 o~ the upper portion 42 is initially in facing sliding engagement with the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22. The first end 48 of the grooves 46 is in fluid communication with the atmos~here surrounding the outer cnnt~;npr 10 and the second end 50 of the grooYes 46 is in fluid communication with the interior container portion 20 for allowing fluid, such as air, to pass through the grooves 46 from the interior rrntA;nPr portion 20 to the atmosphere, as best shown in Fig. 3.
The outer rnntA;nPr 10 is cooled to a third predetermined temperature less than the second predetermined temperature such that the interior surf ace 2 6 of the neck portion 22 contracts into tight engagement with the exterior surface 44 of the upper portion 42 of the container insert 12, whereby the rnnt~;n~r insert 12 is frictionally secured to the neck portion 22. A8 the outer rnntAin~r 10 contracts, the volume of the interior rnntA;n~r portion 20 decreases causing air to pass through the grooves 46 to the surrounding atmosphere.
21 78~ 65 The method of packaging a predetermined volume of material, such as pills, liriuids, or powders, by use of an outer container 10 having a rrnt~;nPr insert 12 therein will now be described generally.
The method generally comprises the initial step of determining a volume of material to be packaged. This determination need not involve the counting of individual portions of material, such as tablets. However, pharmaceutical products are preferably packaged by count. A
number of closely packed individual portions of material, such as tablets, generally occupy a known volume even though there may be small gaps between the tablets. This known volume corresponds to the volume of material to be packaged. Where the material to be packaged is f luid, such as a liquid or powder, the volume of the material to be packaged is directly ascertainable .
Next, the person who is packing the material selects an outer rr~nti~;n~r 10 having a volume greater than the detPrm;nP-l volume of material to be packaged and a r~nt~;nPr ~ -insert 12 therein having an interior portion 40 of a predetermined volume ~rom a group of outer c~)ntA;n.ors 10 with r~nt~;nPr inserts 12 having predetermined volumes different than the volume oi material to be packaged. Preferably, the step of selecting an outer rrnt~;nPr 10 comprises selecting an outer container 10 with a rnnti:l;nrr insert 12 therein having an interior portion 40 of a predetermined volume which corresponds to the volume of material to be packaged. By choosing an appropriately sized container insert, the need for cushioning material, such as cotton, to fill the unoccupied 3 o volume of the container may be reduced or altogether eliminated without having different sized outer rr~nt~;nPrs The material to be packaged is then inserted into the interior portion 40 of the rrnt~;nPr insert 12.
Preferably, the step o~ inserting the material into the interior portion 40 comprises inserting a number of individual portions of material, such as tablets. However, a skilled 21~816~
artisan understands that a liquid or powdered material may be similarly packaged. After the material to be packaged is deposited into the container insert 12 the outer cnnt~l;nPr is then sealed with a cap or the like. If the rnnti~;nPr insert 5 is 12 is employed for delivering a liquid material such as nail polish, the cap (not shown) may include a brush for :
applying the material.
Using the oregoing method allows the manufacturer to have a æmall number of differently sized rnnti:l;nPrS, 10 wherein the outer containers have differently sized rr,nt~;n.or inserts therein. By reducing the number o different outer rrnti~;nPrS, automatic packaging processes are simple and ef f icient because the conveying system of the packaging equipment does not have to be reset each time a change in 15 volume occurs. Moreover, the number of diferent shipping cartons and labels is significantly reduced.
It is understood by those skilled in the art that all of the aforementioned steps may be carried out by an individual person or automatically, as by a robotic assembly line.
The combination of an outer container 10 having a r~nt~;nPr insert 12, the combination being referred to hereafter as cnnt~;nPr 62, provides an ideal packaging medium for solving many problems inherent in containers as described above in the Background of the Invention. Figs. 7 and 8 show how the c~nt~;nPr 62 may be stabilized in an upright position, thereby reducing its tendency to tip over. Figs. 9 and 10 show how the ~nntA;nPr 62 may be employed to affect or control odors within the container insert 12, without allowing the odor affecting or controlling substance to contact the contents of the rrnt~;nPr insert 12. Fig. 11 shows how the container 62 may be employed to deliver a premium item without allowing the premium item to contact the contents of the crnti~;n~r insert 12. Figs. 12 and 13 show how the rrnt~;nPr may be made opaque, clear or impervious to ultraviolet 2~ 7~1 6~
radiation ln a manner which minimizes manufacturing costs and steps .
Fig. 7 i8 an elevational view, partially in cross section, of an alternative version of the second embodiment of the invention. The rnnt~;nPr 62 in Fig. 7 is identical to the container in Fig. 4, except that the cnnt~;npr insert 12 in Fig. 7 is shorter in length than the rnntA;nPr insert 12 in Fig. ~. The shorter length increases the volume of space 61 between the rnnt~; nPr insert 12 and the outer container 10, particularly between the bottom 34 of the insert 12 and the bottom 14 of the outer rnnti~;nPr 10. To inhibit the rnnt~3;nPr 62 from easily moving from an upright position, one or more stabilizing masses or weights 66 are placed in the space 61.
Preferably, the weight 66 is attached to either the inner =:
surface of the outer rnnti~lnPr~s wall 18 or bottom 14, or the outer surface of the container insert~ 8 wall 38 or bottom 34 .
To aderiuately stabilize the rnnt~; nPr 62, the weight 66 should be placed in the space 61 80 that the center of gravity of the cr,nti~;nPr 62 is closer to the bottom 14 of the outer container 10 than to the opening 24. Fig. 7 shows one weight 66 attached to the inner surface of the outer rnnt~;npr~s bottom 14 and another weight attached to the outer surface of the container insert' 8 bottom 34 . The weights 66 in Fig. 7 are constructed of packed sand. However, the weights may be constructed o any relatively dense and inexpensive material such a8 metal, glass or the like.
Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a rnnti~;npr 62 which is identical to the container in Fig. 6, but which includes a weight 66 attached to the inner surface of the outer rrnt~;nPr~s bottom 14. A portion of the outer container 10 is broken away to show the space 61.
Figs. 9 and 10 show how the space 61 may be employed to provide the cr,nt~;nPr 62 with an odor affecting substance, generally designated as 68. Referring to the first embodiment of the invention in Fig. 9, the odor affecting substance 68 is preferably located anywhere in the space 61 80 long as the 217816~
substance 68 is in fluid communication with the vent means or grooves 46. The odor affecting substance 68 interacts with the f luid in the space 61 and the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 to impart odor to the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12, or to ma3k or absorb an odor associated with the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12. As shown in Fig. 9, the odor affecting substance 68 and the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 are separated by the wall 3 8 of the insert 12. When the cap (not shown) is positioned over the opening 24 of the mouth of the outer rnntA;n~r 10, odors flow between the odor affecting substance 68 and the interior portion 40 of the insert 12. By separating the odor affecting substance 68 and the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 such that the substance 68 is n~t accessible from outside of the outer container 10, the risk that an individual who is to ingest the material will confuse the odor affecting substance 68 with the material is minimized. Further, special packaging labeling and hAn-ll ;n~ of the odor affecting substance 68 can be avoided. Hence, the present invention physically isolates the odor affecting substance 68 and the material within the insert 12, while allowing the substance 68 to interact with the interior portion 40 of the insert 12.
It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention i8 not limited to the use of any particular odor affecting substance 68, since the particular type and amount of 3ubstance 68 used will depend on the type and amount of material packaged within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12, the amount of odor control which is desired, as well as the size of the outer cnntA;n~r 10, insert 12 and vent means. However, to prevent the odor affecting substance 68 from -nntAf-t;ng the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12, it is preferred that the physical carrier for the substance 68 (if one is employed) be sized so that it is greater than the dimensions of the vent means or grooves 46.
21781~
The second embodiment of the invention may also include an odor affecting substance 68 in the space 61 as described above in connection with the first embodiment. Fig.
10 shows an alternatiYe version of the second embodiment of the invention. The container 62 in Fig. 10 is identical to the r~r~nti~ln.~r in Fig. 7, except that weight 66 is replaced with an odor affecting substance 68. When the cap (not shown) is placed over the neck 22 of the outer container 10 in the second ~Inhnrl;l -nt of the invention, the space 61 may not be in fluid communication with the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 because the second end 48 of the grooves 46 faces outwardly. Accordingly, to permit the odor affecting substance 68 to be in fluid communication with the interior portion 40 of the insert 12, one or more openings 70 are provided in the wall 38 and/or bottom 34 of the insert 12 The openings are preferably sized to prevent the material in the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 from passi}~g into the space 61 and to prevent the physical carrier of the odor affecting substance 68 (if one is employed) from passing into the interior portion 40 of the insert 12.
Fig. 9 shows an odor affecting substance 68 in the form of a solid block of material, whereas Fig. 10 shows the substance 68 as being a sponge-like material. However, the ~:
substance 68 may be any gas, liquid or solid, or carrier holding a gas, liquid or solid which is capable of imparting odors to another material, masking odors associated with another material, or absorbing odors emanating from a material. Accordingly, the odor affecting substance 68 may be ..
odiferous, such as a fragrance, or it may be a malodor 3 0 counteractant, such as an odor absorber or an odor masker . A
malodor is any odor that one does not want to be present, including a bad odor. Some types of malodor counteractants include zeolites, activated charcoal and baking soda. The brain registers an odor only when specific nose receptor sites 35 are filled with odor molecules (so-called 'llock and key"
mechanism). An odor masking substance produces an odor which interferes with one or more of the nose receptor sites associated with the undesired odor. Thus, even though the undesired odDr is still present, the odor masking substance blocks the brain from experiencing the undesired odor.
Fig. 11 shows how the space 61 may be employed in the f irst embodiment of the invention to deliver a premium item 72, such as a prize toy, with the container 62. The item 72 is preferably placed in the bottom of the outer crntir;nr~r 10 before the insert 12 is set into place. The item 72 may be placed loosely in the space 61 80 that it moves around when the rr,nti:liner 62 is picked up, thereby rr~rn;nrl;n-q the person using the rnntA;nr~r that the item 72 is inside. Score lines, cut lines or guide lines (not shown) may be placed on the outer 6urface of the outer container:10 to assist a user in gaining access to the item 72. The second embodiment of the invention is equally suitable for delivering a premium item 72 .
Fig. 12 shows a container 62 ' according to the first embodiment of the invention, as depicted in Fig. 6, wherein the outer rr~nti3;nr~r 10~ is opaque (i.e., impervious to rays of light) and the container insert 12 ' is clear or colorless (i.e., transparent to light). Oftentimes, a container must be made opaque because light may alter the properties of the crnt~ntq. ~he outer container 10 ~ may be made opaque by employing either light reflecting (e.g., a light reflective film or coating) or light absorbing material (e.g., black coloring). When employing the crnt~in~Dr 62' of the invention, it is not necessary to color the insert 12 ' if the outer crnt~;n-~r 10' i8 sufficiently opaque to block the rays of light. Accordingly, the inserts 12 ' can be made cheaper by being used clear. As noted above, coloring container~
increases their manufacturing cost because of the cost of the :
colorant and the additional manufacturing step~ required to color the raw material (typically, plastic).
Fig. 13 shows a rr~nti~;nr~r 62n according to the first embodiment of the invention, as depicted in Fig. 6, wherein 2~ 78165 . the outer rnn~;nPr 10" i8 colorless and the cnntainer insert 12" i~ opariue. Such a container provides the same advantages as the container in Fig. 12, as well as providing the illusion of the insert suspended from, and floating in the outer container 10". A rnnti3;nPr label 74 may be placed on the cnntA;n~r insert 12", thereby avoiding the necessity to separately label the outer container- 10 " . By placing the label within the outer container 10 ", it makes it more difficult to tamper with the label 74 or remove it from the 0 rnnt:~ i nPr 62 " .
In addition to being either clear or opariue, the outer rnnt~inPr 10 and container insert 12 may include a coating or be made from a material which i8 impervious to ultraviolet radiation. Again, the coating or material may either reflect or absorb the ultraviolet radiation.
The outer container 10 and rnnt~inPr insert 12 may also be made from different colored materials. For example, the outer container 10 may be white and the container insert 12 may be black. A black insert 12 provides maximum light blockage while still allowing the rnnt;~in~r 62 to have a light appearance ~rom a perspective view.
From the foregoing description of the pre~erred Pmhn~; nt, it can be seen that the present invention comprises a container having an outer cnntA;nf~r and a container insert therein, a method for assembling the cnnti~;nPr insert within the outer rnnti~;nPr, a method of packaging a predetermined volume of material using the aforementioned combination, and methods of taking advantage of ~=
the space between the outer container and the rnnt~;nPr insert to stabilize the container, to control odors and to deliver items. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereo~.
For instance, the present invention is not limited to the pharmaceutical industry and is useful in other industries which package different volumes of material, including confectionery and personal care products. It i3 under~tood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclo~ed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the ~3pirit and scope of the invention a~ de~ined by the appended claim~.
OUTER CONTAINER ~AVING A CONT~INER INSERT
T~EREIN FOR EnT~n~G ~ , N~ VO~:~TTMT'' QF M~T7;!T~r.7~T, Cross-~ç:ee~qnce ~o Related AT~TJlication This application is a rnnt;nll~tion-in-part of co-pending application Serial No. 08/127,399 filed September 27, 1993, which is a ~-nnt;nl~tion-in-part of co-pending application Serial No. 07/959,513, filed October 13, 1992, now U.S. Patent No. 5,315,811, which is a continuation of application Serial No. 07/756,~09 filed September 9, 1991, ~ nrlnnPd, which is a divisional of application 5erial No. 07/707,489 ~iled May 30, 1991, now U.S.
Patent No. 5,197,602.
Field o~ the InveIltion The present invention relates to packaging a predetermined volume of material and, more particularly, to a container insert for holding a predetermined volume of material within an outer cnnt~; nPr~ :
Back~Tround ~ the Inve~tiQn _ _~
In order to decrease the cost and increase the efficiency of packaging materials, it would be useful to have cnnt;~nPr8 of uniform outer dimengions which allow for packaging of different predetermined volumes of material. For example, a typical pharmaceutical manufacturer may package dif~erent quantities of a product for shipment to retail 25 pharmacies in correspondingly sized different cnnt~nPrs. The manu~acturer may decide to ship a product in two or three differe~t quantities (e.g., 50 or 200 ta~lets) in two or three different sized nnt~;nPrS. The tablets or pills to be shipped may contain dif~erent dosages of medication (e.g., 30 30 mg, 100 mg, etc. ) . The tablets may be sized or shaped l~iZZ7 . 1 .
217gl6~
differently. Each of these factors, and other factors too numerous to mention, may affect the volume of material to be packaged in an individual bottle. A manufacturer may, therefore, need a series of bottles having different interior volumes to accommodate the disparate volumes of material to be packaged. Each series of bottles may have different exterior dimensions and configurations, thereby re~uiring different equipment lines for packaging and labelling the bottles.
It would be advantageous for a manufacturer to have available cr)nti~;nors of uniform outer dimension and configuration in order to standardize systems for filling, closing, and labelling each bottle and rendering tamper-proof the bottle closures The size of dispensing and shipping cartons and the packaging system therefor may also be standardized.
In addition, it would be advantageous for a manufacturer to have available a cont~;n~r at least partially f ormed f rom recycled materials in order to lessen container cost and to help preserve the environment. E~owever, in areas - 20 where r~nt~m;ni~tion of the packaged material is of concern, it is desirable that the recycled portion of the ront~;n,~r not contact the packaged material . t ont~m; n~tion of the packaged _ material is particularly undesirable in the pharmaceutical industry, where product integrity is imperative.
Cont~;nPrs suffer from other problems inherent in their design. For example, containers of certain shapes are = :~
easily tipped over, thereby jostling or spilling the content8.
Tightly closed ront~;n~rs lock in odors given off by the contents. ~ikewise, odors given off by the conti~;nPr material may be absorbed by the rnntf~nt~. If odor affecting or odor controlling substances are placed in the cont~;n.or, the substances will directly contact the cont~;nf~r rontPnt~ If a premium item is desired to be delivered with the container, the item must be placed in the cont~;n~r where it will contact the ~-~nt~nt~ To prevent light or ultraviolet radiation from impinging on the r"nt;,;nF-r contents, the ~ ont~;n~r must be _ 3 _ 2178165 made opar~ue or impervious to ultraviolet radiation. However, the colors and materials which must be employed to make the container opaque or impervious to ultraviolet radiation may clash with marketing considerations for the preferred 5 appearance of the contAinpr. Coloring containers increases their m-n7lf;7rtl7ring cost because of the co~t of the colorant and the additional manufacturing steps re-~uired to color the raw material (typically, plastic).
The present invention fulfills a long-felt need in the art by overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art rf7ntAinPrs and providing other advantages as set forth below.
S7~mma-~f of the Invention The present invention comprises a container for holding a material. In one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises an outer container, a container insert and a mass. The contAinp~ insert is positioned within the outer rontA;nPr. A wall of the ront_7inP~ in7ert is ~ecured to a wall of the outer ront 7;nPr. A mas~ posltioned within the contA;nPr in a space between the insert and the outer ~-container. The mass stabilizes the ront;7;nPr in an upright position .
In another embodiment of the invention, the ront;7inP~ comprises an outer rontA;nPr, a container insert and an odor affecting substance. The rnnt;7;nPr in7ert is poiiitioned within the outer cont;7;nP~. A wall of the container insert i~ secured to a wall of the outer container.
The odor affecting substance is positioned within the container in a space between the insert and tae outer rnntA;nPr The space is in fluid ro-777~n;cation with the interior of the rontA;nPr insert 70 that when the r- nt;7;nP~ i~
capped, the odor affecting substance alters the odor of the ~ _ material in the interior portion of the insert.
In another embodiment of the invention, the rontAinPr comprises an outer rr~ntA;nP~ and a cf-nt-7;nPr insert 217816~
which is either opaque or clear. The rnnt~1nPr in3ert is positioned within the outer rnnt~;nPr A wall of the rnnt~;nPr insert is secured to a wall of the outer container.
In another embodiment of the invention, the cnnt~;nPr comprises an outer cont~;nPr, a container in~ert and an object such as a premium item. The container insert is positioned within the outer rnnt~;nPr A wall of the rnntil;nPr insert is secured to a wall of the outer cnnt~;npr The object i3 positioned within the rnnt~;nPr in a space between the insert and the outer container.
Brie~ DeacriPtion of the Drawinqs The foregoing summary, as well as the following ~Pti~; 1 Prl description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invcntion, there is shown in the drawings Pmhnrl;r^nts which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclo3ed. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an outer container having a rnnt~;nPr insert in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention therein;
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the outer rnntil;nPr and cnnt~;npr insert of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer container and cr~nti~;nPr insert of Fig. 1 taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is an elevational view, partially in cross section, of an outer rnnt~;nPr having a rnnt;~;nPr insert in accordance with a second Pmhorl;mPnt of the invention therein;
Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the rnnt~;nPr insert of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second outer -rnnt;~;nPr having a second rnnt~;nPr insert therein, in ` ~ . 21~816~
accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention therein;
Fig. 7 is an elevational view, partially in cross section, of an outer rnnt~;n,~r having a container insert in accordance with a modified version of the second embodiment of the invention therein, and also including a stabilizing weight placed between the outer container and container insert;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second outer ~ -container having a second container insert therein, in accordance with the f irst embodiment of the present invention therein, the second outer container being partially broken away to show a stabilizing weight between the outer rnnt~;nPr and cnnt~;nPr insert;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second outer container having a second container insert therein, in accordance with the f irst embodiment of the present invention therein, the second outer rnntA;n~r being partially broken away to show an odor affecting substance between the outer rnnt~;nPr and container insert;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a sec~nd outer - -cnnti~; nPr having a second container insert therein, in accordance with the first embodiment o~ the present invention -therein, and also including an odor affecting substance located between the outer rnnt~;nPr and rnnt~;n~r insert;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a second outer rnnt~;n~r having a second rnnt:~;nf~r insert therein, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention therein, the second outer rnnti~;n~or being partially broken away to show a premium item between the outer container and cnnt~;nPr insert;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an oparlue second outer container having a clear second rnnt~l;n~r insert therein, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention therein, the second outer rnnt~;nPr being partially broken away to show the clear second cnnti~;nPr insert; and Fig. 13 18 a perspective view of a clear second outer rnnti~;nPr having an opaque second rnn~;nPr insert =:
therein, in accordance with the f irst embodiment of the present invention therein.
Detailed Desqription of Preferred ;r ' ~'~ ts Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs.
through 3 and 6 an outer rnnt~;nPr, generally designated 10, having a rnnt~;nPr insert 12 therein for holding a predetPrm; nP-l volume of material (not shown), in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
The outer cnnt~;npr 10 comprises a container bottom 14 having a periphery 16 and a rnnt~;nPr wall 18 extending generally upwardly from the periphery 16. It is preferred that the cnnti~;nPr bottom 14 be generally planar, although the bottom 14 may be concave ~see Fig. 4). The periphery 16 of the cn~t~;nPr bottom 14 may be slightly rounded to eliminate any sharp edges from the container 10. Preferably, the rnnt~;nPr ~ottom 14 and cnn~;npr wall 18 define an outer rnnt~;nPr 10 which is generally annular in cross section, although the outer rrnt~;nPr 10 may be of any shape such as generally rectangular in cross section, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand.
As best shown in Figs . 2 and 3, the cnnt~; nPr bottom 14 and the cnnti~;npr wall 18 define an interior rnnt~;nPr portion, generally indicated at 2 0, having a predetermined volume. The intPr;rr rnnt~;nPr portion 20 is sized to accommodate the rnnti~;nrr insert 12, as described in more detail hereinafter. The container wall 18 comprises a neck portion 22 defining an opening, indicated generally at 24, for receiving the rrnt~1nPr insert 12 therein. Preferably, the opening 24 in the neck portion 22 is generally circular in cross section and has a diameter which is smaller than the inner ~ nPtPr of the cnnt~inPr wall 18. The neck portion 22 includes a transition surface or shoulder 25 between the neck 2~7816~
-. portion 22 and cnnt~inpr wall 18. The shoulder 25 is preferably curved to eliminate sharp edges and increase structural integrity. The neck portion 22 has an interior surface 26 complementarily sized to accommodate an exterior surface 28 of the ~nnt~;nPr insert 12 for securely fixing the container insert 12 within the interior container portion 20, as described in more detail hereinafter. The interior surface 26 is preferably generally textured to reduce the surface area ~-of the interior surface 26 and friction between the interior surface 26 and the exterior surface 28 when the cnnt~;nPr ==~-=
insert 12 is positioned within the outer container 10, as is also described in more detail hereinafter.
As best shown in Fig. 3, it is preferred that the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22 include a lip 54 P7~tPn(l; ng radially inwardly along the upper end thereof for preventing the insert 12 from being removed from the interior container portion 20. That is, the insert 12 is ;n;t;;~lly positioned within the outer container 10 with a snap fit. The lip 54 prevents the insert 12 ~rom moving upwardly out of the outer container 10. The neck portion 22 has an exterior surface 30 which preferably includes threads 32 for receiving a cap tnot shown). One skilled in the art would understand that other means besides threads 32 may be used to accommodate the cap, such as a friction fit or a child-proof fastener (not shown). In addition, any gap between the cap and the opening 24 of the neck portion 22 may be sealed by a sheet of material, such as plastic, in order to inhibit tampering, as is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art.
As best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the present invention further comprises a .nnt~;nPr insert 12 positioned within the interior ,nnt~;nPr portion 20 of the outer rnnt 2;nPr 10. The rnnt;~;nPr insert 12 comprises a bottom 34 having a periphery 36 and a wall 38 extending generally upwardly from the periphery 36. Presently, it is preferred that the bottom 34 and wall 38 of the cont~;npr insert 12 define a cnn~;npr in3ert 12 which is generally annular in 21 7~
cross section, although one skilled in the art would understand that the shape of the cnnt~;n~r insert 12 may be generally rectangular in cross section, or any other compl PmF~nt~ry shape which may be accommodated within the interior rm~nt~inrr portion 20 and neck portion 22 of the outer cr~nti~inrr 10, in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The bottom 34 and the wall 38 of the r~ntA1nPr insert 12 def ine an interior portion, generally indicated at 40, of predetermined volume for holding the predetermined volume of material. The predetermined volume of the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 shown in Fig. 1 is less than the predetermined volume of the interior rt~nti~inf~r portion 20 of the outer cf~nt~in~'r 10 In Fig. 6 there is shown a second outer container 10, which is generally identical to the outer cnnt~inPr 10 shown in Fig. 1, having a second container insert 12 therein. The predetermined volume of the interior portion 40 of the second insert 12 shown in Fig. 6 is less than the :
predetermined volume of the interior rr~nt:: ;n~r portion 20 of the outer ~rnti~;nf~r 10 as well as the predetermined volume of the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 shown in Fig. 1.
As best shown in Fig. 2, the wall 38 comprises an upper portion 42 spaced apart from the bottom 34. The upper portion 42 defines an opening, indicated generally at 43, for receiving the material to be packaged. A8 shown in Fig. 3, ~~
the upper portion 42 has an exterior surface 44 in facing engagement with the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22. Preferably the exterior surface 44 and interior surface 26 are securely engaged together by a friction fit, although one skilled in the art would understand that other means, such as adhesive or fasteners, may be used to m~;nt~;n the surfaces 44, 26 in engagement. The surfaces 44, 26 are aligned such that the top edge of the exterior surface 44 is in ~ eLlt with the lip 54, as best shown in Fig. 3. The upper portion 42 has a height which corresponds to the height of the neck portion 22 of the outer rmnt::l;nF~r 10.
` ~ 217816~
The cont~;npr insert 12 preferably includes vent means in the exterior surface oi the wall 38 for allowing fluid, such as air, to pass from the interior cont~inpr -= -portion 20 to the atmosphere when the cont~;npr insert 12 is 5positioned within the outer ront~;nf~r 10.
In the first embodiment, the vent means preferably includes four grooves 46 in the exterior sur~ace of the wall 38 of the insert 12, each groove 46 having a first end 48 and a second end 50. Because of the arcuate periphery of the lip 1054, the first end 48 of the grooves 46 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere surrounding the outer container 10 and the insert 12. The second end 50 of the grooves 46 is in fluid ~:~ ; ration with the interior ront~;nPr portion 20 of the outer ronti:l;nPr 10 for allowing 15fluid, such as air, to pass through the grooves g6 from the interior ront~;nPr portion 20 to the atmosphere when the cont~;nPr insert 12 is positioned within the outer ront~inPr 10 .
Preferably, the second end 50 of the grooves 46 20extends to the periphery 36 of the bottom 34, such that the grOQVeS 46 extend the length of the insert 12. Therefore, as the insert 12 is positioned within the interior container =
portion 2 0, the interior container portion 2 0 is in continuing ~luid r~lmTm~n; r~tion with the ~,u--~ullding atmosphere to allow 25air within the interior ront~;nf~r portion 20 which is displaced by insertion of the insert 12 to pass to the atmosphere .
A skilled artisan understands that the grooves 46 may be of any length sufficient to span the exterior surface 3044 of the upper portion 42 of the ~ont;l;nf~r insert 12. The width of the grooves 46 may be any width sufficient to allow the air within the interior container portion 20 to escape to the atmol phere without impeding insertion of the insert 12 .
However, a sufficient portion of the exterior surface 44 must 35remain to ensure sufficient contact between the exterior surface 44 of the upper portion 42 and interior surface 26 of lO - 21 781 S~
the neck portion 22 to maintain the desired friction fit. One skilled in the art would understand that any number of grooves g6 may be provided in the wall 38 of the container insert 12 including one, two or six. Presently, it is preferred that the four grooves 46 be formed equidistantly around the exterior surface 44, although they may be randomly placed thereabout .
It is understood by those skilled in the art that other vent means may be provided in the rnnt~;nPr insert 12 or outer container 10 for allowing air to pass from the interior rnnti~;nPr portion 20 to the surrounding atmosphere. For instance, an opening (not shown) can extend through the wall 3 8 of the insert 12 or the wall 18 of the outer container 10 for allowing fluid to pass therethrough between the interior -cnnt~inPr portion 20 and the atmosphere without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Preferably, at least one of the insert 12 and the outer rnnt~;nPr 10 is constructed of a thermoplastic, such as a high density polyethylene or polypropylene. For pharmarP-ltir~l applications, it is preferred that the insert 12 and outer rnnt~inPr 10 be formed from virgin material to inhibit rnnt~m;n~t;nn of the material to be packaged therein.
However, one skilled in the art would understand that the insert 12 and outer rnnt~inPr 10 may be formed from any suitable material, such as glass. It is preferred that the outer container 10 be formed from an injection-blow moldable material which contracts upon cooling to ambient temperature in order to maintain the friction fit between the exterior : -surface 44 o~ the insert 12 and the interior surface 26 of the outer cnnt~;npr 10, as described in more detail hereinafter.
Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, there is shown a second embodiment of an outer rnnt~;nPr 10 and rnnt~;nPr insert 12. The outer rnnt~inPr 10 is generally identical to .
the outer ,-nnt~inPr described above in connection with the f irst embodiment shown in Figs l through 3 . Similarly, the rnnt~inPr insert 12 is generally identical to the cnnti~inPr 217~16~
insert 12 described above in connection with the f irst embodiment, except that the upper portion includes a flange 60 PYtPn~l;ng generally radially outwardly a distance sufficient to substi~nt; ~l l y overlap an upper edge 56 of the neck portion 5 22.
As best shown in Fig. 5, the exterior surface of the rnnti~;nPr insert 12 include~ a complementary groove 58 just below the flange 60 for receiving the lip 54 of the neck portion 22 to assist in securely locking the rnnt~; nPr insert 10 12 within the outer container 10. In order to allow the air within the interior container portion 20 to escape to the atmosphere, the grooves 46 extend to the periphery of the f lange 6 0 .
Since the cnnt~;~Pr insert 12 includes a flange 60, 15 the material to be packaged does not contact the outer container 10 during packaging and dispensing. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is preferred that the outer container 10 be formed fro;n a recyclable material, such as plastic. In the pharmaceutical industry, where maintaining 20 product purity is imperative, it is particularly desirable that the recycled portion of the cnnt~;npr not contact the packaged material.
In the present invention, the portion of the container insert 12 which receives the material to be packaged 25 is insulated from the outer rnnt~;nPr 10 by the wall 38 of the cnnt~;nPr insert 12 and an air barrier or space 61 between the cnnti~inPr ingert 12 and the outer container 10 which prevents rnntAni n~tion of the park~rP~ material as a result of contact with the recycled outer rnnt:~inPr 10. Thus, the second 3 0 embodiment is advantageous because recycled plastic is generally less costly than virgin plastic and is beneficial to the environment.
The method according to the present invention f or assembling the outer rnnt~inPr 10 having a container insert 12 35 therein will now be described generally. The following description of the method of assembly, while directed to the - 12 - 21 781 6~
. first embodiment, is er~ually applicable to the second embodiment .
With reference to Fig. 2, the method comprises the initial steps of forming the outer rr>ntA~nPr 10 and rnntA;nPr insert 12. The rnn~A;nPr 10 and insert 12 are preferably formed by injection-blow molding, although other molding processes, such as extrusion blow molding or injection molding, may be used. It i8 preferred that the portion of the mold (not shown) which forms the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22 be sandblasted with 30 grit ~ m; nllm oxide at a pressure of 3 0 psi . and then be chrome plated. Thi~ results in the interior surface 26 being generally textured such that it has a plurality of minute pits and projections 26a. While it is preferred that 30 grit Alllm;nllm oxide at a pressure of 30 psi. be used, it is under~tood by those skilled in the art that other grit sizes, materials and/or pressures could be used to achieve the generally textured surface without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It was found that if the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22 and the exterior surface 44 of the upper portion 44 were formed to be generally smooth, during the process of inserting the container insert 12 into the outer container 10 from ten to eleven percent of the assembled product would be unusable. More particularly, even with the venting, the relatively high degree of friction between the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 during insertion of the rnntAinrr insert 12 often resulted in the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 her- ;nrJ bound together before the rnntA;nr-r insert 12 is entirely positioned within the outer rnntA;nPr 10 causing the shoulder 25 to collapse due to the force o~ the assembling device ~not shown) .
~3y molding the interior surface 26 to be generally rough, the surface area of the interior surface 26 which engages the exterior surface 44 is reduced resulting in less ~riction between the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 during insertion of the cont~;nr-r insert 12 into the outer 2I 7~I 6~
container 10. With less friction between the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 the problem of collapsin~ the shoulder 25 during assembly is obviated.
While it is preferred that the interior surface 26 be generally rough to reduce friction during assembly, it is understood by those skilled in the art that only the exterior surface 44 could be generally rough or both the interior and exterior surfaces 26, 44 could be generally rough, without departing from the spirit and scop~ of the invention.
To aid in the removal of the cn~t~;npr insert 12 during the molding process, the exterior surface 44 of the container insert 12 includes a second groove 52 to provide a gripping surface. In addition, the lip 54 of the outer =_ container 10 also provides a gripping surface to facilitate removal of the heated outer ~nnt;3;n~r 10 from the injection molding apparatus. Xowever, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to any particular method of removing the container insert 12 or=
~nnt;l;nPr 10 from the injection blow molding apparatus and that other methods could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the i~vention.
Next, the temperature of the ,-nnt~inPr insert 12 is controlled such that the container insert 12 is at a f irst predet.orrn;nPr~ temperature. Preferably, the step of controlling the temperature of the ~nnt~;nPr insert 12 comprises cooling the ~rnnt~n~r insert 12 to the first predetermined temperature after it has been formed. This cooling may be affected by exposing the container insert 12 to air at ambient conditions or by refrigeration. It is preferred that the first predetermined temperature be ambient temperature, generally between 50F to 80F, although one skilled in the art would understand that the first predetermined temperature may be any temperature which is less than the temperature of the cnnt~;nPr 12, as discussed below.
The temperature of the outer r nnt~;nPr 10 is controlled such that the outer ~nnt~;nPr 10 iS at a secorLd ~ 21781~5 predetermined temperature greater than the f irst predetermined temperature of the rnntA;nPr insert 12. The elevated second temperature is achieved when the outer rnnti~;nPr 10 is removed from the injection molding apparatus, prior to significant cooling. Preferably, the second predetPrm;np~i temperature is between 100F and 150F. Xowever, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the second predetPrrn; nPd temperature of the outer rnntA;n~r 10 can be achieved by reheating the outer container 10 by other means, such as an oven (not shown), if the outer container 10 has cooled to a temperature below 100F.
When the outer container 10 is at the second predetermined temperature and the insert is at the first predetermined temperature, the container insert 12 is positioned through the opening 24 in the neck portion 22 into the interior container portion 20 of the outer rrntA;nF.r 10 such that the exterior surEace 44 o~ the upper portion 42 is initially in facing sliding engagement with the interior surface 26 of the neck portion 22. The first end 48 of the grooves 46 is in fluid communication with the atmos~here surrounding the outer cnnt~;npr 10 and the second end 50 of the grooYes 46 is in fluid communication with the interior container portion 20 for allowing fluid, such as air, to pass through the grooves 46 from the interior rrntA;nPr portion 20 to the atmosphere, as best shown in Fig. 3.
The outer rnntA;nPr 10 is cooled to a third predetermined temperature less than the second predetermined temperature such that the interior surf ace 2 6 of the neck portion 22 contracts into tight engagement with the exterior surface 44 of the upper portion 42 of the container insert 12, whereby the rnnt~;n~r insert 12 is frictionally secured to the neck portion 22. A8 the outer rnntAin~r 10 contracts, the volume of the interior rnntA;n~r portion 20 decreases causing air to pass through the grooves 46 to the surrounding atmosphere.
21 78~ 65 The method of packaging a predetermined volume of material, such as pills, liriuids, or powders, by use of an outer container 10 having a rrnt~;nPr insert 12 therein will now be described generally.
The method generally comprises the initial step of determining a volume of material to be packaged. This determination need not involve the counting of individual portions of material, such as tablets. However, pharmaceutical products are preferably packaged by count. A
number of closely packed individual portions of material, such as tablets, generally occupy a known volume even though there may be small gaps between the tablets. This known volume corresponds to the volume of material to be packaged. Where the material to be packaged is f luid, such as a liquid or powder, the volume of the material to be packaged is directly ascertainable .
Next, the person who is packing the material selects an outer rr~nti~;n~r 10 having a volume greater than the detPrm;nP-l volume of material to be packaged and a r~nt~;nPr ~ -insert 12 therein having an interior portion 40 of a predetermined volume ~rom a group of outer c~)ntA;n.ors 10 with r~nt~;nPr inserts 12 having predetermined volumes different than the volume oi material to be packaged. Preferably, the step of selecting an outer rrnt~;nPr 10 comprises selecting an outer container 10 with a rnnti:l;nrr insert 12 therein having an interior portion 40 of a predetermined volume which corresponds to the volume of material to be packaged. By choosing an appropriately sized container insert, the need for cushioning material, such as cotton, to fill the unoccupied 3 o volume of the container may be reduced or altogether eliminated without having different sized outer rr~nt~;nPrs The material to be packaged is then inserted into the interior portion 40 of the rrnt~;nPr insert 12.
Preferably, the step o~ inserting the material into the interior portion 40 comprises inserting a number of individual portions of material, such as tablets. However, a skilled 21~816~
artisan understands that a liquid or powdered material may be similarly packaged. After the material to be packaged is deposited into the container insert 12 the outer cnnt~l;nPr is then sealed with a cap or the like. If the rnnti~;nPr insert 5 is 12 is employed for delivering a liquid material such as nail polish, the cap (not shown) may include a brush for :
applying the material.
Using the oregoing method allows the manufacturer to have a æmall number of differently sized rnnti:l;nPrS, 10 wherein the outer containers have differently sized rr,nt~;n.or inserts therein. By reducing the number o different outer rrnti~;nPrS, automatic packaging processes are simple and ef f icient because the conveying system of the packaging equipment does not have to be reset each time a change in 15 volume occurs. Moreover, the number of diferent shipping cartons and labels is significantly reduced.
It is understood by those skilled in the art that all of the aforementioned steps may be carried out by an individual person or automatically, as by a robotic assembly line.
The combination of an outer container 10 having a r~nt~;nPr insert 12, the combination being referred to hereafter as cnnt~;nPr 62, provides an ideal packaging medium for solving many problems inherent in containers as described above in the Background of the Invention. Figs. 7 and 8 show how the c~nt~;nPr 62 may be stabilized in an upright position, thereby reducing its tendency to tip over. Figs. 9 and 10 show how the ~nntA;nPr 62 may be employed to affect or control odors within the container insert 12, without allowing the odor affecting or controlling substance to contact the contents of the rrnt~;nPr insert 12. Fig. 11 shows how the container 62 may be employed to deliver a premium item without allowing the premium item to contact the contents of the crnti~;n~r insert 12. Figs. 12 and 13 show how the rrnt~;nPr may be made opaque, clear or impervious to ultraviolet 2~ 7~1 6~
radiation ln a manner which minimizes manufacturing costs and steps .
Fig. 7 i8 an elevational view, partially in cross section, of an alternative version of the second embodiment of the invention. The rnnt~;nPr 62 in Fig. 7 is identical to the container in Fig. 4, except that the cnnt~;npr insert 12 in Fig. 7 is shorter in length than the rnntA;nPr insert 12 in Fig. ~. The shorter length increases the volume of space 61 between the rnnt~; nPr insert 12 and the outer container 10, particularly between the bottom 34 of the insert 12 and the bottom 14 of the outer rnnti~;nPr 10. To inhibit the rnnt~3;nPr 62 from easily moving from an upright position, one or more stabilizing masses or weights 66 are placed in the space 61.
Preferably, the weight 66 is attached to either the inner =:
surface of the outer rnnti~lnPr~s wall 18 or bottom 14, or the outer surface of the container insert~ 8 wall 38 or bottom 34 .
To aderiuately stabilize the rnnt~; nPr 62, the weight 66 should be placed in the space 61 80 that the center of gravity of the cr,nti~;nPr 62 is closer to the bottom 14 of the outer container 10 than to the opening 24. Fig. 7 shows one weight 66 attached to the inner surface of the outer rnnt~;npr~s bottom 14 and another weight attached to the outer surface of the container insert' 8 bottom 34 . The weights 66 in Fig. 7 are constructed of packed sand. However, the weights may be constructed o any relatively dense and inexpensive material such a8 metal, glass or the like.
Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a rnnti~;npr 62 which is identical to the container in Fig. 6, but which includes a weight 66 attached to the inner surface of the outer rrnt~;nPr~s bottom 14. A portion of the outer container 10 is broken away to show the space 61.
Figs. 9 and 10 show how the space 61 may be employed to provide the cr,nt~;nPr 62 with an odor affecting substance, generally designated as 68. Referring to the first embodiment of the invention in Fig. 9, the odor affecting substance 68 is preferably located anywhere in the space 61 80 long as the 217816~
substance 68 is in fluid communication with the vent means or grooves 46. The odor affecting substance 68 interacts with the f luid in the space 61 and the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 to impart odor to the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12, or to ma3k or absorb an odor associated with the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12. As shown in Fig. 9, the odor affecting substance 68 and the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 are separated by the wall 3 8 of the insert 12. When the cap (not shown) is positioned over the opening 24 of the mouth of the outer rnntA;n~r 10, odors flow between the odor affecting substance 68 and the interior portion 40 of the insert 12. By separating the odor affecting substance 68 and the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 such that the substance 68 is n~t accessible from outside of the outer container 10, the risk that an individual who is to ingest the material will confuse the odor affecting substance 68 with the material is minimized. Further, special packaging labeling and hAn-ll ;n~ of the odor affecting substance 68 can be avoided. Hence, the present invention physically isolates the odor affecting substance 68 and the material within the insert 12, while allowing the substance 68 to interact with the interior portion 40 of the insert 12.
It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention i8 not limited to the use of any particular odor affecting substance 68, since the particular type and amount of 3ubstance 68 used will depend on the type and amount of material packaged within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12, the amount of odor control which is desired, as well as the size of the outer cnntA;n~r 10, insert 12 and vent means. However, to prevent the odor affecting substance 68 from -nntAf-t;ng the material within the interior portion 40 of the insert 12, it is preferred that the physical carrier for the substance 68 (if one is employed) be sized so that it is greater than the dimensions of the vent means or grooves 46.
21781~
The second embodiment of the invention may also include an odor affecting substance 68 in the space 61 as described above in connection with the first embodiment. Fig.
10 shows an alternatiYe version of the second embodiment of the invention. The container 62 in Fig. 10 is identical to the r~r~nti~ln.~r in Fig. 7, except that weight 66 is replaced with an odor affecting substance 68. When the cap (not shown) is placed over the neck 22 of the outer container 10 in the second ~Inhnrl;l -nt of the invention, the space 61 may not be in fluid communication with the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 because the second end 48 of the grooves 46 faces outwardly. Accordingly, to permit the odor affecting substance 68 to be in fluid communication with the interior portion 40 of the insert 12, one or more openings 70 are provided in the wall 38 and/or bottom 34 of the insert 12 The openings are preferably sized to prevent the material in the interior portion 40 of the insert 12 from passi}~g into the space 61 and to prevent the physical carrier of the odor affecting substance 68 (if one is employed) from passing into the interior portion 40 of the insert 12.
Fig. 9 shows an odor affecting substance 68 in the form of a solid block of material, whereas Fig. 10 shows the substance 68 as being a sponge-like material. However, the ~:
substance 68 may be any gas, liquid or solid, or carrier holding a gas, liquid or solid which is capable of imparting odors to another material, masking odors associated with another material, or absorbing odors emanating from a material. Accordingly, the odor affecting substance 68 may be ..
odiferous, such as a fragrance, or it may be a malodor 3 0 counteractant, such as an odor absorber or an odor masker . A
malodor is any odor that one does not want to be present, including a bad odor. Some types of malodor counteractants include zeolites, activated charcoal and baking soda. The brain registers an odor only when specific nose receptor sites 35 are filled with odor molecules (so-called 'llock and key"
mechanism). An odor masking substance produces an odor which interferes with one or more of the nose receptor sites associated with the undesired odor. Thus, even though the undesired odDr is still present, the odor masking substance blocks the brain from experiencing the undesired odor.
Fig. 11 shows how the space 61 may be employed in the f irst embodiment of the invention to deliver a premium item 72, such as a prize toy, with the container 62. The item 72 is preferably placed in the bottom of the outer crntir;nr~r 10 before the insert 12 is set into place. The item 72 may be placed loosely in the space 61 80 that it moves around when the rr,nti:liner 62 is picked up, thereby rr~rn;nrl;n-q the person using the rnntA;nr~r that the item 72 is inside. Score lines, cut lines or guide lines (not shown) may be placed on the outer 6urface of the outer container:10 to assist a user in gaining access to the item 72. The second embodiment of the invention is equally suitable for delivering a premium item 72 .
Fig. 12 shows a container 62 ' according to the first embodiment of the invention, as depicted in Fig. 6, wherein the outer rr~nti3;nr~r 10~ is opaque (i.e., impervious to rays of light) and the container insert 12 ' is clear or colorless (i.e., transparent to light). Oftentimes, a container must be made opaque because light may alter the properties of the crnt~ntq. ~he outer container 10 ~ may be made opaque by employing either light reflecting (e.g., a light reflective film or coating) or light absorbing material (e.g., black coloring). When employing the crnt~in~Dr 62' of the invention, it is not necessary to color the insert 12 ' if the outer crnt~;n-~r 10' i8 sufficiently opaque to block the rays of light. Accordingly, the inserts 12 ' can be made cheaper by being used clear. As noted above, coloring container~
increases their manufacturing cost because of the cost of the :
colorant and the additional manufacturing step~ required to color the raw material (typically, plastic).
Fig. 13 shows a rr~nti~;nr~r 62n according to the first embodiment of the invention, as depicted in Fig. 6, wherein 2~ 78165 . the outer rnn~;nPr 10" i8 colorless and the cnntainer insert 12" i~ opariue. Such a container provides the same advantages as the container in Fig. 12, as well as providing the illusion of the insert suspended from, and floating in the outer container 10". A rnnti3;nPr label 74 may be placed on the cnntA;n~r insert 12", thereby avoiding the necessity to separately label the outer container- 10 " . By placing the label within the outer container 10 ", it makes it more difficult to tamper with the label 74 or remove it from the 0 rnnt:~ i nPr 62 " .
In addition to being either clear or opariue, the outer rnnt~inPr 10 and container insert 12 may include a coating or be made from a material which i8 impervious to ultraviolet radiation. Again, the coating or material may either reflect or absorb the ultraviolet radiation.
The outer container 10 and rnnt~inPr insert 12 may also be made from different colored materials. For example, the outer container 10 may be white and the container insert 12 may be black. A black insert 12 provides maximum light blockage while still allowing the rnnt;~in~r 62 to have a light appearance ~rom a perspective view.
From the foregoing description of the pre~erred Pmhn~; nt, it can be seen that the present invention comprises a container having an outer cnntA;nf~r and a container insert therein, a method for assembling the cnnti~;nPr insert within the outer rnnti~;nPr, a method of packaging a predetermined volume of material using the aforementioned combination, and methods of taking advantage of ~=
the space between the outer container and the rnnt~;nPr insert to stabilize the container, to control odors and to deliver items. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereo~.
For instance, the present invention is not limited to the pharmaceutical industry and is useful in other industries which package different volumes of material, including confectionery and personal care products. It i3 under~tood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclo~ed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the ~3pirit and scope of the invention a~ de~ined by the appended claim~.
Claims (37)
1. A container for holding a material, the container comprising:
(a) an outer container including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall comprising a mouth defining an opening;
(b) a container insert positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container; and (c) a mass positioned within the interior container portion in a space between the insert and the outer container for stabilizing the container in an upright position.
(a) an outer container including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall comprising a mouth defining an opening;
(b) a container insert positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container; and (c) a mass positioned within the interior container portion in a space between the insert and the outer container for stabilizing the container in an upright position.
2. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein the mouth has an interior surface and the wall of the insert includes an upper portion spaced apart from the bottom of the insert, the upper portion having an exterior surface dimensioned for complementary engagement with the interior surface of the mouth.
3. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein the mass is attached to at least one of the outer container and container insert to maintain the mass within the outer container.
4. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein the mass has a sufficient weight to inhibit the container from easily moving from an upright position.
5. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein the mass is generally located near the container bottom and has sufficient weight to inhibit the container from easily moving from an upright position.
6. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein the mass includes a plurality of separate elements.
7. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein the center of gravity of the container is closer to the bottom of the outer container than to the mouth.
8. A container for holding a material, the container comprising:
(a) an outer container having an outer periphery and including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall including a mouth defining an opening;
(b) a container insert having an outer periphery positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container; and (c) an odor affecting substance positioned within the outer container in a space between the outer periphery of the insert and the outer periphery of the outer container, at least one of the insert and outer container including a vent for allowing a fluid to pass between the interior portion of the insert and the space, the odor affecting substance and the material within the interior portion of the insert being physically separated by the wall of the insert, and when a cap is positioned over the opening of the mouth of the outer container, the odor affecting substance being in fluid communication with the interior container portion of the outer container to alter the odor of the material in the interior portion of the insert.
(a) an outer container having an outer periphery and including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall including a mouth defining an opening;
(b) a container insert having an outer periphery positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container; and (c) an odor affecting substance positioned within the outer container in a space between the outer periphery of the insert and the outer periphery of the outer container, at least one of the insert and outer container including a vent for allowing a fluid to pass between the interior portion of the insert and the space, the odor affecting substance and the material within the interior portion of the insert being physically separated by the wall of the insert, and when a cap is positioned over the opening of the mouth of the outer container, the odor affecting substance being in fluid communication with the interior container portion of the outer container to alter the odor of the material in the interior portion of the insert.
9. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the odor affecting substance is a malodor counteractant.
10. The container as recited in claim 9 wherein the malodor counteractant is either an odor absorber or an odor masker.
11. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the odor affecting substance is odiferous.
12. The container as recited in claim 11 wherein the odor affecting substance is a fragrance.
13. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the odor affecting substance is selected from the group comprising a gas, liquid and solid.
14. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the vent comprises an opening in one of the wall and bottom of the insert.
15. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the mouth has an interior surface and the wall of the insert includes an upper portion spaced apart from the bottom of. the insert, the upper portion having an exterior surface dimensioned for complementary engagement with the interior surface of the mouth.
16. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the vent comprises a groove in the wall of the insert having a first end and a second end, the first end of the groove being in fluid communication with the interior portion of the insert, the second end of the groove being in fluid communication with the space for allowing the fluid to pass between the interior portion of the insert and the space.
17. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the container wall of the outer container includes a neck portion near the mouth, the neck portion having a lip extending radially inward for inhibiting removal of the insert from the outer container.
18. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the vent is sized to prevent physical passage of the odor affecting substance into the interior container portion and to prevent physical passage of the material into the space.
19. The container as recited in claim 8 wherein the space is sealed by the container wall, container bottom, container insert wall and container insert bottom, thereby making the odor affecting substance inaccessible to a user of the container.
20. A container for holding a material, the container comprising:
(a) an outer container having an outer periphery, the outer container including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall including a mouth defining an opening; and (b) an opaque container insert having an outer periphery positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container.
(a) an outer container having an outer periphery, the outer container including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall including a mouth defining an opening; and (b) an opaque container insert having an outer periphery positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container.
21. The container as recited in claim 20 wherein the container insert is black in color.
22. The container as recited in claim 21 wherein the outer container is white in color.
23. The container as recited in claim 20 wherein the mouth has an interior surface and the wall of the insert includes an upper portion spaced apart from the bottom of the insert, the upper portion having an exterior surface dimensioned for complementary engagement with the interior surface of the mouth.
24. The container as recited in claim 20 wherein the container wall of the outer container includes a neck portion near the mouth, the neck portion having a lip extending radially inward for inhibiting removal of the insert from the outer container.
25. The container as recited in claim 20 wherein the outer container is colorless.
26. The container as recited in claim 20 wherein the container insert is impervious to ultraviolet radiation.
27. The container as recited in claim 20 wherein the container insert comprises at least one of a light reflecting and light absorbing material.
28. A container for holding a material, the container comprising:
(a) an outer container having an outer periphery, the outer container including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall including a mouth defining an opening; and (b) a colorless container insert having an outer periphery positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container.
(a) an outer container having an outer periphery, the outer container including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall including a mouth defining an opening; and (b) a colorless container insert having an outer periphery positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container.
29. The container as recited in claim 28 wherein the outer container is opaque.
30. The container as recited in claim 28 wherein the mouth has an interior surface and the wall of the insert includes an upper portion spaced apart from the bottom of the insert, the upper portion having an exterior surface dimensioned for complementary engagement with the interior surface of the mouth.
31. The container as recited in claim 28 wherein the container wall of the outer container includes a neck portion near the mouth, the neck portion having a lip extending radially inward for inhibiting removal of the insert from the outer container.
32. A container for holding a material, the container comprising:
(a) an outer container having an outer periphery and including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall including a mouth defining an opening;
(b) a container insert having an outer periphery positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container; and (c) an object positioned within the outer container in a space between the outer periphery of the insert and the outer periphery of the outer container.
(a) an outer container having an outer periphery and including (i) a container bottom having a periphery and, (ii) a container wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container bottom and the container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, the container wall including a mouth defining an opening;
(b) a container insert having an outer periphery positioned within the interior container portion of the outer container for receiving the material, the container insert including (i) a bottom having a periphery, and (ii) a wall extending generally upwardly from the periphery, the container insert bottom and the wall of the insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, the second volume being less than the first volume, the wall of the insert being secured to the wall of the outer container; and (c) an object positioned within the outer container in a space between the outer periphery of the insert and the outer periphery of the outer container.
33. The container as recited in claim 32 wherein the object is a premium item.
34. The container as recited in claim 32 wherein the mouth has an interior surface and the wall of the insert includes an upper portion spaced apart from the bottom of the insert, the upper portion having an exterior surface dimensioned for complementary engagement with the interior surface of the mouth.
35. The container as recited in claim 32 wherein the container wall of the outer container includes a neck portion near the mouth, the neck portion having a lip extending radially inward for inhibiting removal of the insert from the outer container.
36. The container as recited in claim 32 wherein the space is completely sealed by the container wall, container bottom, container insert wall and container insert bottom, thereby making the object inaccessible to a user of the container unless the container insert is removed from the container wall, or an opening is cut out of either the container wall, container bottom, container insert wall or container insert bottom.
37. The container as recited in claim 32 wherein the object is generally located on or near the container bottom.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US46238095A | 1995-06-05 | 1995-06-05 | |
| US08/462,380 | 1995-06-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2178165A1 true CA2178165A1 (en) | 1996-12-06 |
Family
ID=23836237
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2178165 Abandoned CA2178165A1 (en) | 1995-06-05 | 1996-06-04 | Outer container having a container insert therein for holding a predetermined volume of material |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2178165A1 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-06-04 CA CA 2178165 patent/CA2178165A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MX9602146A (en) | 1997-09-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |