CH664938A5 - PRINTED ARTICLES. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to pressure molded articles made by pressure molding starch, hydrophilic polymers such as gelatin, or starch derivatives, all of which have low water contents.

In particular, the present invention relates to certain shapes and constructions of such pressure molded, especially injection molded articles, and in particular capsules made by injection molding.

In injection molding, it is important to carry out the molding process at high speed so that the molten material to be molded behaves like a thermoplastic material during the molding process and then solidifies in the mold so quickly that it is ejected from the mold quickly and without dimensional change can. The latter is therefore of particular importance, since most of the pressure-molded articles require a high degree of dimensional stability. It has now been found that the articles according to the invention can be produced in certain shapes and constructions with the greatest accuracy and dimensional stability by printing forms, in particular injection molding.

The present invention relates to pressure-molded articles, in particular injection-molded capsules, consisting of a capsule body and a capsule cap, each with a side wall, an open and a closed end, the two capsule parts being able to be pushed into one another, characterized in that these articles consist of a) a hydrophilic polymer or a mixture of such polymers with a water content of 5-25%, calculated on the hydrophilic polymer or the hydrophilic water-containing polymer mixture, and wherein for gelatin this has a water content of 10-20% by weight, calculated on the water-containing gelatin , and / or b) starch or a starch mixture with a water content of 5-25% by weight, calculated on the water-containing starch or the water-containing starch mixture, and c) each of the two capsule parts, ie Cap and body in its side wall, near the open end, has at least one locking device, and this is designed so that it results in a secure connection after pushing together both capsule parts, capsule cap and capsule body have a manufacturing accuracy of at least 1% and dimensionally stable are.

The present invention further relates to the embodiments described in the claims.

A preferred embodiment of the article according to c) relates to capsules in which at least part of the open end of the side wall part is provided with an annular shoulder (or a projection) in order to hold a device in the overlap zone

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to achieve the side wall part of the other part at its open end, wherein both outer side wall parts are shaped so that the outer surface of the closed capsule is smooth at the overlap zone of the two parts.

A further embodiment of the article according to c) relates to capsules, in which the inner surface of the cap part, when this cap part is placed on the open end of the body part, is practically at the same level or slightly below, like a horizontal plane, the open Touches the end of the cylindrical side wall of the body part, wherein practically no air is trapped between the inner surface of the capsule cap and the contents of the capsule after filling and closing the capsule. Articles according to the invention have the further advantage that they can be die-cast or injection-molded into certain shapes, which enable the capsule to be recognized by sensing or touching.

It is also possible to produce capsule with an embossing on both the cap and the body part. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the liquid-tight sealing of the cap and the body part by wetting the overlapping surfaces with water or water-containing liquids.

Preferred articles are 2-part capsules, which were previously made from gelatin by the immersion process. According to the invention, such capsules can now be produced by printing e.g. be made from starch and / or gelatin. They can be used for the precise dosing of solid, liquid and creamy substances, mainly in the pharmaceutical sector. These capsules have 2 parts, a cap and a body part that can be inserted into each other. Each of these capsule parts has a side wall, an open and a closed end.

Preferred articles, or capsules, according to the present invention are produced from starch in an injection molding process.

Injection molding of hydrophilic material, e.g. hydrous gelatin, is in Pubi European patent application. No. 92908.

Hydrophilic polymers are polymers with molecular masses of approximately IO3 to 107 daltons which contain molecular groups in their main chain and / or in side chains which are capable of forming and / or participating in hydrogen bonds.

Gelatin is used as the preferred hydrophilic polymer, e.g. by acidic or alkaline treatment of collagen, acidic treatment of pig skin or alkaline treatment of cattle hides. These types of gelatin preferably have molecular weights in the range from 10,000 to 2 x 107 daltons or molecular weights in the range from 10,000 to 2 x 106 and 10 x 106 to 20 x 106 daltons. The gelatin used has a water content of preferably 10-19%, particularly preferably 12-18% by weight, based on the water-containing gelatin mixture.

Although compression molded articles according to the present invention can preferably be made from a wide variety of types of gelatin, all hydrophilic polymers, including gelatin, can contain various additives such as plasticizers, lubricants, crosslinking agents and dyes - as in European Patent Application Pubi. No. 92908 - can be added. The hydrophilic polymers can also contain up to 95%, preferably not more than 30% by weight of extenders, such as proteins e.g. Sunflower proteins, soybean proteins, cottonseed proteins; Peanut proteins, rapeseed proteins; Lactose, gum arabic, acrylates and methacrylates, water-soluble cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetyl phthalate (CAP), hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate (HPMCP), hydroxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, shellac, bentonite, bernate acid, polyvinyl phthalate acetate phthalate acetate, polyvinyl phthalate acetate, contain.

Some of these extenders are themselves hydrophilic polymers and can be used as such for the production of articles according to the invention. Such hydrophilic polymers are hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate (HPMCP), polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), cellulose acetyl phthalate (CAP), acrylates and methacrylates, gelatin treated with phthalic acid, succinic acid or crotonic acid and shellac. These polymers are preferred when entero properties are desired. They preferably contain 5-25% water, particularly preferably 15-22% by weight, calculated on the water-containing polymer. HPMCP, PVAP and CAP, particularly PVAP and CAP, are preferred. However, most preferred is PVAP, all of which are processed by injection molding and with a water content of 5-25%, preferably 15-22% by weight, based on the mixture.

Some of these polymers are not thermoplastic, and it is therefore all the more surprising that they can be processed in printing form processes.

The processing temperature is in the range from 50 ° C to 190 ° C and the pressure in the range from 600 to 3000 x 105 N / m2, whereby machines known per se can be used.

A moldable starch mixture of wheat, potato, rice and / or tapioca starch is preferred. The starch contains about 0 to 100% amylose and about 100 to 0% amylopectin, preferably 0 to 70% amylose and about 100-30% amylopectin. Potato or corn starch is particularly preferred.

In the following, the terms “starch” and “gelatin” also include foams, modifications or derivatives of starch and gelatin and their combination with hydrophilic polymers, the properties of which are suitable for pressure or injection molding, in particular for the manufacture of capsules.

The starch has a water content of 5-25%, preferably 15-22% and particularly preferably 17-20% by weight, based on the starch mixture. It can also contain various additives such as plasticizers, lubricants, crosslinking agents and / or dyes and extenders. The same compounds as described above for the hydrophilic polymers can be used for this. The processing temperature for the injection molding of starch is between 80 ° C and 240 ° C, at a pressure in the range of 600 to 3000 x 105 N / m2.

The water-containing starch, which may contain further additives, is processed at these temperatures and pressures and in known injection molding machines in a manner known per se.

Articles according to the invention can also be produced by profile extrusion, molding, vacuum molding, thermal molding, extrusion, casting in combination with vacuum molding. However, injection molding is preferred.

The capsule body can be produced by all known methods and from the materials mentioned above.

Detailed description of the embodiments

Fig. 1 longitudinal section of an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention.

Fig. 2 longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 3 longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a capsule that can be filled with a drug and easily swallowed by the patient. In this embodiment, the plug cap 1 is injection molded to create a smooth outer surface of the sealed capsule, i.e. the cap stopper has the same outer diameter as the capsule body 2, which is filled with the content 3.

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment, in which the capsule body 2 is provided with a groove 4, which represents an additional holder for the cap stopper 1 over the content 3.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment, in which a flat, round plate 4 is inserted into the capsule body 2 in order to

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To keep filling material 3 completely in the capsule body. This deck

plate 4 allows the stopper cap to be injection molded at very high speed. In this embodiment too, a capsule with a smooth surface, i.e. The capsule body and stopper cap have the same outer diameter.

The present invention also offers the possibility of forming extremely precise, closable articles, especially capsules, which are liquid-tight and secure against falsification.

The term “closable capsule” as used herein also refers to filled and nested capsules, which are preferably shaped to prevent separation and tampering with the contents.

The capsules obtained by the dipping method according to the usual methods of capsule production show the disadvantage that they have no secure locking mechanisms which prevent opening after the capsule halves have been filled and pushed into one another. It is often a disadvantage of capsules, especially those filled with pharmaceutical drugs or food, that they can be opened and adulterated. It is therefore also an object of the present invention to produce capsules which are constructed in such a way

that the content is not falsified.

Detailed description

Fig. 4 Longitudinal section of a form of training.

Fig. 6-14 partial views of 9 further embodiments of Fig. 1.

Fig. 15 longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 16-20 Partial views of a further 5 embodiments of Fig. 15.

Fig. 21 Longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 22 Enlarged partial view of Fig. 21.

Fig. 23 longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 24 Enlarged partial view of Fig. 23.

Fig. 25 Longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 26 Longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 27 Longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 28-30 Longitudinal sections of other embodiments.

Fig. 31-37 Longitudinal sections of further embodiments.

Fig. 38 Longitudinal section of another embodiment.

Fig. 39 Section along line 35-35 of Fig. 38.

Fig. 40 View of Fig. 39 after one of the parts has been rotated axially around the other part.

Fig. 41 Side view of another embodiment.

Fig. 42 Longitudinal section of another embodiment.

The capsule shown in Fig. 4 has a cap part 1 and a body part 2. The cap part 1 has an annular bulge 3 which protrudes from the inner surface of the side wall and is close to the open end of the body part 2, which in turn has a corresponding annular indentation 4 having. The bulge 3 and the indentation 4 are dimensioned and matched to one another such that when the capsule parts are pushed one inside the other, they close the bulge of the capsule cap into the indentation of the capsule body.

The following should be noted here:

The bulge 3 can be a circumferential ring or a number of segments or cams which engage in a circumferential or interrupted indentation.

- The closure can be achieved by one or more indentations and bulges.

- The locking mechanism 3 and 4 can not only semicircular shapes, but also any other suitable shape such as have triangular, semi-oval or other shapes.

Fig. 6-14 show other embodiments of capsules according to Fig. 4. In Fig. 6, the cap part 1 has a right-angled bulge 5, which snaps into a right-angled indentation 6 of the capsule body 2.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment in which the cape part

1 shows a circumferential conical bulge 7, which engages in a circumferential corresponding conical recess 8 on the capsule body 2.

s Fig. 8 shows an embodiment, wherein the capsule cap 1 has a circumferential triangular bulge 9, which snaps into a circumferential triangular indentation 10 on the capsule body 2. In order to improve the closure, the short side of the triangular bulge 9 lies on the short side of the triangular bulge 10. It has been found that an optimal closure is achieved if the short side of the triangle of bulge 9 is opposite the open end of the other Capsule part lies. The nesting of the capsule parts is facilitated when the shortest side of the triangle of the bulge, which lies against the open end 15 of the other capsule part, with the adjacent sides wall forms an angle of 90 ° to 134 °.

Fig. 9 shows a cap part 1 with a triangular bulge 9, which is snapped into a triangular indentation 10 of the capsule body 2.

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Fig. 10 shows a cap part 1 with a circumferential rectangular bulge 11, which is snapped into a rectangular indentation 12 of the capsule body 2.

Fig. 11 shows a cap part 1 with a circumferential triangular bulge 13, the shortest side of the triangle 15 forming the closure with the upper surface of the rectangular indentation 14 of the capsule body 2.

Fig. 12 shows another embodiment in which the triangular bulge 9 of the capsule cap 1 is snapped into the triangular bulge 30 of the capsule body 2.

Fig. 13 shows a cap part 1 with a drop-shaped cutout 15, which snaps into a corresponding, circumferential recess 16 of the capsule body 2.

Fig. 14 shows a further embodiment, wherein the capsule 35 cap 1 has a circumferential bulge 17 with a parallelepipedal shape, which snaps into a correspondingly shaped indentation 18 on the capsule body 2.

Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment, wherein the cap part 1 has one or more windows 19 in its cylindrical side walls near the open end, which are arranged all around and lie on a plane which is perpendicular to the capsule axis. The body part 2 has a corresponding number of locking cams 20 which are located on the cylindrical side walls near the open end. These locking cams 20 snap into the windows 19 and thus form a lock when the capsule parts are pushed into one another.

Fig. 16-20 show other embodiments of the window 19 and locking cam 20 of Fig. 15. In Fig. 16 is a rectangular, in Fig. 17 a circular, in Figs. 18 and 19 a triangular and in Fig. 20 an oval closure device shown.

Fig. 21 shows a further embodiment, wherein the cap part 1 has an outer thread 21 on the outside of the cylindrical side wall, which forms a closure with an inner thread 22 on the inside of the capsule body at its open end. It is a further feature of this embodiment that the cap part 1 and body part 2 are screwed in such a way that a smooth surface is produced (as in the case of J), with separation of the capsule part being very difficult and the sealing strength of the capsule 60 being increased.

Fig. 22 shows an enlargement of a section of Fig. 21, whereby the interlocking of the threads 21 and 22 and the smooth surface J at the point of contact of the two capsule parts are clearly visible.

65 Fig. 23 shows another embodiment of Fig. 21, wherein the body part 2 has a thread 21 on the outer surface of the open end. This snaps into a corresponding thread on the inside of the open end of the cap part 1.

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Fig. 24 shows an enlargement of a section of Fig. 23, whereby the smooth surface J is visible at the point of contact of the capsule parts.

Fig. 25 shows a further embodiment with a bayonet lock, the cap part 1 having a circumferential rectangular indentation 3 near the open end, which generally runs in a direction parallel to the capsule axis. The body part has a triangular bulge 4 on the inside of the open end of body part 2. The triangular bulge 4 has a conical taper 6 on the front edge in order to facilitate the insertion of the open end of the capsule cap into the capsule body. In addition, the capsule cap 1 has a window 7 which engages in a protruding cam 8 of the body part 2. The combination of indentation 3 with indentation 4 and the window 7 with the cam 8 provides a secure bayonet lock.

Fig. 26 shows a further embodiment, wherein the cap part 1 has a circumferential sword-shaped ring 9 on its cylindrical side wall at the olfenen end, which snaps into a corresponding sword-shaped indentation on the cylindrical side wall of the open end of the capsule body 2.

Fig. 27 shows a further embodiment, in which the cap part 1 has on its cylindrical side wall at the open end a circumferential gap 27 which is arranged symmetrically to the main axis of the capsule. The gap 27 can be defined by two peripheral wall parts 28, 29 of different lengths. The body part 2 has an upright side wall 30 of reduced thickness that tapers towards the open end. In the pushed-together state as in Fig. 27, the side wall 30 of the capsule body 2 is held by flexible pressure in the circumferential slot 27, which preferably has a tapered configuration.

Fig. 28-30 show a capsule, in which the cap part 1 and the body part 2 are pushed into one another. A locking mechanism 17, as described in the previous embodiments, is attached to the overlap point. It is a feature of the present invention that the ratio of the outer diameter of the cylindrical side walls (D) and the total length of the telescoped capsule (L) can be varied.

Fig. 28 shows a capsule in which D is smaller than L. In Fig. 29, D and L are the same. According to Fig. 30, D is larger than L.

The advantages of a variable ratio of D to L are as follows:

- The volume of the capsule can be e.g. be changed in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

The configuration can vary in order to achieve easier swallowing of the capsules, especially in the pharmaceutical and food sector, for children, adults and elderly patients, who are known to show different swallowing capacities. In particular, a capsule can be produced in tablet form.

Figures 31, 32 and 33 show different embodiments of the present invention with a cap part 1 and a body part 2 and locking mechanisms - as in 17 - as in the previously described embodiments. Fig. 31 shows a feature of the present invention, wherein the closure mechanism 17 for a capsule is attached in such a way that a smooth surface is formed at the point of overlap of the capsule cap and capsule body.

Fig. 32 shows a capsule with a body part 2 with a protruding edge at the point of overlap between the capsule body and the capsule cap.

Fig. 33 shows a capsule with a cap part 1 with a protruding edge at the point of overlap of the capsule body and capsule cap.

Fig. 34 shows a further embodiment, in which the cap part 1 and the body part 2 have a locking mechanism as at 17, and explained above. In addition, the body part 2 has a number of reinforcing ribs 14 on its inner wall which protrude from the inner wall surface. The ribs preferably extend over the entire length of the body part 2 and meet at the apex of the closed end of the body part 2. By attaching these ribs 14, which can be triangular or rectangular or also have another shape, the kink resistance and stiffness of the body part 2 is increased so that the wall thickness d can be reduced considerably. In addition, the upper ends E of the ribs 14 form a support for the cap 1. The body part 2 can be produced by injection molding, the ribs 14 forming a flow path for the injected material, so that rapid and uniform distribution in the injection mold is facilitated.

On the other hand, instead of ribs, grooves can be provided to accelerate the dissolution of the capsule in the patient's stomach and intestinal tract. The ribs 14 can also protrude from the outer side wall of the body part 2.

Fig. 35 In the embodiment of a capsule according to Fig. 35, the cap 1 shows on the inside of its cylindrical side wall a circumferential indentation 22 which fits into a conically shaped part 23 of the cylindrical side wall of body part 2. The open end of the cap 1 remains on the circumferential surface 25 of a shoulder located in the side wall of body part 2. The joining of the cap and body part is facilitated by a tapered, closed end 23a of the body part 2.

Fig. 36 In Fig. 36, all numerical designations that remain unchanged compared to Fig. 35 have been adopted from Fig. 35. The cap part 1 is the same as the cap part of Fig. 35. However, the body part 2 additionally contains a slot 20 (one or more circumferentially arranged slots can also be provided), which gives the upper end of the body part greater flexibility and thereby the pushing together of the Cap and body part supported and relieved.

Fig. 37 shows another embodiment, in which the cap part 1 and the body part 2 are provided with 2 or more closure devices (as at 17). In addition, the cap part contains a slot 20 to increase flexibility, which in turn also facilitates the pushing together of caps 1 and body part 2.

Fig. 38 shows an embodiment, wherein the cap part 1 and the body part 2 each one or more tooth-shaped Auszw. Has indentations.

Fig. 39 is a partial view of Fig. 38 with teeth 3 in the locked position.

Fig. 40 is a partial view of Fig. 38 showing the teeth rotated against each other. When rotating one of the capsule parts in the coaxial direction, the two capsule parts are closed.

Fig. 41 is a side view of a further embodiment, the body part 2 being provided with one or more bulges 4 on the outside of the side wall near the open end, which engage in corresponding recesses 3 in the side wall of the cap 1.

Fig. 42 shows a further embodiment with a cap part 1 and a body part 2 and a closure mechanism 3. Both the cap part 1 and the body part 2 have a recessed groove or indentation 4 at the overlap point which is filled with a band 5 of a closure material . The tape 5 can also be applied, for example, by injection molding.

In all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the capsule body can have a reduced diameter near the open end, which makes it easier to push the capsule parts into one another.

Figs. 4 to 31, 34-42 also show the embodiment defined under VI, in which the outside of the compression molded articles, especially the injection molded capsules, is smooth at the overlap between the capsule cap and the capsule body.

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The present invention also relates to articles, in particular capsules, in which the open end is closed by means of a coaxial cap, characterized in that the inside of the cap,

when placed on the open end of the filled body part, is practically on a level or even below the open end of the cylindrical side walls of the capsule body, thereby avoiding the effect of air on the contents of the capsule.

The capsules previously produced by the immersion process have the following disadvantages:

- The air enclosed in the spherical, closed end of the cap part when the capsule is filled and closed results in a movable air bubble in the case of a liquid capsule content.

- Numerous capsule fillings, especially liquid and creamy,

are decomposed by the oxygen in the enclosed air.

- The capsules are neither liquid-tight nor gas-tight.

- The capsules are neither tamper-proof nor separable. It is therefore a major disadvantage if such capsules, especially with pharmaceutical and food contents, can be opened and adulterated.

The protruding, sharp edge on the periphery of the open end of the capsule is disadvantageous especially for pharmaceutical purposes. Removing this edge makes it easier to swallow the capsule.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to produce a capsule which avoids the disadvantages mentioned above. The capsule according to the invention is separable, and the trapping of air that occurs when filling is avoided.

Fig. 43, 43a and 43b show this embodiment in longitudinal section. It goes without saying that the locking mechanisms shown in the previous figures can also be attached here. The present invention also offers the possibility of producing capsules of special shape by pressure molding the materials described above.

Previously known pharmaceutical capsules have caps and body parts which can be pushed axially into one another, the inner diameter of the cap side wall tightly enclosing the outer diameter of the body side wall. When the cap and body part are pushed together, the open end of the cap forms a rather sharp, protruding edge. The previously known capsules have the following basic disadvantage:

- The hitherto customary production methods for capsules by immersion do not allow large changes in the shape of the capsule parts.

- Different labels and colors must be used to label the capsule contents, i.e. germination is only visible and not also tangible.

- Confusion of previously used capsules with different contents in view of the small number of different forms available is easily possible.

These fundamental disadvantages are increasing due to the constantly increasing number of medications to be taken orally and the limited possibilities for visual identification.

Previously used capsules also show the following restrictions:

- They cannot be made with a smooth surface to make swallowing easier.

- You have a relatively large empty space, which means a waste of material and an increase in the packaging volume.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to produce a capsule with an adapted shape that does not show the aforementioned disadvantages and limitations.

The advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail in the following description and the figures.

These embodiments of the present invention can be divided into the following groups:

1. Capsules with different shapes

Capsules of different shapes help to avoid confusion and enable a tangible identification of the capsule.

For the sake of simplicity, the same numerical designations are used in all figures.

Fig. 44 is a side view of a specially shaped capsule of the present invention with a capsule cap 2 and a capsule body 1.

| 0 Fig. 45 is a floor plan of Fig. 42, which shows the new oval shape.

Fig. 46 is a side view of another embodiment.

Fig. 47 is a floor plan of Fig. 46 showing the new pyramid-like ends of the capsule.

Fig. 48 is a floor plan of Fig. 49, illustrating the elongated oval shape of the capsule.

Fig. 49 is a side view of another embodiment showing a flat-shaped capsule.

Fig. 50 is a further development of the training form according to 20 Fig. 48 and 49 with a modified oval-shaped capsule.

Fig. 51 is a side view of Fig. 50, with the side walls of the cap 2 completely overlapping the side walls of the body 1 when closed. In addition, the smooth surface of the side walls at their point of contact J can be seen. Fully-25 overlapping side walls and a smooth surface make it difficult for potential adulterers to grasp and open the capsule parts.

Fig. 52 shows a floor plan of another further development of the embodiments according to Figs. 48, 49, 50 and 51, which relates to a 30 rectangular oval capsule.

Fig. 53 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 52.

Figure 54 is a plan view of another embodiment involving a triangular shaped capsule.

35 Fig. 55 is a side view of the capsule according to Fig. 54.

Fig. 56 is a plan view of another embodiment involving a star shaped capsule.

Fig. 57 is a side view of the capsule according to Fig. 56.

2. Capsules with a shape that matches the seller's logogram or

Manufacturer corresponds

The capsules shaped in this way help to identify the manufacturer. Invented examples of this are given in Fig. 58-61.

Fig. 58 is a side view of a parallelepipedonally shaped 45 capsule.

Fig. 59 is a corresponding floor plan of the capsule according to Fig. 58.

Fig. 60 is a plan view of another embodiment with a C-shaped capsule. With the new printing form process for

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In contrast to the previously used immersion process, capsule production can now produce a large number of the most varied capsule shapes - including all letters of the alphabet.

Fig. 61 is a side view of a capsule according to Fig. 60.

3. Capsules with a shape that characterizes their area of application

The capsules shaped in this way help to indicate the area of application.

60 Fig. 62 and 63 show heart-shaped capsules that are used to treat heart diseases.

4. Capsules with a form for a special dosage form

65 Capsules shaped in this way show their application in areas other than oral medication. Fig. 64 and 65 show a capsule in suppository form, which is used for rectal use.

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It is clear that this embodiment enables the manufacture of capsules with tactile shapes that can be felt by visually impaired patients.

5. Capsules with a shape that allows a varying volume of content

This embodiment allows a varying volume of content for the same capsule size. Fig. 66 shows a spherical shape that enables the smallest possible packaging for the largest volume of content. Fig. 67 is a cross-section of Fig. 66 along the line 24-24, with a separable locking mechanism being additionally attached to the side walls of the body part 1 and the cap part 2 at the overlap point J. Fig. 68 is a plan view of a circular capsule that has the same diameter as the spherical capsule of Figs. 68 and 67; Fig. 69 is a side view of Fig. 68, showing the disc-like shape, which is one of the largest possible packaging for the smallest possible volume of content. The great diversity of capsule forms, which is made possible by the new printing form process, also allows great flexibility in the production of capsules with a varying ratio of packaging to volume.

6. Capsules with a shape that allows precise insertion on a machine that assembles the capsule parts

There are capsules that require precise insertion of the two capsule parts before pushing them into one another, e.g. those with bayonet or zipper-like locking mechanisms. This precise insertion can take place with the aid of machine technology methods known per se. Fig. 71 shows a side view of an embodiment of this group. Fig. 70 is a floor plan of Fig. 71, whereby 4 insert positions with regard to the angle of rotation around the capsule axis are possible. This is a great advantage compared to conventional capsules produced by the immersion process, which have a circumferential closure mechanism. Fig. 70 shows a capsule with 4 possible positions with a bayonet locking mechanism, which e.g. consist of 4 protruding cams 3 on one part, which snap into 4 corresponding bulges 4 in the other part. A bayonet-type locking system with an axial and a circular movement of the body part is shown in Fig. 71. (Axial and circular movement are represented by dashed lines.)

It is clear that there are capsule forms according to the present invention which can have the characteristics of several of the above groups.

In a further embodiment, molded articles, preferably capsules, are produced which have letters or characters embossed. So far, capsules have been printed using an ink mixture. This process is very complicated and additionally requires a further operation after the capsules have been produced. In addition, it is difficult to print on the closed ends of the capsule body and the capsule cap. With the embossing according to the present invention, it is possible to emboss a capsule without using ink. According to the present invention, the capsule parts are produced by printing forms, the forms being provided with the desired embossing - letters or characters - in a recessed or raised manner. According to the invention, the capsule production and the embossing take place in one work step. In addition, as a result of the embossing according to the invention, the capsule material is not adversely affected by a hot stamp, as is the case with the printing previously customary. In addition, the separate printing represents a further work step; embossing that can be achieved according to the invention has not previously been possible. Fig. 72 is an elevation of an embodiment of the present invention showing a sealed capsule with a cap portion 2 and a body portion 1. The embossing 3 of the letters of the name of the manufacturer Capsugel is visible on the outer surface of the capsule side wall. This embossing is not possible using the conventional immersion process, but it is possible with the printing form process according to the invention.

The present invention also includes sealing the telescoped capsule parts, which provides additional protection against separation and tampering with the contents. This sealing makes the capsule liquid, moisture and gas tight. To seal gelatin capsules, they are placed at the overlap of the cap and body part with water alone or a mixture of water and a water-miscible organic solvent, such as an alcohol with 1-4 carbon atoms, e.g. Ethanol, wetted. If necessary, the capsule is heated to 40-75 ° C. In view of the high precision and the various locking mechanisms that can be achieved with compression molding, heating is not absolutely necessary, although it significantly increases the strength of the seal. It was surprisingly found that for starch and starch derivatives, wetting at the overlap point at room temperature is sufficient for an absolutely liquid-tight seal that is secure against tampering.

The following examples illustrate the invention.

example 1

A capsule body was injection molded on an injection molding machine. The material consisted of bone gelatin, 150 Bloom, B-type, with a water content of 17%, calculated on the weight of the water-containing mixture; it was plasticized at 130 ° C and injected into the mold at 20 ° C. The capsule body was then removed from the mold, filled with lactose and placed in a second mold. This mold was placed on the injection molding machine and a stopper made of the same material was sprayed onto the open end of the filled capsule body. By spraying the stopper, a seal was created between the capsule body and the stopper, which was both liquid, moisture and gas tight and secure against adulteration.

Example 2

A capsule body was injection molded on an injection molding machine from bone gelatin, 150 Bloom, B-type, with a water content of 10% and an organic plasticizer content: 6% sorbitol and 3% glycerol, calculated on the weight of the gelatin. The material was plasticized at 130 ° C and injected into the mold at 19 ° C. After the capsule body was removed from the mold, it was filled with a creamy content - Labrafil (brand name, supplied by Gattéfossé, 39, av. Ed.-Vaillant, 92100 Boulogne France, for C12 to C13 ethoxylated, saturated glycerides). The process was then continued as described in Example 1.

Example 3

Wheat starch with 20.6% water was injection molded at 140 ° C and a pressure of 200 x 10® N / cm2 into a capsule body and a capsule cap. The capsule cap and body had the shape shown in Fig. 4. An excellently sealed capsule with a smooth surface was obtained.

Example 4

The procedure of Example 3 was followed using a mold as shown in Fig. 8. The surfaces of the capsule cap and the capsule body to be joined were moistened with water, an excellent seal being obtained.

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Example 5

The procedure was as in Example 3 using a mold as shown in Fig. 43, the name CAPSUGEL being embossed on the capsule cap. The height of the embossed letters was 0.03 mm,

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which is sufficient to achieve clear legibility. The same result is obtained with deep embossing. The capsules obtained in this way have good sealing properties and no air pockets.

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7 sheets of drawings

Claims (20)

664 938 2nd PATENT CLAIMS 1. Pressure-molded articles, consisting of a capsule body and a capsule cap, each with a side wall, an open and a closed end, the two capsule parts being able to be pushed into one another, characterized in that these articles consist of a) a hydrophilic polymer or a mixture thereof Polymers with a water content of 5-25%, calculated on the hydrophilic polymer or on the hydrophilic water-containing polymer mixture and / or b) starch or a starch mixture with a water content of 5-25% by weight, calculated on the water-containing starch or the water-containing starch mixture , and c) each of the two capsule parts, ie Cap and body in its side wall, near the open end, has at least one closure device, and this is such that it results in a separable connection after pushing together both capsule parts, the capsule cap and capsule body having a manufacturing accuracy of at least 1% and being dimensionally stable. 2. Capsules according to claim 1, characterized in that they consist of starch or a starch mixture with a water content of 17-20% by weight, calculated on the water-containing starch or starch mixture. 3. Capsules according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that they consist of wheat, potato, corn, rice or tapio starch or a mixture thereof. 4. Capsules according to claim 1, characterized in that they consist of gelatin with a water content of 10-20% by weight, calculated on the gelatins. 5. Capsules according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that they consist of starch and / or gelatins and additionally of one or more plasticizers, lubricants, extenders and / or dyes. 6. Capsule according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that at least part of the open end of the side wall part is provided with an annular shoulder (or a projection) to a holding device in the overlap zone for the side wall part of the other part to achieve its open end, wherein both outer side wall parts are shaped so that the outer surface of the closed capsule is smooth at the overlap zone of the two parts. 7. Capsules according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the inner surface of the cap part, when this cap part is placed on the open end of the body part, is practically at the same height or slightly below, as a horizontal plane touches the open end of the cylindrical side wall of the body part, with practically no air being trapped between the inner surface of the capsule cap and the contents of the capsule after filling and closing the capsule. 8. Capsules according to claim 7, characterized in that the capsule cap is a round plate which is connected coaxially to the open end of the capsule body and the flat surface of which is seated all round on the open end of the capsule body. 9. Capsules according to claim 7, characterized in that the capsule cap additionally has at its open end a circumferential indentation into which the side wall part of the capsule body engages. 10. Capsules according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that it has a shape which enables the capsule to be recognized by sensing or touching. 11. Capsules according to claim 10, characterized in that the shape corresponds to the logogram of the seller or manufacturer. 12. Capsules according to claim 10, characterized in that their shape characterizes the area of application. 13. Capsules according to one of claims 1-5 and 10, characterized in that their shape characterizes the dosage form. 14. Capsules according to one of claims 1-5 and 10, characterized in that their shape allows a varying volume of content. 15. Capsules according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that their shape allows an exact positioning in a machine that joins the capsule parts. 16. Capsules according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that they have the form of tablets. 17. Capsules according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that the body and / or the cap part bears an elevated or deep embossing of letters or characters. 18. Capsules according to one of claims 1-17, characterized in that the capsule body and the capsule cap are sealed liquid-tight. 19. Injection molded capsules according to any one of claims 1-18. 20. Pharmaceutical capsules according to claim 19.