DE60223691T3 - WATER-SOLUBLE PACKAGING - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an improved package which is at least partially or substantially completely soluble in water, for the controlled release of substances, controlled release methods using the package, methods of making the same, use for releasing a wide range of substances, and new products that include the packaging.

Water-soluble packages with partial or complete dissolution thereof, leaving little or no residue, are known in the literature for dispensing substances. Such packaging materials are used in isolation as a self-supporting package or are used in combination with non-soluble dispensers. These packaging materials release substances containing, for example, hazardous substances, fungicides, etc., concentrates, such as detergents, and the like upon dissolution in water.

The advantages of such packaging are readily apparent, namely, by reducing the risk of splashing or spilling hazardous substances during dilution, picking up hazardous powder substances prior to dissolution and preventing the risk of inhalation, avoiding the need for safe disposal of used hazardous material packaging material and the like, providing a pre-metered dosage in prescribed amounts as individual packs, convenient handling, minimizing loss of bottom packs, packaging disposal, and the like.

For some uses, it is acceptable to have a residual amount remaining, for example, as a surface film, although this is undesirable in certain applications.

For larger amounts of substance to be released, there is a risk of breakage or failure of the package. In EP-A-763 479 (Rhone Poulenc Agric Limited) discloses such a package in which the liquid substance to be released contains an additive to increase its viscosity. However, such solutions to the problem are not completely satisfactory and therefore there is a need for a water-soluble package that is sufficiently resilient to reliably receive a substance to the desired delivery point.

DE 79 10 284 relates to a water-insoluble transport bag made of polyvinyl alcohol. The bag discloses a reinforcing tape that is soluble in hot water. This reinforcing tape covers a zone of physical weakness that will open in a washing machine when the reinforcing tape is dissolved in the hot water. The bag can be reused by covering the zone of physical weakness with a new reinforcing tape.

The encapsulation technology using water-soluble capsule material is known in the pharmaceutical industry for delivery of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, supplements and the like by oral ingestion using gelatin, cellulose and derivatives as encapsulating materials. Gelatin, cellulose and derivatives and the like are substantially completely soluble in water and are approved as capsule material for use in foods and drugs. These capsules are intended for dissolution over a range of time periods under various conditions within the body.

Soluble gelatin sachets are known in the literature to contain and retain flavoring, coloring and other substantially dry food components as part of prepackaged foods, such as dehydrated noodles in a jar into which hot water is added to the food for consumption prepare, known. Failure or breakage of such sachets may result in deterioration of content.

There is a continuing need for improved packaging materials and configurations to potentially extend the useful applications and uses of a number of water-soluble packaging materials.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a package which is at least partially or substantially wholly water-containing substances dispersible or soluble for the controlled release of a wide range of various solid and liquid substances in a wide range of different forms the packaging is versatile and easily manipulated for the intended substance or use in a desired manner.

We have now surprisingly found that a package comprising materials which are at least partially or substantially completely water-soluble materials is adapted in accordance with the present invention to provide novel formulation and configuration combinations suitable for releasing contained or entrapped substances in a manner to achieve the object defined hereinabove.

In its broadest aspect, according to the present invention there is provided a controlled release package comprising all the features of claim 1.

The substance to be released may be in the form of a solid or a liquid, and is preferably selected from powders, granules, crystals, microcapsules, monolithic forms, suspensions, dispersions, concentrates, gels, thixotropes, non-aqueous solutions, and the like Mixtures thereof. Solid substances may be in a desired quality or range of qualities. In certain applications, it is desired to provide the substance in a fine and coarse form for prolonged action. It is an advantage of the present invention that individual substance doses contain the desired range of solid quality and are not subject to the disadvantages of "settling" resulting from the transport and storage of volumes of substance or when combining substances with different ones Particle qualities ("particle grades") results.

The substance to be released may be incorporated in the water-dispersible or -soluble packaging material as defined in claim 1.

The packaging is characterized by a novel selection of features or combinations of features of packaging conformation and / or configuration, packaging material formulation, and the like, in a manner to provide novel variety of properties or combinations to provide properties. More specifically, the package is characterized by a novel selection of features or combinations of handling and storage, e.g. In a manner to resist premature release effects by means of the packaging formulation conformation or configuration, including sealing and reinforcing thereof, the nature of the included, contained, or contained entrapped substances, which may be a viscous or non-viscous liquid, a non-compactable flowable powder, and other forms of the substance which can not be easily manipulated or controlled, the nature and / or timing of the release, e.g. , To release a substance or combination of substances in a simultaneous or sequential manner or to release substances in such a way that they come in contact with other substances at the desired site for improved performance or quality of the substance in the intended use , the nature of the predetermined release stimulus and the like; The water-containing substance itself, is a physical or chemical stimulus at the desired location, or a combination thereof. The features and properties may be adapted or configured ("conformed or configured") from the water-soluble or -dispersible packaging material and / or the additional materials or substances formulated with the water-dispersible or -soluble packaging material; or derive from the conformation or configuration of the package and they are selected according to the intended use.

The packaging may consist essentially entirely of water-dispersible or -soluble packaging material, or combinations thereof, as hereinbefore defined, or it may comprise additional materials as hereinbefore defined which are at least partially dispersible or soluble or the like. Preferably, the package is substantially completely soluble as defined hereinabove.

Reference herein to a water-containing substance refers to any solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous or fluid comprising water in effective dispersing or dissolving amount. Water may be chemically or physically releasably bound or it may be freely accessible and accumulated or accumulated by the substance or readily and readily absorbed by the material. Preferably, a water-containing substance as defined hereinbefore comprises water in liquid or vapor form or aqueous solutions or vapor mixtures thereof with liquids or vapor (substances) such as alcohols and the like, or it comprises solids or semi-solids which bind water or have accessible. Water may be accumulated from the water-dispersible or -soluble packaging material which is at least partially dispersed or dissolved to release the contained, contained or entrapped substance into the accumulated water, and the dispersed or dissolved packaging material may be retained at or from the site dispersed there or be distributed during the intended use or otherwise.

Reference herein to a predetermined stimulus refers to any stimulus that causes the release of the contained or entrapped substance. The stimulus may include a chemical or physical stimulus for dissolution or dispersion, transformation by precipitation or morphology change, breaking, cracking, or otherwise permeabilizing the package or portion thereof to release or contain contained substance.

The stimulus may be or differ from the water-containing substance which serves to disperse or dissolve. The packaging materials may be dispersible or soluble in hot or cold water-containing substance and / or by dissolution or other physical or chemical action such as exposure to heat, acid or base, solvents and solvent mixtures, oxidizing conditions, radiant energy including UV, microwaves and the like, or biodegradation agents, release substance.

Reference herein to a location refers to any location, area or the like to which or at which release of the substance is desired. The site may be the same as a site where the substance is to have a desired effect, or it may be different from, but associated with, that site.

Preferably, the package comprises a primary and secondary component with respect to the conformation, configuration or formulation adapted for dissolution and release of the substance at the desired site and for controlling the stimulus or external influences to which the release element is subjected in a manner which causes a Release with predetermined timing and provides in a predetermined manner.

The package may comprise any suitable material which is capable of being formed into a package and which is dispersible or soluble in a water-containing substance, leaving only a portion of it as residue or leaving substantially no residue.

Preferably, the water-dispersible or soluble packaging material comprises a natural or synthetic polymer or mixtures thereof selected from:
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide, chemically modified cellulose or cellulose ethers and other cellulose derivatives, modified starches, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide or gelatin or derivatives thereof. Chemically modified cellulose and cellulose ethers include alkyl and / or hydroxyalkyl-substituted cellulose or cellulose ethers having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, preferably methylcellulose (ether), hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose (with the chemical name cellulose hydroxypropyl ether), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC with the chemical name cellulose hydroxypropyl methyl ether), hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose and the like. Modified starches include destructured starch, cross-linked granular starches, chemically modified starches, including alkyl-substituted starches, amino starches and oxidized starches, dextrin and maltodextrins.

Water-dispersible or -soluble packaging material is suitably selected or adjusted according to independent mechanical properties or combinations thereof ("soft" or "hard" and / or self-supporting or non-self-supporting, resilient to premature breakage or otherwise, and the like) and / or independent chemical properties and combinations thereof (slow or fast, complete or partial dissolution, reactive to the desired release stimulus and the like), non-toxicity requirements (for the environment, human or animal health or for food-related uses and the like). For example, various formulations and combinations of water-dispersible / or -soluble packaging material (s) having the desired combination of properties may be provided by moisture content, pH, moisture retention, swelling properties, gel strength, gel point, etc. Viscosity, concentration, reactive substituent groups (crosslinking), and sensitivity to a number of external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, solvents and mixed solvents, oxidizing conditions, radiant energy, such as UV or microwaves, fungal and bacterial biodegradation, and the like or is selected. Formulations and formulation techniques are known, for. As in Hard Capsules, Ed. Ridgeway, WO 98/27151 (Warner Lambert), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Preferred packaging materials include gelatin, starch or cellulose or derivatives and mixtures thereof which are substantially completely soluble in water. It was found that natural or synthetic gelatin and HPMC particularly useful properties.

The package of the present invention may have any desired conformation and configuration suitable for containing or containing a solid or liquid substance as defined in the claims. The conformation or configuration may be in accordance with the control requirements, storage requirements (stackable or storage capability in a space-efficient manner, ie, cube), use (adapted for configuration to be located in or in association with a support means of an environment), distributability (" dispensable ") (adapted to be releasably attached to a dispensing line, hook, rack or the like for convenient access) and the like.

The package as hereinbefore defined may comprise a primary structure or region of the packaging material for strengthening, enhancing, maintaining packaging integrity during release, or other such purpose as a framework, frame, fibers, netting, ribbing , provide a webbing, seal or the like integrated in or at least partially (co) continuous with a secondary structure of substantially continuous packaging material in the desired configuration.

Alternatively or additionally, the package may include primary packaging material with secondary weaknesses in the form of packaging material formulated for rapid or slow dissolution or breakage, or defects or water carrying elements such as molding or embossing in the form of non-penetrating perforations, tear-off strips and the like.

The primary and secondary structures and layers and the packaging material with weak points as defined hereinabove may consist of the same or different packaging materials and combinations thereof as hereinbefore defined, having the same or different properties, such as thickness and the like. Various packaging materials include at least one packaging material that is a water-dispersible or -soluble packaging material that is the same as or at least one that is a packaging material that is adapted for release as defined hereinabove or that differs therefrom.

Alternatively, or additionally, the package may include means for locating or positioning within the site to which a contained substance is to be released, in a manner that would be at the optimal location for storage or timing or activation of the release stimulus, for example attach the effect of dissolving water in place to the release element, or hold the package in the desired position in a manner that will withstand such influences as impact force during handling and storage and the like.

Such locating means may comprise a packaging material as hereinbefore defined adapted to engage a suitable carrier, for example they may comprise an elongated, substantially elastic or flexible member adapted to be connected with a suitable lug or to be hooked thereto, or to be localized, or received in a recess of an effective support in the environment in which the packaging is contained, or they may comprise elastically deformable lugs different from the packaging material as hereinbefore defined, extend in opposite directions and are adapted to be deformed under localization between opposing holding means, surfaces and the like of an effective carrier and held by elasticity.

Alternatively or additionally, the package comprises a specific configuration, conformation or formulation adapted to absorb or degrade external influences that the package may undergo and which may result in premature release of contained or entrapped substance. For example, the package may impart a protective form to the contained or entrapped liquid substance to minimize turbulence during storage and handling, and / or may include packaging material having a thickness, strength, elasticity, flexibility, and the like adapted thereto. to withstand external influences.

The package as defined hereinabove may be adapted to be self-supporting.

Alternatively or additionally, the package as defined hereinbefore comprises means to assist the rapid release of contained or entrapped substance. In this case, the package comprises means for enhancing its response to a release stimulus by means of a formulation or additional components incorporated into or in the package are included. Preferably, the reaction enhancing agents are adapted to cause release by expansion upon contact with water-containing substances, for example comprising swelling or expanding agents (corn starch), foaming agents (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid), disintegrants (Explotab ^™ available from Penwest Pharmaceuticals, or Primojel ^™ , available from Avebe), dispersants (sodium starch glycolate, sodium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, and the like) or contained gases, e.g., positive overpressure air and the like, stimulus sensitizers adapted, for example, to release a change in pH (change in the degree of acid or alkali conditions or transition therebetween), a change in temperature, exposure to microwaves, UV, solvents and solvent mixtures, and the like. The reaction enhancing agents may be incorporated in the packaging material of the package or may be contained in open or closed porosity therein to provide increased surface area and weaknesses as hereinbefore defined Release, z. B. by the solvent action in contact with water, and to provide expansion of the air contained in temperature change, contact of foaming agents with water, microwaves, UV, solvents and solvent mixtures and the like.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a package as defined in claim 13. The preparation may be carried out in a single operation or sequence depending on the intended use, the substance to be released, and the shape of the package. The manufacturing method may be adapted to impart any features of formulation, conformation, configuration and the like as hereinbefore defined.

The package may be formed by any known means for forming packaging materials as hereinbefore defined. Suitable means include any means of molding thermoplastic materials, including residue-free sealing of one or more films, deforming one or more films by the action of heat, solvents such as water, vacuum, pressure, and the like, exploding, solution or melt molding, for example by dipping or spraying on a former, casting, stamping, etc.

The substance (s) may be by any known mechanical or chemical means including simultaneously deforming the material and the substance by, for example, fusing, blending or blending into a molten packaging material or solution thereof or sealing the packaging material around the substance / s, for example, by softening the packaging material with water or a sensitizer and self-binding to non-softened or similarly softened packaging material, bonding or welding with solvent, glue and the like, with or without application of heat or pressure, from the packaging material be included or included in it. Preferably, sealing is accomplished by techniques such as disclosed in the patent publications in the name of Capsugel, specifically by contacting edges of the packaging material with a melting point-lowering sealing liquid, such as organic solvents, e.g. Alkyl-substituted C _1-5 alcohols, water, a polymer solution or emulsion, a solution of a proteolytic enzyme to produce a protein solution, and the like, and applying thermal energy or the like to effect fusion, such as, for example in terms of sealing capsules in EP 0 152 517 . EP 0 180 543 . EP 0 116 744 and EP 0 116 743 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Weaknesses as defined hereinabove may be provided in the packaging material by known means, for example by embossing or shaping into the shape of the packaging by necking and the like, by exposure to laser or by predetermined orientation or ordering of molecules within the chemical structure of the packaging.

The package as hereinbefore defined may be adapted to contain any desired amount or volume of solid or liquid substance. Suitably, the shape and configuration of the package is selected in part with reference to the desired volume and the nature of the substance to be contained or to be included. Preferably, the package is adapted to accommodate volumes of up to 10 liters of substance, e.g. B. in the range 0.1 ml up to 10 liters to contain. Subsections for intended applications are preferably in the range of 0.1-5 ml, 5-50 ml, 50-500 ml, 500 ml to 5 liters and 5-10 liters. The package may be adapted to have a volume substantially equal to or greater than that of the substance to be contained, e.g. B. up to three times the volume of the substance to be contained. The packaging volume can be selected according to the ease of filling with substances. Suitable packaging is adapted to contain or contain a single measured dose of one or more substances to be released.

The package may be clustering or include a clustering element. The packaged substance may be clustered or aggregated by self-adhesion, clustering attachment, and the like, in the case that a single dimension measures the volume exceeds the substance that it is possible to contain or contain, or in the event that the dosage is made according to a preference, or in the case that a selection of substances is to be released simultaneously or in a controlled order.

The package may include multiple compartments to separate substances prior to release or to provide for sequential release.

The package as defined hereinabove may include an identification element, e.g. B. imprinted, shaped directly or indirectly, for. By forming the flexible packaging material tightly over a contained substance having molded protrusions, or embossed, laser marked or the like, to indicate the nature or origin of the ingredients, the manner of use or to incorporate design features. Imprinting is preferably carried out by means of inks, dyes and the like which are completely soluble in water and which are adapted to be printed starting from non-aqueous solutions or from aqueous solutions.

The package, as defined hereinabove, may be adapted to subject substances substantially immediately upon contact with water-containing substances as hereinbefore defined or in a controlled duration on the order of minutes for immediate use, for one-quarter or one-half duration Hour, if it is z. For example, it is desired to "prime" the packaging and evacuate the environment for release, hours or days when e.g. For example, if the package is to be released for a period in which it is inconvenient or impossible to gain access to the site, to prepare, or in response to a stimulus, e.g. In the event that it is desired to release the substances in a natural or artificial water release event, for example, consistent with rain or intentional or unintentional release of water that is part of any chemical, mechanical, engineering, manufacturing process or the like.

The package may be provided with additional means adapted to increase the barrier properties, for example to impart or enhance oxygen impermeability and the like.

The package may be in one piece or as a plurality of parts to be assembled at the time of filling with substrate, e.g. By using conventional or modified capsule technology.

The package may be any desired thickness, e.g. B. in the range 0.01-10 mm. It is a particular advantage of the present invention that a minimum thickness, e.g. B. in the range 0.01-1.0 mm, with resilience or elasticity against unintentional tearing can be achieved and that a maximum thickness, for. In the range 2-10 mm, with the desired precision for the timing of release, by the selection of properties and features of formulations of the packaging material, conformations, such as a solid mass of packaging material , or configurations such as structures and weaknesses of the packaging of the invention as hereinbefore defined.

It should be appreciated that packaging material as hereinbefore defined may be adapted to maintain the integrity of the package prior to release of substances and to dissolve or disperse simultaneously with release or subsequently to be dispersed over a prolonged period or dissolving while still contained within the desired location in contact with the water-containing substance during the period in which the substance which has been released is effective or thereafter.

The package may be provided with an additional film or container if it is important to keep the surface free of contamination.

The package or substance to be contained may comprise an additional display element, e.g. A component that indicates when the dissolution is complete or when the substance has achieved its desired effect. A colorant within the substance is detectable at the aqueous site as soon as the dissolution is sufficiently advanced to release the substance. The colorant may be associated with the substance, whereby the color disappears as soon as the substance is consumed in the application.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlled release of a substance as defined in claim 18.

The method provides the following advantages: reducing the risk of splashing or spilling hazardous substances during dilution, picking up hazardous powder substances prior to dissolution and preventing the risk of inhalation, avoiding the need for safe disposal of used hazardous material packaging material and the like, providing a pre-metered dosage in prescribed amounts as individual packs or packages, convenient handling, minimization of the loss of bottom packs, packaging disposal, and the like.

The controlled release method as defined hereinabove may be for any desired use intended to release a substance into an environment having any of the advantages as mentioned hereinabove.

The package may be located directly at the desired location, or it may be transported to the desired location by appropriate means, avoiding contact with water-containing substance.

The package of the present invention may be adapted to sink or float in water when it is added to a water reservoir at the desired location, or to initially sink or float and subsequently to swim up after a predetermined interval before or at the time of release of the contents or to sink, z. As an indicator or to maximize or minimize the water content prior to release, and the like.

The process may be for the release of agrochemicals, including pest or plant growth control agents, plant disease control agents, soil improvers, and the like. For example, pesticide growth control agents include insecticides, acaricides, rodenticides, molluscicides, slugicides, vermicides (nematocides, anthelmintics), soil fumigants, repellents and attractants for pests such as pheromones, etc. , and biological controlling agents such as microorganisms, predators and natural products; Plant growth control agents include herbicides, defoliants, siccatives, crop fall and batch control agents, rooting compounds, anti-sprouting agents, growth stimulants and retardants, moss and lichen control agents, plant genetic controllers. or agents; Plant disease control agents include fungicides, viricides, wood preservatives and bactericides; and soil conditioners include fertilizers, trace metal additives, bacterial action control stimulants and soil compacting agents.

The method can be used for industrial, domestic, agricultural, hothouse, horticultural, forestry and the like applications by spraying, spraying, drilling and such techniques.

The advantages of the method include the benefits as defined hereinabove and may provide further advantages of safe handling, including a reduced risk of contamination or carryover and skin contact with the active substance, convenience and simplicity of the invention Use, without metering, decanting or reclosing of partially used sachets, dispensing with the need to dispose of the contaminated packaging, precise dose control, avoiding the user's exposure to dust particles, providing solubility in cold water, providing greater flexibility when selecting dose levels and with commercially available granules, reducing the risk of product degradation as soon as it has been opened, optimizing particle size for dissolution, and using minimal packaging one. Other advantages include non-clogging in spray nozzles and the like, the lack of need for use of a stirrer that leaves no residue, leakproof robust packaging and low cost per dose per unit area.

The method is also suitable for releasing environmental treatment agents such as water purifying agents, disinfectants, waste treatment agents and the like, including control agents for waterborne viruses, bacteria, organisms and insects carrying disease, natural and industrial contaminants, including water plant growth control agents, soil run off dispersant agents, Neutralizing agents for cooling water and recycled water and the like. The advantages are as stated above for agricultural use and include advantages of employing approved substances for use in cleaning drinking water and providing high quality water which is not contaminated by particles or undissolved solid packaging material or residues and the speed of the cleaning process one. Substances may be released into the water or to the desired site at the desired concentration suitable for the desired effect, e.g. In smaller quantities to make it safe for consumption or in higher amounts to produce a solution for application to an article or site to be cleaned, disinfected or treated.

The method may be used to handle substances safely stored up to the time of use, e.g. Hazardous substances, including corrosive substances, chemical reagents, effluent-purifying substances, and the like, which may be used in dilute form which, although unpleasant, are relatively safe in powdered, non-aqueous or concentrated form, but which become hazardous in solution, be used. In this case, a unit dose packaging can be provided which is safe to handle and which ensures correct dilution and safety until the time of use. This may provide advantages as defined above, in addition to other benefits such as eliminating the need to transport bulking agents in dangerous dilute form by providing a means for safe dilution by the end user.

The process may be used to liberate detergents and their components in the form of solids or liquids, for example concentrates, including home and industrial detergents for cleaning buildings, articles and clothing and for personal care using known detergents or cleaners. The advantages include those set forth above and additionally include aesthetic benefits whereby the package leaves no residue or residue on the hands and is more comfortable to handle than powders or tablets structurally of high integrity, breaking open or the risk of spilling the substance, a reduced risk of product degradation as soon as a primary package is opened, and having an associated extended shelf life, may have more efficient and effective release of key ingredients, easier to manufacture formulate and use and result in a reduced risk of concentrate damage to clothing, skin and other objects, and make the use of pouches or devices from which the substance is released optional, in addition to the use of the same Advantages of minimizing the required amount of softeners, bleaches, brighteners, dispersants, foaming agents and other solubilizing agents, including phosphates. Typically, these components typically degrade or degrade over time, or may be poorly dispersed within the detergent, which may be the metering of multi-function substances in a single dose or in sequential doses in a single dose Packaging, eg. G., With a substance embedded or entrapped within another substance within the package, which minimizes the volume-to-weight ratio, and the like (not).

The process may also involve the release of food components including odor and flavorants in the form of dried or powdered solids, liquids and volatiles, texturizers, colorants, moisture absorbers such as rice, cornmeal, salt and the packaging material itself, oils and fats, dried dairy products and other food products which deteriorate in the presence of oxygen, seasonings and herbs and the like. The method of releasing food substances has advantages as stated above and additional precise dose control advantages providing sizes such as e.g. B. associated with standard kitchen dimensions, the separation of ingredients without the use of packaging that must be opened by the user, eg. In instant food packages, the environmentally-friendly avoidance of non-edible secondary packaging, microwave fitness, the non-existent risk of contamination with secondary packaging fragments, clean and easy handling, edible packaging, imperceptible residues, in hot water, air-tight, Obtained from freshness and durability, the taste and smell masking to the need, z. To avoid contamination of other food components or the like, preservation of vitamins, color and purity of flavor and the like. In a particular advantage, the package may be used to minimize the deterioration of substances due to contact on storage by separation, and may simultaneously be improved for improved Dispersibility and contact upon release by positioning food components in a manner to provide optimum contact upon release.

In a further aspect of the invention, there are provided new products comprising the package as hereinbefore defined. Suitable new products include products adapted for the specific processes as hereinbefore defined, with the attendant advantages. The products may be provided for filling with a release substance or may be provided containing the substances. The products may comprise a package having features of conformation, configuration and formulation as hereinbefore defined.

The invention will now be illustrated in a non-limiting manner with reference to the following figures, wherein FIGS 1h . 1i . 2a . 2 B . 4a . 4c . 4b . 4b (i) and 4b (ii) are not part of the invention, but are presented for the better understanding thereof, and wherein:

the 1a to 1i Sectional and elevational views of the package comprising primary packaging material with secondary flaws are;

the 2a and 2 B Sectional and elevational views of the package, including primary and secondary structures and conformational options thereof, are;

the 3a and 3b with enlarged views are sectional and elevational views of the package, including location means;

the 4a to 4c Views of configurations of the packaging with the manufacturing process are;

the 5a and 5b Views of clustering elements and a clustered packaging are.

In 1 In any event, the package is shown in the form of conformations and configurations typically obtained by dipping from molten packaging materials or solutions of packaging materials. In the 1a to 1g are capsules containing a plurality of water-dispersible or -soluble layers and / or portions of material in the form of peripheral sleeves ( 11 ) and connecting parts ( 12 . 13 ).

1a FIG. 10 shows a capsule with a central monolayer of fast dissolving packaging material and peripheral double layers of fast-slow-dissolving packaging material adapted to provide a weak connection or weak point as hereinbefore defined. In 1b FIG. 11 is a capsule having a central and a peripheral monolayer of fast dissolution and slow dissolution packaging materials and a peripheral double layer of fast dissolution packaging material as an alternative to the configuration of FIG 1a shown. Variations of these configurations are illustrated and may be determined according to the desired ease of fabrication and the desired release characteristics.

The capsule off 1a can z. B. by forming the peripheral sleeves ( 11a Inner, 11d External) by immersing a former in a first recess in corresponding solutions or melting of packaging material with slow or rapid dissolution, then molding the sleeve ( 11a Exterior) by immersion in a larger depression in a solution or melt of packaging material with rapid dissolution, simultaneous production of a part ( 11b ) and finally filling and overlapping the part ( 11b ) with the sleeve ( 11d Exterior), wherein simultaneously a seal or seal ( 11c ) are produced.

The capsule off 1b can z. B. by forming sleeves ( 11e Inner, 11d ) as for 11a (Inside) and 11d (Outer) above, then shaping the sleeve ( 11e Exterior) by immersing the interior into a shallower depression in slow dissolving and filling packaging material and overlapping the sleeve ( 11d ), wherein simultaneously a seal ( 11c ) is formed.

The 1c and 1d show the peripheral sleeves of capsules which are shrunk over the substance (with molding or compression molding) and in between secondary weaknesses in the form of a readily releasing region ( 12 ) with an area adapted to peel off, e.g. In the form of an unsealed abutment of the two peripheral sleeves ( 11d ) exhibit.

The 1e and 1f show capsules comprising an easily dissolving packaging material tape ( 13 ), which creates a gap between sleeves ( 11d ) bridged. Solid or liquid ingredients are contained within the capsule ( 11d . 11d ) and over the easily resolved area ( 13 ) released in water at fast dissolution.

The 1g relates to the present invention and shows a capsule comprising a high resolution peripheral monolayer sleeve ( 11f ), which includes a substance, and an inner secondary peripheral sleeve ( 11d ) attached to the distal peripheral sleeve ( 11d ) the package is jarring or overlapping sealed. The capsule may be capable of containing two of the same or different graded release substances with rapid release of a substance via the rapidly dissolving sleeve (FIG. 11f ) and subsequent release of the second substance by slowly dissolving the capsule ( 11d . 11d ) include.

In the 1h and 1i packaging in the form of a primary immersion bag or bag ( 14 ), the filled and with a separate cover part ( 15 ) or by self-sealing by fold ( 16 ) as illustrated. The fold may optionally include a release feature in the form of a primary structure as a point of strength portion to prevent premature release or as a secondary weak point portion which may be e.g. Adapted for rapid dissolution in water to release the contents of the bag with subsequent dissolution of the bag or bag.

In the 2a and 2 B A sachet in the form of a secondary structure packaging material ( 21 ), located around a primary structure, a mesh bag of low-speed reinforcement packaging material ( 22 ), which with the packaging material ( 21 ) may be sealed or fused or the like. The packaging material ( 21 ) is sealed at the edges.

This packaging is suitable for dispensing substances of various graded qualities, whereby the rapid dissolution of the packaging material ( 21 ) the fine particles from the inside of the primary structure, the mesh bag ( 22 ), and larger particles later on in the slow dissolution of the mesh bag ( 22 ) are released. The sachet may contain the packaging material ( 21 ) as a flexible or rigid packaging material or as a combination thereof, which is flat or shaped, e.g. B. by vacuum, can be. This configuration may also be used in other embodiments according to the present disclosure, using any packaging material as desired.

In 3a is a water-soluble capsule ( 31 ) in the form of a first capsule part, held by means of an elastically deformable capsule sleeve ( 32 ) on a carrier or carrier ( 33 ) instead of ( 34 ). By localizing the water-soluble capsule ( 31 ) on the carrier ( 33 ) external influences of the body ( 34 ), which lead to premature release, minimized. Upon contact with water, the sleeve comes loose ( 31 ), wherein the contents are released, with subsequent dissolution of the localization sleeve ( 32 ).

In 3b a capsule is shown, which can be made of water-soluble packaging material, which is adapted by means of elastically deformable wing ( 36 ), thereby localizing a capsule in one position and possibly interfering with external influences within the site.

In the 4a to 4c are shown configurations of a packaging made of packaging material ( 41 ) with a soluble seal or fold ( 42 ) is constructed. The package may be constructed by means including flow wrapping or extrusion to form a seamed tube or a seamless subdivided tube through seams along the length, as in the 4b (i) and 4b (ii) shown to form. In the 5a and 5b Clustering elements are shown comprising water-soluble packaging material ( 52 ) according to the invention and a water-soluble package in the form of capsules as clusters (clustered watersoluble packaging in the form of capsules) ( 51 ). Upon contact with water, the clustered capsules rapidly dissolve to release their contents upon subsequent disintegration of the clustering element, which serves to assist withstanding external influences leading to premature release from contact with water.

Claims (23)

A controlled release package in the form of a capsule comprising packaging material which is substantially completely dispersible or soluble in an effective amount of a water-containing substance and capable of containing or occluding one or more substances, the package being for releasing therein enclosed substances in a predetermined manner to a desired location in response to a predetermined trigger pulse, wherein the substances are dispersed or dissolved substantially simultaneously or sequentially partially or completely. the package comprising: at least one primary and one secondary component suitable for dissolving and releasing the substance at the desired location so as to release within a predetermined time and in a predetermined manner, wherein the at least primary and secondary components are multi-layered ( 11a . 11e ) and single-layered ( 11b . 11d ) Structures and one of the primary or secondary component vulnerabilities ( 12 ), either in the form of packaging material designed for rapid or slow release or breaking, or elements carrying cracks or water such as molding or embossing in the form of non-continuous perforation to initiate release of the packaging, and wherein the packaging material is a fast soluble single-layered peripheral shell ( 11f ), which includes a substance, and an inner secondary peripheral sheath ( 11d ), which abut or overlap with the removed peripheral shell ( 11d ) the package is sealed, with a substance on the rapidly dissolving shell ( 11f ) rapidly and the second substance by the slow release of the packaging ( 11d ) is subsequently released. A package according to claim 1 wherein the substance to be released is in the form of a solid or liquid and preferably powders, granules, crystals, microcapsules, monoliths, suspensions, dispersions, concentrates, gels, thixotropic substances, anhydrous solutions and the like, and mixtures thereof in a desired gradation or is selected in a number of gradations. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 2, which is substantially completely soluble. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is dispersible or soluble in a water-containing substance comprising any solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous (vapor) medium comprising water in an amount effective to disperse or dissolve, which is chemically or may be physically releasably bound or freely available and which may be recovered or accumulated from the substance and may be readily and easily absorbed by the packaging material. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is suitable for release in response to a predetermined triggering impulse, which causes any chemical or physical triggering pulse to dissolve or disperse, convert by precipitation or morphological change, break, crack or otherwise permeabilize the package in whole or in part to release the contained or entrapped substance. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the trigger pulse with the water-containing substance, which serves for dispersing or dissolving, may agree or differ from it, wherein materials in hot or cold water-containing substances are dispersible or soluble or the substance by dissolving or by other physical and chemical means such as exposure to heat, acid or alkali, solvents and solvent mixtures, oxidizing conditions, radiant energy including UV, microwaves and the like, or biodegradation agents. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for releasing a substance to a location comprising any location, area or the like in or at which the release of the substance is desired and the location where the substance has a desired effect should unfold, agree or differ from it. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water-dispersible or soluble packaging material comprises a natural or synthetic polymer or mixtures thereof selected from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide, chemically modified cellulose or cellulose ethers or other cellulose derivatives, modified starches, polyvinylpyrrolidone, Polyacrylamide or gelatin or derivatives thereof is selected. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 8, the means ( 36 ) for localization and positioning within the location to which a contained substance is to be released in a manner such that it can be stored at the optimum position, or for timing or activating the triggering pulse for, for example, the process of loosening water at the location on the element to be released, or to keep the package in the desired position so that it withstands factors such as impact during handling and storage. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein locating means ( 36 ) comprise an elongated, substantially elastic or flexible part adapted to be attached to, hung on or around a corresponding projection, or in a recess of an effective support in the environment in which the packaging is contained or elastically deformable protrusions extending in opposite directions from the packaging material as defined above and capable of deforming between opposing holding means, surfaces and the like an effective holding device are arranged and held by spring action. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a conformation, configuration or formulation capable of absorbing or eliminating external influencing factors to which the package may be exposed and which may lead to premature release of the contained or entrapped substance. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising means for enhancing the reaction of the package to the release initiation pulse by formulation or additionally contained components included in or contained in the package; these are selected from agents which are capable of causing release by expansion upon contact with aqueous substances, such as swelling or expanding agents, foaming agents, disintegrants, dispersants or gases contained, such as positive overpressure air and the like, means for increasing the Sensitivity to the triggering impulse, for example, capable of causing release upon change in pH, temperature change, exposure to microwaves, UV, solvents and solvent mixtures, and the like. A method of manufacturing a controlled release package comprising forming a package of packaging material as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, and forming packaging material and adding one or more releasable substances contained therein or be included. The method of claim 13, wherein forming packaging material from residue-free sealing of one or more layers, deforming one or more layers by exposure to heat, solvents such as water, vacuum, pressure, and the like, extrusion, molding by solution, or melting, for example, by Dipping or spraying into a mold, pouring, embossing is selected. A method according to any of claims 13 and 14, wherein the substance (s) may be contained within the packaging material or may be enclosed by mechanical or chemical means selected from co-molding of the material and the substance by fusing, mixing or mixing a molten packaging material or a solution thereof, or sealing the packaging material around the substance (s) by softening the packaging material with water or a sensitizer and self-adhering to non-softened or softened packaging material, gluing or welding with solvent, adhesive and the like with or without Applying heat or pressure, bonding the edges of the packaging material to a lowered melting point sealing liquid such as an organic solvent, water, a polymer solution or emulsion, a proteolytic enzyme solution that yields a protein solution , and the like, and application of thermal energy or the like to effect fusion. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the package comprises an identification element which may for example be printed, molded, embossed or laser generated to indicate the nature and source of the content, the type of use or to include design features. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the package or the substance to be contained therein comprises an additional indicator element, for example a component which indicates when the dissolution is completed or when the substance has reached its desired effect. A controlled release method of a substance as defined above, wherein a water-dispersible or soluble package as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12 is used, which comprises positioning the package in a location for the desired release as well as triggering the release Pulse includes, for example, making contact with a water-containing substance in an amount effective to disperse or dissolve, activating release over an effective period of time as defined above, and releasing the substance to a location wherein the packaging is substantially or simultaneously substantially in place water-containing substance is dissolved. A method according to claim 18 for the release of agrochemicals including pesticides or plant growth regulating agents, plant disease agents, soil conditioners and the like for agricultural, hothouse, horticulture, forestry and the like on an industrial scale or for home use by techniques such as spraying, dusting, Drilling or the like. A method according to claim 18 for the release of environmental treatment agents such as water purifiers, disinfectants, waste treatment agents and the like, including control agents for viruses contained in the water, Bacteria, animals and insects which may constitute disease carriers, natural and industrial contaminants including water-borne plant growth control agents, soil run-off dispersants, means for neutralizing cooling and recycling waters and the like. A method according to claim 18 for the handling and release of substances to be safely transported to the place of use, for example hazardous substances such as etchants, chemical reagents, drain cleaning agents and the like which can be used in dissolved form, in powder form , anhydrous form or as a concentrate relatively safe, although unpleasant, but are dangerous in solution. A method according to claim 18 for the release of detergents or other cleaning agents in solid or liquid form such as concentrates, including household detergents and industrial detergents for cleaning business premises, articles and garments and for personal hygiene using all known detergents or cleaners. A method according to claim 18 for the release of food ingredients including flavor and fragrance in the form of dried or powdered solids, liquids and volatiles, texturizing agents, dyes, liquid absorbing agents such as rice, cornmeal, salt and the packaging material as such, oils and Fats, dried milk products and other foods that spoil in the presence of oxygen, spices, herbs and the like.

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