Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
  • B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
  • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
  • B65D41/16—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers
  • B65D41/18—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers non-metallic, e.g. made of paper or plastics
  • B65D41/185—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers non-metallic, e.g. made of paper or plastics with integral internal sealing means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
  • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
  • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
  • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
  • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
  • B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
  • B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
  • B65D47/0842—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element consisting of a strap of flexible material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
  • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method of dispensing at least one solid dosage form comprising the steps of: opening a resealable container and lid assembly, wherein the container comprises a reservoir for storing solid dosage forms and an opening for dispensing individual solid dosage form; the opening further comprises an elastomeric seal that is at least partially located circumferentially around the opening; the lid comprises a plug that is integrally attached to an inner portion of the lid and the lid consists of a hinge attached to the container that functions to rotate the lid at one pivot point; dispensing at least one solid dosage form from the reservoir of the container and through the opening; applying a sufficient pressure upon an outer portion of the lid so that the plug engages the elastomeric seal of the opening; and maintaining the sufficient pressure by a latch mechanism located on both the container and the lid to form a moisture-tight seal between the plug and the elastomeric seal of the opening.
• Solid dosage forms are typically used to deliver pharmaceutical, medicated confectionary, and confectionary products. These dosage forms include but are not limited to: compressed tablets, coated tablets, capsules, caplets, liquid gels, liquid encapsulated beads, et al.
• a solid dosage dispenser is an active dispenser where a user pushes a button or lever and one dosage form exits the container at a time. Diagnostic test strips and solid dosage forms often are moisture sensitive and need to be stored in containers that protect them from ambient moisture that they may be exposed to during both storage and use.
• the method of dispensing at least one solid dosage form comprises the steps of: opening a resealable container and lid assembly, wherein the container comprises a reservoir for storing solid dosage forms and an opening for dispensing individual solid dosage form; the opening further comprises an elastomeric seal that is at least partially located circumferentially around the opening; the lid comprises a plug that is integrally attached to an inner portion of the lid and the lid consists of a hinge attached to the container that functions to rotate the lid at one pivot point; dispensing at least one solid dosage form from the reservoir of the container and through the opening; applying a sufficient pressure upon an outer portion of the lid so that the plug engages the elastomeric seal of the opening; maintaining the sufficient pressure by a latch mechanism located on both the container and the lid to form a moisture-tight seal between the plug and the elastomeric seal of the opening; opening the resealable container and lid assembly by removing the sufficient pressure; dispensing at least
• Figures 1 A and IB illustrates an embodiment of the present invention where Figure 1 A is a cut-away view of the lid, foil and opening in the closed position and Figure IB is a perspective view of the lid, foil and opening in the open position.
• Figures 2A and 2B illustrates an embodiment of the present invention where Figure 2 A is a cut-away view of the lid and opening in the open position and Figure 2B is a cut-away view of the lid and opening in the closed position.
• Figures 3 A and 3B illustrates an embodiment of the present invention where Figure 3 A is a cut-away view of the lid, foil and opening in the open position and Figure 2B is a cut-away view of the lid, foil and opening in the closed position.
• Figures 4A and 4B illustrates an embodiment of the present invention where Figure 4A is a cut-away view of the lid and opening in the open position and Figure 4B is a cut-away view of the lid and opening in the closed position.
• Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention where Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the dispenser in the open position and Figure 7 is a cut-away view showing a partial view of the dispenser with the lid and opening in the closed position.
• the present invention relates to a dispenser that, in one embodiment, is used in a solid dosage dispenser that presents a single dosage form during shelf life and after each index cycle.
• the present invention relates to a dispenser that dispenses diagnostic test strips that are packaged in a substantially moisture tight container.
• the invention provides a substantially moisture tight environment during shelf life and use life.
• the dispenser consists of multiple pieces. One piece of the dispenser is an element that creates a moisture tight seal at the place where the dosage form exits the dispenser. Another aspect is to protect the seal area from being damaged due to accidental contact with foreign matter.
• the present invention comprises a sealing "door” or “plug” to seal and protect the dispensing opening/hole.
• the dispensing hole may be an actual hole or a slit within an elastomeric material.
• the plug can be any shape (e.g. circular, oval, rectangular, square,).
• the "door” or “plug” can include a plugging principle (a “male” to plug the "female”) whereby through interference, the opening is sealed and resealed upon opening and closing.
• the hole can be plugged through interference with the plug by using the same material or can rely upon the use of dissimilar materials (e.g. PP and HDPE, PP and TPE, or others).
• the "door” or “plug” applies pressure to an elastomeric gasket on the container that forms and protects the dispensing hole.
• the present invention uses a foil seal over the top of the "hole".
• the foil material can be affixed to the material (e.g. PP or PE) that surrounds the gasket material and not onto the gasket material itself.
• the door can be created through a living hinge with the container or can be attached afterwards by using common locking mechanisms.
• the door can be engineered to require at least two movements to release it and could provide a mechanism for providing a Child Resistant package.
• the door can be designed to catch and/or retain the dosage form once it has been dispenser from the container.
• the present invention relates to moisture-tight and resealable mechanism.
• resealable means that the container can be opened/reopened and closed/reclosed a numerous amount of times (e.g. more than 5 times) and still retain its moisture- tight properties.
• Moisture tight means the moisture ingress of the container was less than about 1000 micrograms/ day of water, determined by the following test method: (a) place approximately one gram of molecular sieve in the container and record the weight; (b) close the resealable mechanism; (c) place the sealed container in an environmental chamber at conditions of 80% relative humidity and 72F; (c) after one day, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; (d) after approximately two weeks, weigh the container (e) subtract the first day sample from the value obtained and divide by the number of days to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in units of micrograms of water.
• Figures 1 through 4 illustrates embodiments of the present invention.
• Figure 1 shows a dispenser with an enlarged view one embodiment of the sealing mechanism.
• the foil seal 1 is also shown.
• the door 2 applies pressure to the elastomeric seal 3 of the container when closed to form a moisture-tight seal.
• Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the sealing mechanism in both the open and closed positions. In the open position, the "door” (e.g. "plug") 2 on the lid 3 allows the seal to be opened. In the closed position, the plug 2 contacts the elastomer 4 on the container and thus, seals the container.
• the container comprises a portion, which contacts the plug, composed of an elastomer or like materials.
• Figure 3 shows yet another embodiment of the sealing mechanism in both the open and closed positions. In the open position, the foil seal 1 is applied to the container (e.g.
• the lid 2 does not contact the container.
• the plug 3 of the lid 2 is applied over the foil seal 1 and the plug 3 creates an interference fit with the container.
• the plug and the container are composed of the same material (e.g. PP or PE (Hd/Ld)).
• Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the sealing mechanism in both the open and closed positions whereby the plug 3 again creates an interference fit with the container.
• the plug 3 and the container are composed of the same material (e.g. PP or PE (Hd/Ld)).
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention is used in a single dispense solid dosage dispenser or a single dispense diagnostic test strip.
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention creates a moisture tight seal that protects the product in the dispenser during its shelf life and use life.
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention creates a moisture tight seal by the interference of a plug in an opening with the same materials used in the container and lid.
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention creates a moisture tight seal by the interference of a plug in an opening with the plug being composed of a different materials then that used in the container and lid.
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention uses, in addition to the plug, a foil seal over the opening.
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention creates a moisture tight seal by compressing an elastomer in conjunction with the plug.
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention comprises a "door” or "plug' created as one piece so as to be a living hinge or assembled to a dispenser.
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention comprises a plug having two distinct movements to release in order to create a Child Resistant package.
• the sealing mechanism of the present invention comprises a door or plug that catches the dosage so that it does not need to be touched by the user.
• the dispensing hole may be an actual hole or could be a slit within an elastomer material. The hole can be any shape (e.g. circular, oval, rectangular, square,).
• the "door” can feature a plugging principle (a "male” to plug the female) whereby through interference, the opening is sealed and resealed upon opening and closing.
• the hole can be plugged through interference using a common material or can rely upon the use of dissimilar materials (e.g. PP and HDPE, PP and TPE, or others).
• the door applies pressure to an elastomer gasket that forms and protects the dispensing hole. Without the pressure exerted by the door, the elastomeric gasket might not reseal after each use.
• foil can be heat sealed to the opening to provide additional protection during the shelf life storage.
• the opening that the diagnostic test strips pass through sufficiently opens to allow the individual strip to pass through and then be resealed.
• Figure 5 shows a hinged door 10 with a plug 11 that creates a seal to the opening 13 when closed.
• the door 10 can be opened manually or when the indexing mechanism actuates.
• the internal opening 13 is shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7.
• the door 10 is closed manually after the strip 12 has been indexed out, resealing the opening.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (3)

Family

ID=35064281

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Families Citing this family (4)

Citations (4)

Family Cites Families (8)

• 2005
  • 2005-03-29 US US10/599,545 patent/US20080237253A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-03-29 CN CNA2005800146479A patent/CN101198990A/zh active Pending
  • 2005-03-29 WO PCT/US2005/010362 patent/WO2005094307A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2005-03-29 AT AT05730705T patent/ATE510783T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2005-03-29 CA CA2561699A patent/CA2561699C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2005-03-29 JP JP2007506440A patent/JP2007537934A/ja active Pending
  • 2005-03-29 EP EP05730705A patent/EP1745030B1/de not_active Revoked

Patent Citations (4)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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