EP2094578B1

EP2094578B1 - Container

Info

Publication number: EP2094578B1
Application number: EP07824165A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kenneth Mccluskey; Johathan Lee Frewin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: FREWIN, JONATHAN LEE; McCluskey Kenneth
Priority date: 2006-10-20
Filing date: 2007-10-12
Publication date: 2010-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-12
Also published as: WO2008047087A1; ATE490930T1; DE602007011108D1; EP2094578A1

Abstract

A container comprises a vessel (10) for storing a quantity of fluid with an opening (15) at a first end. A closure (20), e.g. resealable cap, seals the opening (15) in the vessel. A cup (30) is dimensioned to fit around the first end of the vessel, such that the cup (30) can be stored with the first end of the vessel protruding into the interior of the cup (30) and such that, when the cup (30) is fitted to the vessel (10), there is a medicament- retaining compartment (35) between the cup and the first end of the vessel (10). A medicament package (40) is stored within the compartment (35).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a container useful in the storing and taking of medicaments.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A problem faced by many people when in need of medication, particularly if remote from a ready liquid source such as when traveling, is the requirement to have a drink in order to swallow the medication. The medication may be in the form of a tablet or a capsule, or a powdered form which needs to be dissolved in water. Typically, a user needs to carry a drink with them or to purchase a drink to help swallow the medicament.
US 6,419,081 describes a combined pill and water container. One version of the container comprises a cylindrical housing which is divided into separate water and pill-storing compartments. The compartments are accessed via removable end caps at opposite ends of the cylindrical housing. Another version of the container has a cylindrical housing for retaining water and a smaller tubular container which fits within the cylindrical housing. One disadvantage of this container is that a user must drink directly from the liquid-retaining compartment of the container, which is undesirable, or must find a separate cup (not forming part of the container) and dispense part of the liquid into the cup. A further disadvantage of this container is that a user cannot readily determine how much of the liquid they have consumed. This results in the container only being of practical use for a single dose of a medicament.
WO-A-9 936 319 discloses an integrated bottle and cap assembly comprising pills encapsulated in a cap containing a peel-off seal.
The present invention seeks to provide an improved container useful for the storage and consumption of medicaments.

SUMMARY ON THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a container for use in the storage of and consumption of a medicament, comprising:

a vessel for storing a quantity of fluid, the vessel having an opening at a first end;
a closure for sealing the opening in the vessel;
a cup which is dimensione to fit around the first end of the vessel, such that the cup can be stored with the first end of the vessel protruding into the interior of the cup and such that, when the cup is fitted to the vessel, there is a medicament-retaining compartment between the cup and the first end of the vessel.

An advantage of the container is that a user has both a medicament and a fluid, for example a liquid such as water, to help consume the medicament in a single convenient package. The container could be, for example, kept in a car, handbag or rucksack when travelling and avoids the need to separately carry a drink or to purchase a drink, when medication is required. Providing a cup as a part of the container also allows a user to dispense part of the liquid from the vessel, while retaining some of the liquid for a second dose of medication at a later time. The cup can also be used to dissolve a soluble medicament. The cup may further, advantageously, be provided with a visible indication which indicates a liquid fill level or quantity.
In one aspect, the container may be used in a hospital and/or pharmacy environment for administering medication. The container will advantageously facilitate the provision of a correct medication, optionally taken with an optimal amount of fluid as contained in the vessel and/or measurable in the cup.
The cup may be dimensioned to overlie an outer wall of the vessel over at least part of the length of the vessel. The cup may be dimensioned to overlie the vessel such that the cup has a length of substantially one half of the overall length of the container.
The vessel may comprise an outer wall which is stepped such that the vessel has a first portion, nearest the first end, which has a narrower cross-section than a second portion. The cup may be dimensioned such that when the cup is fitted to the vessel, the cup overlies the first portion of the vessel and the outer profile of the cup is continuous with the second portion of the vessel in the region where the cup joins the second portion. This improves the physical handling of the container and physical appearance of the container.
The closure may be resealable. This allows a user to consume only part of the liquid and to seal the remaining liquid within the vessel, and also allows the vessel to be refilled and reused.
The medicament-retaining compartment may comprise a space formed between the closure and an end face of the cup when the cap and cup are fitted to the vessel. A medicament may be packaged and either: loosely held within the cup; attached to the cup; or attached to the closure. In the case of a loosely held package, it is advantageous that the package has a maximum dimension which is substantially equal to (just smaller than) interior dimension of the compartment where the package is to be housed. For example, the package can have a lid which is just smaller than the compartment. Additionally, or alternatively, the cup may have has at least one physical feature for limiting movement of the protective package within the compartment. This helps to prevent the package from excessive movement, thus preventing damage to the medicament and avoiding a need to secure the package within the compartment.
The cup may have a fluid capacity (or "volume") which is substantially 30-70%, for example 40-60% or 45-45%, such as 50%, of a fluid capacity of the vessel.
The vessel has a fluid capacity of substantially 60ml to less than 100 ml.
In one embodiment, the container has a generally cylindrical shape. The container may have rounded end caps to allow the container to be handled more easily. Preferably, the container has a diameter which allows it to be comfortably grasped by a single hand. Alternative shapes for a container according to the invention are possible, including for example a generally oval or egg shape, cylindrical, or polygonal (for example, an elongated box-shape, which may be useful for storing the container in bulk). The external surface of the vessel and/or cup may include physical formations which allow them to be easily grasped, and for the cup to be removed without slipping.
The vessel and/or cup may comprise a substantially flat base to allow the container to be stored in a vertical position. Alternatively or additionally, the vessel and/or cup may comprise a flattened portion to allow the container to be stored in a horizontal position.
The container may comprise an attachment means, for example a hook, to allow the container to be attached to a corresponding fitting for storage.
All or an externally visible part of the vessel and/or cup may be formed from a transparent, or substantially transparent, material, so that the contents of the container may be visible, for example for inspection by a user, or a security official. However, an opaque vessel and/or cup are also envisaged, for example where it is necessary to avoid light contamination of the fluid and/or medication in the container. It is also envisaged that a part or all of the container, preferably externally visible parts of the container, may be coloured. Different coloured containers could, for example, be used to denote different medications and/or fluid retained within the container.
The container may be a single use, disposable item. Alternatively, the container may be re-usable.
Further advantageous aspects of the invention are provided in the accompanying description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a container according to the invention, in a disassembled form;
Figure 2 shows the container of Figure 1 in a partially assembled form;
Figure 3 shows a side view of the container of Figure 1 in a fully assembled form;
Figure 4 shows another side view of the assembled container of Figure 1, partially cut-away to reveal the contents of the cup;
Figure 5 shows the relative capacities of the vessel and cup of the container of Figure 1; and
Figures 6A-6C show a set of line drawings illustrating details of the container of Figure 1.

DETAILED DECRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows the components of an embodiment of the container in a disassembled form. The container comprises a vessel 10 as shown in Figure 2 for storing a quantity of liquid. The liquid will typically be water, although any other liquid can be stored within the vessel 10. The vessel 10 has an opening 15 at one end, which is defined by a neck portion 17. A cap 20 is provided for fitting to the neck 17 of the vessel, and provides a liquid-tight seal of the opening 15. A screw thread 16 is formed around the neck 17 of the vessel and a complementary screw thread is formed on an interior surface of the cap 20. The vessel 10 has a flat base 18 which allows the vessel to stand upright on a surface, such as when filling the vessel with liquid. The cap 20 should be easy to grip, allowing a user to remove the cap 20 and replace it easily. Formations, such as ridges, can be provided on the cap 20 to allow ease of handling.
Part 30 serves as a combined cup and lid. Part 30 is dimensioned to fit over the upper portion 12 of the vessel. The outer profile of the vessel is narrower in portion 12 than in portion 11, and a radial step 14 joins the two portions 11, 12. Features 13 on the outer surface of portion 12 of the vessel, and features 31 on the interior surface 30 of the cup 30, cooperate to retain the cup on the vessel. In this embodiment, the cup 30 secures to the vessel with a simple twist thread fitting although according to the invention any other suitable fitting, such as a snap fitting, can be used. The fitting may allow the elderly, or those suffering from arthritis, to easily separate the cup and vessel but be secure enough to hold the cup and vessel, and any enclosed medicaments, securely together. An alternative fitting may comprise a child-proof fitting.
In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the container resembles a capsule when assembled. The size of the container is specific in relation to the amount or dosage of the medicine, thus allowing the container to fit comfortably into a pocket or handbag. The embodiment shown in the Figures has a generally cylindrical shape, which makes the container particularly suited for front end counter displays and vending machines.

Figure 2 shows the container with the cap fitted securely to the vessel 10, and with the medicament blister pack 40 resting on top of the cap 20.
Figure 3 shows the fully assembled container, with the cup 30 fitted to the vessel 10. It can be seen that the profile of cup 30 matches that of vessel 10 in the region where the two parts join together. This improves handling of the container, and the physical appearance of the container. In this embodiment, the overall shape of portion 11 of the vessel (i.e. the part which can be seen when the cup is fitted) matches the shape of the cup 30.
Figure 4 shows a view of the assembled components within the cup 30. Space 35 within the cup 30, between the cap 20 and the end face 32 of the cup 30, serves as a compartment for storing the medicament 40. The Figures show a medicament 40 within a foil or blister package, which alleviates any cross contamination problems. It also means that the cup section prior to purchase and opening acts as secondary packaging and/or protection for the medicines. Other forms of medicament packaging can be used according to the invention, such as a plastic wrapper. It is also possible according to the invention to place the medicament loosely within the interior of the cup. The medicament may be provided in capsule, tablet or soluble form. Preferably the compartment is of sufficient volume to enclose multiple doses of medicament, such as two capsules, tablets or soluble medicines. The medicament may comprise a common remedy such as headache tablets, or a prescription medicine. The medicament package 40 shown in the Figures has a lid 41 with a diameter just smaller than the space 35 where it is to be held within the cup 30. This serves to prevent the package from moving excessively in a radial direction. Also, a dimple 36 in the end cap 32 of the cup 30 serves to limit movement of the package in a longitudinal direction.

In this embodiment, the cup 30 has a length which is approximately 50% of the total length of the assembled container. As shown in Figure 5, the cup 30 has a volume of approximately 50% of the volume of the vessel 10. A printed marking, or a physical formation, can be provided on the vessel 10 and/or the cup 30 to indicate a fill level. Additional markings or formations can be provided on the vessel 10 and/or the cup 30 to indicate particular volumes (e.g. 10 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml), which is advantageous if a medicament needs to be taken with a particular quantity of liquid or if a soluble medicament needs to be taken with a particular quantity of liquid.
The volume of the vessel may be less than 100ml, as this allows a passenger to carry the container as hand luggage during current air travel regulations regarding travelling with liquids. A particularly advantageous volume for the vessel 10 has been found to be approximately 60ml, as illustrated in the example shown in Figure 5, with the cup 30 having a capacity of 50% (i.e. 30ml in the example shown) of the capacity of the vessel 10. This has been found to be the most comfortable and visually appealing to potential retail buyers. It is advantageous that at least the vessel 10 is formed from a transparent, or substantially transparent, material, so that the contents are visible for inspection by a user, or a security official.
In the illustrated embodiment, a separate cap 20 is provided for sealing the opening 15 of the vessel 10. In an alternative embodiment, a closure can be provided as part of the cup 30 for sealing the inlet 15. In use, a user fits the cup 30 to the vessel 10, and simultaneously seals the inlet 15 and secures the cup 30 to the vessel 10. The closure can be a screw-fit cap which positively locates within the cup 30, such that when the cup 30 is turned, the cap turns with the cup 30. The compartment 40 can be accessed by removing the cap from within the cup 30. Alternatively, the closure for the vessel can be formed integrally with the cup 30 and the compartment 40 can be accessed by removing an additional sealed cover within the closure.
In the embodiment shown in the Figures, with the cup fitted to the vessel, a large proportion of the liquid stored within the vessel is concealed by the cup, thus providing a smaller overall appearance to the container. This in turn enhances the 50/50 look between cup and liquid storage container.
The container of the invention can be provided in a reusable form, or as a single use, disposable item. In a reusable form, the cap 20 is resealable to the neck 17 of the vessel, and the fitting between cup 30 and vessel 10 allows the cup to be refitted to the vessel 10. The container may be sold pre-filled with liquid and/or medicament, or as an empty container. A user refills the vessel 10 with liquid of their choice, fits the cap 20 to the vessel 10 to seal the inlet, and then places one or more doses of a chosen medicament on top of the cap 20, or within the cup 30 and secures the cup 30 to the vessel 10.
In a single use form, the cap of the container can comprise a removable seal, such as a foil top which is heat bonded to the lip of inlet 15. The foil seal can have a tab for easy removal. The container is sold pre-filled with liquid (e.g. water) and with a medicament which is either stored as a separately packaged item, freely positioned within the compartment 35 of the cup 30, or within a compartment within the lid of the cup 30, such as a foil topped compartment. In either form, the container can be supplied with a plastic over wrapping or security seal to indicate that the contents have not been tampered with.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

A container for use in the storage of and consumption of a medicament, comprising:
a vessel (10) for storing a quantity of fluid, the vessel having an opening at a first end;

a closure (20) for sealing the opening in the vessel;

a cup (30) which is dimensioned to fit around the first end of the vessel (10), such that the cup can be stored with the first end of the vessel protruding into the interior of the cup and such that, when the cup is fitted to the vessel, there is a medicament-retaining compartment comprising a space (35) formed between the cup and the closure; and

medicament within the medicament-retaining compartment,

wherein the vessel has a fluid capacity of 60ml to less than 100ml,

wherein the cup (30) has a fluid capacity which is substantially 30-70% of the fluid capacity of the vessel;

wherein the medicament is stored in a protective package, wherein the protective package is loosely held within the space (35) forming the medicament-retaining compartment, which space (35) in which the protective package is held is in direct contact with the interior of the cup; and

wherein the arrangement is such that the cup acts as secondary packaging prior to purchase and opening.
The container according to claim 1, wherein the cup (30) is dimensioned to overlie an outer wall (12) of the vessel (10) over at least part of the length of the vessel.
The container according to claim 2, wherein the cup (30) is dimensioned to overlie the vessel (10) over at least one quarter of the overall length of the vessel.
The container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cup (30) is dimensioned to overlie the vessel (10) such that the cup has a length of substantially one half of the overall length of the container.
The container according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the vessel (10) comprises an outer wall (11,12) which is stepped such that the vessel has a first portion (12), nearest the first end, which has a narrower cross-section than a second portion (11).
The container according to claim 5 wherein the cup is dimensioned such that when the cup (30) is fitted to the vessel, the cup overlies the first portion (12) of the vessel and an outer profile of the cup is continuous with the second portion of the vessel in the region where the cup joins the second portion.
The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure comprises a resealable cap (20), the medicament-retaining compartment being formed between the cap and an end face of the cup (30) when the cap and cup are fitted to the vessel.
The container according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a retaining mechanism for retaining the cup in a fitted position on the vessel.
The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cup has at least one physical feature (36) for limiting movement of the medicament within the compartment.
The container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the protective package is a blister package.
The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid is a liquid, for example water such as sterilised or pure or spring water.
The container according to any of the preceding claims, in which the vessel (20) and/or cup (30) comprise a substantially flat base to allow the container to be stored in a vertical position.
The container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cup has a fluid capacity which is substantially 40-60% of the fluid capacity of the vessel.
The container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cup has a fluid capacity which is substantially 50% of the fluid capacity of the vessel.
The container according to any the preceding claims wherein the vessel has a fluid capacity of substantially 60ml.
The container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the closure comprises a removable seal.