US20050181151A1 - Packaging container - Google Patents
Packaging container Download PDFInfo
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- US20050181151A1 US20050181151A1 US10/512,573 US51257305A US2005181151A1 US 20050181151 A1 US20050181151 A1 US 20050181151A1 US 51257305 A US51257305 A US 51257305A US 2005181151 A1 US2005181151 A1 US 2005181151A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- packaging container
- suppository
- article
- container according
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 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
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
- A61J3/08—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of suppositories or sticks
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A fitted body comprises a cap 20 made of a rubber elastic material and a body 10 made of a rubber elastic material, and at least the body 20 or the body 10 expands or contracts in accordance with volumetric expansion or volumetric contraction of an article received in a container 1. The container 1 is arranged so as to enable the takeout of the article without any leakage of the article to the outside in a state where the container is restored to an original shape. In the body 10, a thin-film skin 12 is disposed in its bottom to expand and contract. A flange 18 having a notch 19 is disposed near an open end of the body 10. Cord-like projections 17 are disposed in a circumferential direction of a sidewall 11 near the skin 12.
Description
- The present invention relates to a packaging container. Specifically, the invention relates to a packaging container wherein even when a shape of a received article left under a high-temperature environment is deformed due to its melting, the article is restored to its original shape if it is placed again under a proper temperature, and the article can be taken out in the original shape, and more particularly to a container suited to packaging of material products such as suppositories used as medicines, cosmetics and foodstuffs repeatedly liquefied/solidified by a temperature change.
- A suppository is prepared by forming a drug (medial agent) which is a main drug into a given shape by a base, and it is a solid medicine administered to a rectum, a urethra, a vagina or the like. The suppository is softened or melted at a body temperature, or melted in a mucilaginous liquid. Then, a drug is absorbed through a mucosa into a body.
- To prepare a suppository, normally, an oily base, an aqueous base or the other proper material is used as a base, drugs are uniformly mixed directly or by adding an additive such as an emulsifying agent or a suspending agent as occasion demands, these drugs are molded, sealed in or wrapped in proper skins, and formed into proper shapes. Regarding shapes, usually rectal suppositories are conical or spindle-shaped, vaginal suppositories are globular or oval, and urethral suppositories are long axis.
- The suppositories obtained by the molding are wrapped one by one in, e.g., an aluminum foil, or each fills a packaging container made of hard plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene to be packaged therein. Additionally, there is a case in which molding and packaging are simultaneously carried out, e.g., a melted base fills a packaging container made of hard plastic, and the base is cooled to be solidified in the container.
- In use, the suppository is preferably stored at a room temperature or in a cold place to keep its shape. At a general household or at the time of being carried, however, the suppository is sometimes stored at a body temperature or more, causing melting of a part or all parts of the suppository.
- However, in the conventional packaging form, e.g., in the case of packaging in an aluminum foil, there is a problem that the melted suppository composition may leak to the outside, not only losing a value as a medicine but also staining the surroundings. Additionally, not only in the case of the packaging in the aluminum foil but also in the case of using the packaging container made of hard plastic, the suppository once melted might not return to its initial shape of the filling and packaging, and cannot be used as originally intended because of the shape change. The hard plastic packaging container is normally constituted by welding two plastic pieces together. Consequently, when the melted suppository composition oozes to the welded portion to be solidified again, swells (so-called flashes) or the like are generated. Besides, when the welding is bad, the melted composition might ooze to this portion to cause a great change in the weight of the suppository itself. When the suppository is completely melted, the container itself might be broken because its volume increases by 1.1 to 1.2 times.
- Furthermore, in the conventional packaging form, it is necessary to take out the suppository from the container or the aluminum package by fingers at the time of insertion into the anus or the like, and to directly hold the suppository by the fingers. Consequently, there is a problem that a smooth and glistening feeling at the time of holding by the fingers will make insertion difficult and holding by fingers is unsanitary.
- The invention has been made with the aforementioned conventional problems in mind, and it is an object of the invention to provide a packaging container wherein even when a part or all parts of an article similar to a suppository in the container melts as a result of storage under a relatively high temperature, the article is subsequently placed under a temperature to be restored to an original shape, and thus the article can be taken out in a shape of a reception time, and the suppository can be inserted sanitarily without being held by fingers.
- A packaging container of the present invention comprising a fitted body of a cap made of a rubber elastic material and a body made of a rubber elastic material is characterized in that at least the cap or the body expands or contracts in accordance with volumetric expansion or volumetric contraction of an article received in the container, and the article can be taken out without any is leakage of the article into the outside in a state where the article is restored to an original shape. That is, sealing of the packaging container of the invention is secured as a container by making both of the cap and the body of rubber elastic materials and, by using the nature of the elastic materials, a function is exhibited to cool and solidify the received article a part or all parts of which melt to expand, and to restore its original shape.
- In the packaging container, especially to deal with a large volumetric change, a part of the body or the cap preferably comprises a thin-film skin which easily responds volumetric expansion of the article. The skin is preferably disposed in a bottom of the body and/or the cap, and the other portion of the body comprising the skin and/or the other portion of the cap comprising the skin is preferably formed into a roughly thick cylindrical shape.
- A cord-like projection is disposed in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion near the skin of the roughly cylindrical portion of the body or the cap.
- A flange jumping out in an outer circumferential direction more than an open end is formed near the open end of the roughly cylindrical portion of the body or the cap. The flange preferably comprises a cut or a notch.
- Further, according to the invention, the cap and the body are preferably fitted together through a fitting concave and a fitting convex slightly larger than the concave.
- The fitted body of the cap and the body preferably comprises a taper swollen from an insertion end side in the outer circumferential direction.
- One of the cap and the body can be a pedestal which comprises one or a plurality of fitting concaves to fit the opposite body or cap.
- The packaging container of the invention is suitably used for a suppository. In the case of the packaging container used for the suppository, the open end of the body or the cap is preferably positioned near a maximum diameter position of suppository received in the body or the cap.
- The packaging container is preferably made of silicon rubber in consideration of hygiene.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a packaging container according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a used state of the packaging container ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an exploded state of the packaging container; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a used state of a packaging container according to another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an exploded state of the packaging container ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an exploded state of a packaging container according to yet another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a packaging container according to yet another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing an exploded state of the packaging container ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a body of the packaging container ofFIG. 7 seen from an open end; -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a body of a packaging container seen from an open end according to yet another embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a body of a packaging container cut along a horizontal surface according to yet another embodiment of the invention. - Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing apackaging container 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a used state of thepackaging container 1; andFIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an exploded state of thepackaging container 1. - The
packaging container 1 shown inFIG. 1 is a container for a suppository, and such containers can be carried one by one. Thepackaging container 1 comprises abody 10 which receives a body portion of asuppository 2, and acap 20 which fits thebody 10. In FIGS. 1 to 3, thecap 20 is drawn to cap thebody 10 from above. Each of thecap 20 and thebody 10 is made of a rubber elastic material. Rubber elasticity means a large elastic deformation behavior observed in the case of a high molecular material of a rubber state, and the rubber elastic material means a material which exhibits such an elastic deformation behavior. As rubber elastic materials used in the invention, for example, in addition to natural rubber and silicon rubber, there can be cited thermosetting types such as styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, urethane rubber, n-butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, fluorine-containing rubber, and polybutadiene rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer such as styrene elastomer (TPS), olefin elastomer (TPO), vinyl chloride elastomer (TPVC), urethane elastomer (TPU), and polyester elastomer (TPEE). Specifically, the material is selected from these types in accordance with an article to be received. From the standpoint of hygiene and takeout from the container, the silicon rubber is suitably used for the container for the suppository. Among others, a rubber elastic material having rubber hardness of 25 to 95° (JIS K-6253, International Rubber Hardness by a hardness testing method of vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic rubber) is especially preferable. Thecap 20 and thebody 10 are formed by a general molding method in which the received article is a prototype. - The
packaging container 1 of the invention is characterized in that at least one of thebody 10 and thecap 20 expands or contracts in accordance with volumetric expansion or volumetric contraction of the suppository 2 (article) received in thepackaging container 1, and thesuppository 2 can be taken out without leakage of the melted article to the outside in a state where the article is restored to an original shape. That is, thepackaging container 1 of the invention is constituted in such a manner that even when thesuppository 2 received therein reversibly expands or contracts and melts to increase its internal volume, no damage or liquid leakage occurs and, when the internal volume contracts due to cooling and solidifying, the article is restored to its original shape. In other words, thepackaging container 1 of the invention is formed such that an internal shape thereof is almost similar to that of the suppository at a proper temperature, and the container received article (suppository 2) and the inside of the container are almost bonded together. Then, even when the article is melted once by a temperature increase and then cooled to be solidified at a proper temperature, thesuppository 2 and thepackaging container 1 are almost bonded together as in the case of the receiving time to restore the original shape of thesuppository 2. Besides, volumetric expansion by the melting of thesuppository 2 due to the temperature increase is accompanied by expansion of thepackaging container 1 itself. However, no liquid leakage occurs from thefitting portions body 10 and thecap 20. Thus, according to the invention, the volume increased when thesuppository 2 melts is absorbed by the expansion of thebody 10 and/or thecap 20, and the liquid leakage through thefitting portions cap 20 and thebody 10. - The
packaging container 1 shown in each drawing employs a constitution that thebody 10 mainly expands to absorb the volume increase of the article. A constitution may also be employed in which thebody 10 and thecap 20 are set equal in rubber hardness and thickness, thecap 20 also expands itself, and the volume increase of the article is absorbed by both of thebody 10 and thecap 20. However, if both of thebody 10 and thecap 20 expand, liquid leakage from thefitting portions cap 20 which is equal to, or larger in rubber hardness, and/or equal to, or larger in thickness than thebody 10. Incidentally, in the explanation, one to cover is thecap 20, and one to be covered is thebody 10. However, one to cover may be thebody 10, and one to be covered may be thecap 20. - The restoration to the original shape according to the invention does not strictly mean physical restoration of an original shape but simply means practical or product-value restoration of an original shape. That is, in an actual product, very small concaves and convexes may exist on the surface due to a manufacturing process or so-called flashes may be generated during product manufacturing. According to the invention, however, there will be no problem even if such very small concaves and convexes or flashes on the product surface cannot be reproduced. The very small concaves and convexes or flashes are generated in the manufacturing process of the article, and lost when the article melts. Very small concaves and convexes formed at the time of resolidification may be a problem of manufacturing accuracy (accuracy of container inner surface) of the
packaging container 1. Restoration accuracy of such a level is permitted as a restoration error. In other words, the invention does not guarantee the original accuracy of the conventional manufacturing process. In this regard, in the case of the packaging container made of hard plastic, the internal volume thereof is made larger than the article in consideration of the expansion of the article, and there is almost no restoration to the original shape even at the time of resolidification. - The proper temperature in the above explanation is decided by a relation with an article to be received, and it means a temperature range in a general living environment, a manufacturing environment, and a storage environment, specifically a range of approximately 0 to 30° C., a temperature range in which the article can keep its given shape within a normally intended use temperature range. However, within the intended use temperature range, strictness that the article must always have a given shape at any temperatures is unnecessary. The article only needs to have a given shape approximately within the temperature range. The proper temperature is used in meaning that the shape of the article itself is changed when the temperature range is exceeded. For example, the
suppository 2 is used at a room temperature, approximately 0 to 30° C. which is a general living environment, and it must have a given shape at the room temperature. However, the suppository or the like becomes soft when this temperature range is exceeded, and completely melts, e.g., near 40° C. over a body temperature. Thus, a temperature zone which enables keeping of a given shape is referred to as a proper temperature, which varies from article to article. In the above example of the suppository, the room temperature is a proper temperature. However, as a specific temperature, it is not necessary to discriminate 0 to 30° C. from 1 to 31° C., but it is enough to consider both to be proper temperatures for the suppository according to the invention. Even at the room temperature, depending on a composition, there may be asuppository 2 which melts at a temperature near 30° C. lower than the body temperature to lose a given shape. A proper temperature for such asuppository 2 means not a room temperature but a low temperature before the start of the melting. - To repeat, the invention is suitably used for the article which has a given shape within the intended use environment, cannot keep the shape when this range is exceeded (irrespective of upper and lower limits), and for example softened or melted to change its shape and whose shape at the time of use is important. Especially, in the case of melting or expanding, the invention is suitably used for an article whose volume increase rate per temperature is large. In the case of the
above suppository 2, a given shape is kept until about 35° C. However, when the suppository starts to melt at 35 to 37° C. and completely melts near 40° C., the volume increases by about 1.1 to 1.2 as described above. Thus, thepackaging container 1 of the invention is suitably used for the article which is a solid in the normal use and storage states, and melts to change its shape outside the proper temperature, and to increase the volume. By applying the container to such an article, even when the article is placed at storage conditions outside the proper temperature to lose its shape, the original shape can be restored by returning the temperature without losing its shape. Thus, at the proper temperature, the article can always be taken out in the shape of the packaging time (at the time of filling the container), and used in a proper shape. - The
body 10 shown inFIG. 1 comprises a roughly cylindrical and slightlythick sidewall 11, and a thin-film skin 12 which becomes a bottom of thebody 10. Afitting portion 13 is disposed in an open end of thebody 10. Thepackaging container 1 absorbs the volumetric expansion of the article by thebody 10 as described above. In thebody 10, theskin 12 mainly expands, and the volumetric expansion is absorbed by this portion. Needless to say, the bottom of thebody 10 may be set equal in thickness to thesidewall 11, theentire body 10 may be uniformly made thick, and the entire portion thereof may expand. In such a case, however, the expansion of the article increases a risk of damaging thebody 10, and liquid may leak from thefitting portions cap 20 and thebody 10. The slightly thick formation of thesidewall 11 facilitates pushing-out of thesuppository 2 which is a received article. Incidentally, a thickness of theskin 12 is approximately 0.03 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.15 mm, and a thickness of thesidewall 11 is approximately 0.4 to 2 mm, preferably 1.0 to 1.5 mm. However, these ranges are in no way limitative. - The
skin 12 is roughly formed into a mountain shape when it is seen from the side face, which matches the shape of thesuppository 2 to be received. However, the shape is not limited to such and, for example, it may be semispherical. - The
body 10 is manufactured so that the open end of thebody 10 will be almost positioned in a maximum diameter position of the receivedsuppository 2. That is, the open end of thebody 10 is positioned in a most swollen place of thesuppository 2. Thebody 10 is manufactured to be a size so that a so-called head of thesuppository 2 can be exposed when thecap 20 is removed from thebody 10. Most of suppositories are spindle-shaped or circular conic. Accordingly, by positioning the open end near the maximum diameter, thecap 20 can be surely removed in a state in which thesuppository 2 is received in thebody 10 without leaving thesuppository 2 in thecap 20 side. Since a structure is employed in which an inner diameter of thebody 10 is enlarged toward the open end of thebody 10, thesuppository 2 is easily pushed out by holding the portion near the bottom of thebody 10 by fingers. Thus, by applying the head of thesuppository 2 to the anus or the like without taking out thesuppository 2 from thebody 10, then thesuppository 2 is easily inserted into the anus only by pushing out thesuppository 2 from thebody 10. Therefore, in contrast to the conventional packaging form, the process of the takeout of the article from thepackaging container 1 to insertion can be carried out without directly touching thesuppository 2 by fingers. Moreover, since thecap 20 and thebody 10 are fitted together in this position, a stronger fit state can be obtained. Needless to say, thesuppository 2 can be taken out by pinching thebody 10 even without positioning the open end in the maximum diameter position. A shape is not limited to a spindle shape, and the invention can be applied to a linear suppository such as a urethral suppository. In such a case, the open-end position of thebody 10 is set so that a portion to be received in thecap 20 is not large. - In an outer peripheral portion of the open end of the
body 10, a fitting convex 14 is formed to constitute thefitting portion 13 of thebody 10 side. The fitting convex 14 prevents liquid leakage between itself and a fitting concave 23 of thecap 20, and constitutes a sealing structure which uses rubber elasticity of thebody 10 and thecap 20. The fitting convex 14 is formed slightly larger than the fitting concave 23, and surely prevents liquid leakage caused by expansion of thebody 10 or thecap 20. For example, as shown inFIG. 3 , the fitting convex 14 comprises aflange 14a disposed near the open end of the sidewall of thebody 10, and an R portion 14 b projected from a tip of theflange 14 a to a closed end side of thebody 10. - The
cap 20 shown inFIG. 1 is roughly formed into a hat shape. Theentire cap 20 is formed thick, and it has almost no expansion characteristics. There is no limitation on an appearance shape of thecap 20 as in the case of thebody 10, but its shape is decided in consideration of design or portability. Thecap 20 comprises a receiving concave 21 almost bonded to the head of thesuppository 2 exposed from thebody 10. In an inner surface of the cap side more than the receiving concave 21, a groove-shaped fitting concave 23 is disposed to fit the fitting convex 14 of thebody 10, constituting afitting portion 22 of thecap 20 side. Thebody 10 is fitted to thecap 20 to obtain a fitted body, constituting a sealed space in the packaging container which is almost bonded to receive thesuppository 2. - When the
suppository 2 is packaged in such apackaging container 1, even if thesuppository 2 melts to change its shape as a result of being left under bad storage conditions such as at a high temperature, e.g., 40° C. or higher, thesuppository 2 is restored to the original shape by returning the temperature to a room temperature. Thepackaging container 1 is made of a rubber elastic material. Thus, even when it is carried in a bag or the like, thepackaging container 1 is not broken up different from the case of packaging in a hard plastic container, a soft feeling is provided when it is touched by hand, and thus thecontainer 1 is very convenient for carrying. Further, even when the suppository melts in the bag or the like, the article does not leak to stain the inside thereof. Besides, while thecap 20 is removed and thesuppository 2 is received in thebody 10, the suppository can be inserted without directly touching it by fingers. Apparently, thepackaging container 1 of the invention has many advantages. By using thepackaging container 1, it is possible to provide a very hygienic and highly convenient suppository product. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a used state of apackaging container 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an exploded state of the packaging state. Acap 20 of thepackaging container 1 is formed into a so-called pedestal shape, and comprises a plurality offitting concaves 23, fivefitting concaves 23 as shown. For thecap 20, a plurality ofbodies 10 can be fitted to onecap 20, and a plurality ofsuppositories 2 can be supplied by one product form (package). For example, thecap 20 is mounted on a desk, and holds thebody 10 substantially in a vertically erected state. According to the embodiment, thebodies 10 are removed one by one from thecap 20 to be used. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , afitting portion 13 of thebody 10 comprises a taper swollen from an insertion end side in an outer circumferential direction, i.e., ataper 15 swollen from an open end of thebody 10 toward a closed end in the outer circumferential direction, and it is formed as a fitting convex 14 roughly trapezoidal or triangular in section. The insertion end side means the open-end side of thebody 10 in which the fitting convex 14 is formed. In a fitting concave 23, the body is swollen toward the insertion end side (open end side of the cap 20) in the outer circumferential direction. Thus, thefitting portion 13 of thebody 10 side is easily inserted into a fitting portion 22 (fitting concave 23) of thecap 20 side. Accordingly, automatic loading by a machine is facilitated without adversely affecting prevention of liquid leakage. Near thefitting portion 13 shown inFIG. 5 , in asidewall 11 on the closed end side more than thefitting portion 13, agrip 16 is formed to be thicker than theother sidewall 11. Thisgrip 16 is used for chucking in the case of automatic loading by the machine. The thick formation thereof enables stable holding and inserting. - Therefore, by forming a plurality of fitting concaves 23 (receiving concaves 21) for one
cap 20, a plurality ofsuppositories 2 can be supplied all at once by one packaging form. Besides, thecap 20 becomes relatively larger compared with thecap 20 for each loading of the first embodiment to be handled more easily. Additionally, since removal from thecap 20 is easy, operability is greatly improved. Furthermore, since thesuppository 10 can be brought to an application position such as an anus in the state of being inserted in thebody 10 after thebody 10 is removed from thecap 20, it is very hygienic as in the previous case. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an exploded state of apackaging container 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. According to the invention, afitting portion 13 of abody 10 and afitting portion 22 of acap 20 are only required to surely prevent liquid leakage when an internal volume expands, especially when thebody 10 expands, and thus there is no limitation on a constitution. In thepackaging container 1 shown inFIG. 6 , thefitting portion 13 of thebody 10 side comprises ataper 15 swollen from an open end of thebody 10 to a closed end in an outer circumferential direction, and a fitting convex 14 roughly semicircular in section is disposed on a closed end side of thetaper 15. Athick grip 16 is formed on a closed end side of the fitting convex 14. By such a constitution of thefitting portion 13, the object of the invention can be achieved. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a packaging container according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing an exploded state of the packaging container, andFIG. 9 is a plan view of abody 10 of thepackaging container 1 seen from an open end. Thisbody 10 comprises a roughly cylindrical and slightlythick sidewall 11, aflange 18 jumping out in an outer circumferential direction more than the open end, and cord-like projections 17 arranged in a circumferential direction of thesidewall 11. On the other hand, acap 20 is formed to be uniformly thick as a whole, and a portion around afitting portion 22 is formed to jump out by an amount equivalent to a formed fitting concave 23. - The
flange 18 is disposed near the open end of thesidewall 11, and mainly designed to prevent erroneous insertion of thebody 10 into an anus or a vagina at the time of inserting a suppository. As long as this object can be achieved, there is no particular limitation on shapes. For example, a shape similar to a guard used for a sword, a shape similar to a visor of a cap, or a shape jumping out in a cord shape may be employed. Preferably, the shape jumping out in the outer circumferential direction more than thefitting portion 13 of thebody 10 is disposed. Additionally, theflange 18 only needs to be disposed partially in the circumferential direction of the shownsidewall 11, and may be disposed all around thesidewall 11 as described later. Theflange 18 is formed integrally with thebody 10. - The shown
flange 18 comprises anotch 19. Thenotch 19 tears theflange 18 left and right, and subsequently triggers tearing of thesidewall 11 of thebody 10. When thesuppository 2 received in thepackaging container 1 melts and is solidified again, thesuppository 2 is bonded to thebody 10, and thesuppository 2 may not be taken out from thebody 10 by pinching thebody 10 to push out the same. Thispackaging container 1 enables the takeout of thesuppository 2 by tearing thebody 10 in such a case. - As long as the
notch 19 tears theflange 18 left and right to trigger tearing of thebody 10, there is no limitation on a shape. A shape may not be anotch 19 but a simple linear cut, or a composite shape having a linear cut directed from an intersection of thenotch 19 to thesidewall 11 may be employed. However, the sidewall-tip of thenotch 19 or the sidewall-tip of the cut must not reach thesidewall 11. It is because if the sidewall-tips reach thesidewall 11, strength of thesidewall 11 is reduced to increase a risk of rupture from this portion when the receivedsuppository 2 melts. - The
flange 18 shown inFIG. 10 comprises abrim 18 a of a cap shown inFIG. 9 , and asword guard 18 b almost all around thesidewall 11 except for thebrim 18 a. Thebrim 18 a of the cap has anotch 19. In theflange 18, theguard 18 b almost all around thesidewall 11 functions as a holding (fixing) member of a loading device used at the time of loading and packaging thesuppository 2 and enables sure automatic loading. Only for the purpose of triggering tearing of thesidewall 11 of thebody 10, the partially disposedflange 18 shown inFIG. 9 is more preferable than theflange 18 all around thesidewall 11. It is because theflange 18 can be pinched more easily, and torn left and right more easily. Thus, thesword guard 18 b only may be cut off from thesidewall 11 after thesuppository 2 is loaded. When thebrim 18 a and thesword guard 18 b almost all around thesidewall 11 are combined together as shown inFIG. 10 , thesword guard 18 b is preferably caused to jump out in an outer circumferential direction more than thebrim 18 a. It is because griping and tearing are easier. - Thus, the
flange 18 having thenotch 19 not only serves to prevent erroneous insertion of thebody 10 but also facilitates insertion of thesuppository 2 by tearing thebody 10. Besides, since theflange 18 is disposed near the open end of thesidewall 11, when thebody 10 is torn, a portion near the open end of thesidewall 11 is torn while a portion near theskin 12 is not torn to be left, and thesuppository 2 can be inserted without direct touching by fingers as in the previous case. Theflange 18 of the sword guard shape disposed almost all around thesidewall 11 functions as a holding portion by mechanical loading. - Two cord-
like projections 17 are disposed all around thesidewall 11 near theskin 12 of thesidewall 11. The cord-like projection 17 functions as a skid when thesuppository 2 is pushed out by the fingers. That is, because of the presence of the cord-like projection 17, thesuppository 2 can be pushed out without slipping-off of thebody 10 through the pinching fingers. Moreover, since the two cord-like projections 17 are arranged, a sure skidding function is exhibited. - An arranging place of the cord-
like projection 17 is near theskin 12, preferably a position in which thesuppository 2 is most easily pushed out. More specifically, for example, if a roughly mountain-shapedskin 12 is disposed, the cord-like projection is arranged on an open-end side slightly more than a bottom of the skin 12 (position which is a boundary between theskin 12 and thesidewall 11 and nearest the open end). By disposing the cord-like projection in this position, thesuppository 2 can be pushed out by a small force. Incidentally, this position varies depending on a shape or the like of an article. - Accordingly, as long as the object can be achieved, a thickness, the number, and intervals of cord-like projections are not a problem, and the cord-like projection needs not always be disposed all around. For example, as shown in
FIG. 11 , the cord-like projection may be disposed in a part of thesidewall 11. In such a case, it is advisable to dispose the cord-like projection 17 in a position to be always pinching by two fingers. In the above example, more preferably, the cord-like projection is disposed in a position in which the bottom of theskin 12 is nearest the open end. Such a position becomes an eyemark to indicate a position of pinching the cord-like projection 17, whereby usability of thepackaging container 1 is improved more. - The cord-
like projection 17 is not necessarily connected as a line. Dots may be linearly arrayed, or a broken line in which short lines are linearly arrayed may be employed. Incidentally, the lines, the dots, and the short lines are not planar lines but have swells. The cord-like projection 17 may be formed roughly semicircular or rectangular in section preferably. - The embodiment has been described mainly by way of the
suppository 2 as an article to be packaged. However, thepackaging container 1 of the invention can be applied to various articles other than thesuppository 2, and suitably used for an article which has a given shape at a given temperature (proper temperature), and partially or entirely melts by a temperature change to increase a volume, or does not melt but increases the volume. For example, the container can be applied to a foodstuff such as chocolate. The chocolate has a composition similar to that of thesuppository 2, and keeps a given shape at a normal temperature. However, the chocolate melts to lose its shape at a higher temperature, and is solidified in the broken shape upon a return to the normal temperature. On the other hand, when thepackaging container 1 of the invention is used, even if the chocolate melts therein, the chocolate can be taken out in a shape before the melting (shape at a receiving time) by cooling and solidifying thepackaging container 1 without opening it. Moreover, the container can be applied to articles such as cosmetics. - The
packaging container 1 of the invention needs to expand in accordance with expansion of an article therein, and be restored to an original shape in accordance with contraction. When the received article contracts from the original shape, it is not always necessary for thepackaging container 1 to accordingly contract. That is, in thepackaging container 1 of the invention, the receiving space thereof only needs have a given shape in a normal state of the article, and there will be no problem even if a form change of the article causes a reduction in a volume occupied by the article and forms an aperture in the container. For example, ice cream or ice causes a volume reduction when it melts. However, by receiving such an article, thepackaging container 1 does not contract itself, but an aperture is formed therein. Needless to say, thepackaging container 1 may contract to be deformed. However, if thepackaging container 1 is cooled together with the article after melting, the article is solidified again therein to return to its original shape. It is because at the time of receiving the article in thepackaging container 1, the article is received to be bonded to an inner surface thereof. Thus, thepackaging container 1 of the invention can be used as a container for an article which melts to reduce a volume. Incidentally, in this case, packaging is carried out under conditions which enable the ice cream or ice to keep a given shape. - The present invention is not limited to the embodiments. As long as the object of the invention can be achieved, there is no limitation on an appearance shape of the
packaging container 1, a shape of the article or the like. For example, thebody 10 and thecap 20 can both be constituted to expand/contract. In this case, portions around thefitting portion 13 of thebody 10 and thefitting portion 22 of thecap 20 may be formed thick to prevent liquid leakage therefrom. - As described above, the packaging container of the invention comprises the fitted body of the cap made of the rubber elastic material and the body made of the rubber elastic material, at least the cap or the body expands or contracts in accordance with volumetric expansion or volumetric contraction of the article received in the container, and the article can be taken out without any leakage of the article into the outside in a state where the article is restored to an original shape. Accordingly, even when the article similar to the suppository is placed at a higher temperature than a proper temperature, and melts to lose its shape, the suppository as the received article is restored to its original shape by cooling the container with the article. As a result, within a range in which the article is not altered, the article never becomes unusable even if it melts to lose its shape, but the article can always be used in a proper shape. Storage conditions can be softened from cold place storage to room temperature storage, contributing to a reduction in storage costs and suppressing defects caused by bad storage conditions. The container is made of the rubber elastic material, and thus its portability can be improved compared with the conventional hard plastic container.
- In the case of using the suppository, by positioning the open end of the body (cap) near the maximum diameter position of the suppository received therein, the cap and the body are fitted together in a strongest place to surely prevent liquid leakage when melting occurs. Moreover, in the case of a spindle-shaped suppository, pushing-out from the body can be facilitated, further improving handling.
- Furthermore, according to the invention, the thin-film skin disposed in a part of the body or the cap, e.g., in the bottom thereof, to expand/contract absorbs the expansion of the article, whereby the object of the invention can be achieved without any loosening of the fitting between the cap and the body. If the other portion of the body (cap) comprising the skin is formed into a roughly cylindrical thick shape, the cap (body) can be removed in a state in which the article is received in the body (cap), and the article can be pushed out by pinching it from the cap (body). Accordingly, when the container is used for a suppository, the suppository can be inserted into an applied location without directly touching it by fingers, whereby a very hygienic and highly convenient suppository product can be provided.
- The cord-like projection disposed in the circumferential direction near the skin of the roughly cylindrical potion of the body or the cap exhibits the skidding function from the fingers, and prevents pulling-off of the body or the cap through the fingers when the article is pushed out. Additionally, the cord-like projection becomes an eyemark of a pinching pushing out position, improving usability more.
- Further, the flange jumping out in the outer circumferential direction more than the open end integrally formed near the open end of the roughly cylindrical portion of the body or the cap functions as, e.g., an erroneous insertion preventing member to the anus or the like when the suppository is used, whereby a product with consideration given to safety is provided.
- The cut or the notch formed in the flange triggers tearing of the roughly cylindrical body or cap. Thus, the article can be taken out by tearing the body or the cap from the cut or the like. Especially, this becomes effective means when resolidification causes bonding of the article to the container. Moreover, since the flange is formed near the open end of the cap or the body, the portion gripped by the fingers is left without being torn, and the suppository can be inserted into the anus or the like without dirtying the fingers.
- If the cap and the body are fitted together by a fitting concave and a fitting convex slightly larger than the concave, it is possible to surely prevent liquid leakage.
- Further, the taper swollen from the insertion end side disposed in the fitted body of the cap and the body in the outer circumferential direction facilitates insertion into the opposite side body or cap, whereby automatic packaging by a machine can be carried out.
- If one of the cap and the body is formed into a pedestal shape which comprises one or a plurality of fitting concaves to fit the opposite body or cap, the cap or the body is enlarged to improve handling. In association, a plurality of suppositories are provided by one packaging form or one package.
- As apparent from the foregoing, according to the invention, it is possible to not only soften storage conditions of an article such as a suppository which easily melts near a room temperature, especially an article whose physical shape is particularly necessary, but also to take out the article without directly touching it. The packaging container of the invention is especially suitable for a suppository, and provides a suppository product excellent in hygiene and handling.
Claims (12)
1. A packaging container comprising a fitted body of a cap made of a rubber elastic material and a body made of a rubber elastic material,
characterized in that at least the cap or the body expands or contracts in accordance with volumetric expansion or volumetric contraction of an article received in the container, and the article is capable of being taken out without any leakage of the article into the outside in a state where the article is restored to an original shape.
2. The packaging container according to claim 1 , characterized in that a part of the body or the cap comprises a thin-film skin.
3. The packaging container according to claim 2 , characterized in that the skin is disposed in a bottom of the body and/or the cap, and the other portion of the body comprising the skin and/or the other portion of the cap comprising the skin is formed into a roughly thick cylindrical shape.
4. The packaging container according to claim 3 , characterized in that a cord-like projection is disposed in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion near the skin of the roughly cylindrical portion of the body or the cap.
5. The packaging container according to claim 3 , characterized in that a flange jumping out in an outer circumferential direction more than an open end is integrally formed near the open end of the roughly cylindrical portion of the body or the cap.
6. The packaging container according to claim 5 , characterized in that the flange comprises a cut or a notch.
7. The packaging container according to claim 1 , characterized in that the cap and the body are fitted together through a fitting concave and a fitting convex slightly larger than the concave.
8. The packaging container according to claim 7 , characterized in that the fitted body of the cap and the body comprises a taper swollen from an insertion end side in the outer circumferential direction.
9. The packaging container according to claim 1 , characterized in that one of the cap and the body is a pedestal which comprises one or a plurality of fitting concaves to fit the opposite body or cap.
10. The packaging container according to claim 1 , characterized in that the packaging container is for a suppository.
11. The packaging container according to claim 10 , characterized in that the open end of the body is positioned near a maximum diameter position of a suppository received in the body, or the open end of the cap is positioned near the maximum diameter position of a suppository received in the cap.
12. The packaging container according to claim 1 , characterized in that the rubber elastic material is silicon rubber.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2002-126849 | 2002-04-26 | ||
JP2002126849 | 2002-04-26 | ||
JP2002278228 | 2002-09-24 | ||
JP2002-278228 | 2002-09-24 | ||
PCT/JP2003/005414 WO2003091126A1 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2003-04-25 | Packaging container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050181151A1 true US20050181151A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
Family
ID=29272373
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/512,573 Abandoned US20050181151A1 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2003-04-25 | Packaging container |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050181151A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1500604A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4296149B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20050010768A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1649779A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003234997A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003091126A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4871118B2 (en) * | 2006-12-27 | 2012-02-08 | 東洋アルミエコープロダクツ株式会社 | Food storage cups |
CN104168930B (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2016-10-12 | 泰尔茂株式会社 | Blood component separation device and whizzer |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2718980A (en) * | 1951-10-02 | 1955-09-27 | Robinson William H | Container seal |
US2950813A (en) * | 1958-01-08 | 1960-08-30 | Chemway Corp | Package |
US3059766A (en) * | 1959-08-12 | 1962-10-23 | Searle & Co | Combined mold and package for suppositories |
US3104665A (en) * | 1959-03-30 | 1963-09-24 | Edward J Towns | Suppository mold and container |
US4174040A (en) * | 1977-12-02 | 1979-11-13 | Wang Su Yen | Multi-functional suppository encapsulator |
US4250893A (en) * | 1979-02-21 | 1981-02-17 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Sample collection device |
US4501108A (en) * | 1981-03-25 | 1985-02-26 | A/S Nunc | Method of sealing a tubular receptacle |
US4537311A (en) * | 1983-06-27 | 1985-08-27 | Russell G. Sharp | Seamless suppository dispenser |
US5484598A (en) * | 1992-08-18 | 1996-01-16 | R.P. Scherer Corporation | Soft gelatin medicament capsules with gripping construction |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3060750B2 (en) * | 1992-09-29 | 2000-07-10 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Method for manufacturing color filter, counter substrate for liquid crystal display device using the color filter, and liquid crystal display device |
JP3018072B2 (en) * | 1997-01-14 | 2000-03-13 | 孝昭 森 | Powder container and dry body for feet |
-
2003
- 2003-04-25 KR KR10-2004-7017165A patent/KR20050010768A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-04-25 US US10/512,573 patent/US20050181151A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-25 AU AU2003234997A patent/AU2003234997A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-25 EP EP03728001A patent/EP1500604A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-04-25 WO PCT/JP2003/005414 patent/WO2003091126A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-04-25 JP JP2004501983A patent/JP4296149B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-04-25 CN CNA038093758A patent/CN1649779A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2718980A (en) * | 1951-10-02 | 1955-09-27 | Robinson William H | Container seal |
US2950813A (en) * | 1958-01-08 | 1960-08-30 | Chemway Corp | Package |
US3104665A (en) * | 1959-03-30 | 1963-09-24 | Edward J Towns | Suppository mold and container |
US3059766A (en) * | 1959-08-12 | 1962-10-23 | Searle & Co | Combined mold and package for suppositories |
US4174040A (en) * | 1977-12-02 | 1979-11-13 | Wang Su Yen | Multi-functional suppository encapsulator |
US4250893A (en) * | 1979-02-21 | 1981-02-17 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Sample collection device |
US4501108A (en) * | 1981-03-25 | 1985-02-26 | A/S Nunc | Method of sealing a tubular receptacle |
US4537311A (en) * | 1983-06-27 | 1985-08-27 | Russell G. Sharp | Seamless suppository dispenser |
US5484598A (en) * | 1992-08-18 | 1996-01-16 | R.P. Scherer Corporation | Soft gelatin medicament capsules with gripping construction |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2003234997A1 (en) | 2003-11-10 |
JPWO2003091126A1 (en) | 2005-09-02 |
JP4296149B2 (en) | 2009-07-15 |
WO2003091126A1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
EP1500604A1 (en) | 2005-01-26 |
CN1649779A (en) | 2005-08-03 |
KR20050010768A (en) | 2005-01-28 |
AU2003234997A8 (en) | 2003-11-10 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMATO PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HISAYOSHI, SHIMIZU;TAKESHI, NISHIMURA;YUTAKA, YAMAKAWA;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016161/0066;SIGNING DATES FROM 20041013 TO 20041029 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |