US20210122542A1 - Individual package opening aid, mixture container, and individual package - Google Patents

Individual package opening aid, mixture container, and individual package Download PDF

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Publication number
US20210122542A1
US20210122542A1 US17/076,420 US202017076420A US2021122542A1 US 20210122542 A1 US20210122542 A1 US 20210122542A1 US 202017076420 A US202017076420 A US 202017076420A US 2021122542 A1 US2021122542 A1 US 2021122542A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
individual package
container
opening aid
opening
securing ring
Prior art date
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
Application number
US17/076,420
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English (en)
Inventor
Min (Kenneth Min) Jo (Zee)
Mitsutaka (Christopher) Jo (Zee)
Mitsuhiro (Vincent) Jo (Zee)
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Crown Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Crown Co Ltd
Crown Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Crown Co Ltd, Crown Co Ltd filed Critical Crown Co Ltd
Assigned to CROWN COMPANY LIMITED reassignment CROWN COMPANY LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JO (ZEE), MIN (KENNETH MIN), JO (ZEE), MITSUHIRO (VINCENT), JO (ZEE), MITSUTAKA (CHRISTOPHER)
Publication of US20210122542A1 publication Critical patent/US20210122542A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2828—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil
    • B65D51/2835—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil ruptured by a sharp element, e.g. a cutter or a piercer
    • 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
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2821—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3216—Rigid containers disposed one within the other
    • B65D81/3222—Rigid containers disposed one within the other with additional means facilitating admixture
    • 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
    • B65D83/0094—Containers having an external wall formed as, or with, a diaphragm or the like which is deformed to expel the contents
    • 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
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2828—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an individual package opening aid for reliably placing a portion of a mixing substance contained in an individual package such as a press through package (PTP) into a container, and relates to a mixture container and an individual package.
  • PTP press through package
  • a powder component for a drink such as a sports drink, can be provided to a user, who then dissolves the component in water for drinking.
  • the user places an appropriate amount of a mixing substance into a container.
  • placing particularly a powder portion into water can be troublesome for the user.
  • Patent Literature 1 A technique described in Patent Literature 1 may respond to this issue.
  • Patent Literature 1 entitled DISCHARGE CAP FOR RELEASABLE TABLET, describes a cap for a container, particularly, a cap including means for releasing a substance contained in the cap into the container and for sealing the container.
  • the cap described in Patent Literature 1 is a cap (2) for a liquid container with a top opening.
  • the cap includes a tablet holder (6), a collar (5), and a cover (7).
  • the tablet holder (6) includes a flanged flat edge that can be heat sealed or bonded to another material, a flexible top, and a flexible bottom including a flexible material and having a smaller burst strength than the top.
  • the top and the bottom of the tablet holder (6) can be stacked together with the flanged edge to define a space between them for placement of a tablet.
  • the collar (5) includes means releasably engageable with the top of the container and includes a flange for releasably retaining the flanged edge of the tablet holder between the collar and the top of the container to form a fluid seal.
  • the cover (7) is releasably secured to the collar.
  • the parenthesized numbers are reference numerals corresponding to those in FIG. 1 in Patent Literature 1.
  • the cap (2) described in Patent Literature 1 allows the tablet holder (6) to be attached at the opening of the liquid container.
  • the top (10) of the tablet holder (6) in this state can be pushed into an internal space of the container to allow a tablet (12) contained in the tablet holder (6) to be pushed into the container (refer to FIGS. 2 and 3 in Patent Literature 1).
  • the tablet (12) contained in the tablet holder (6) may be replaced with powder, which can be discharged into the container.
  • Patent Literature 2 MIXING CONTAINER AND SPRAY CONTAINER INCLUDING MIXING CONTAINER
  • Patent Literature 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2002-529324
  • Patent Literature 2 Japanese Patent No. 6493600
  • Patent Literature 1 describes possible reuse of the cap and the container to which the cap is attached in paragraphs 0034, 0038, and 0056 in the specification.
  • a user may replace the used holder (6) in the cap with a new holder and attach the new holder at the package opening.
  • the procedure includes attaching the holder (6) containing an unopen tablet (12) at the container opening, and then securing the holder (6) at the container opening with the collar (5) (refer to FIGS. 1 to 3 in Patent Literature 1).
  • edge (9) of the holder (6) has substantially the same shape in a plan view and dimensions as the container opening, the edge (9) of the holder (6) attached at a slightly displaced position at the container opening may interfere with the inner surface of the collar (5) while the holder (6) is being secured with the collar (5), thus failing to form a watertight structure.
  • the holder (6) secured to the container opening without being watertight may cause liquid leakage during carrying of the container.
  • Liquid or powder as a mixing substance contained in the holder (6) described in Patent Literature 1 may be more easily dissolved and mixed into the receiving substance (such as liquid).
  • the bottom (8) including a foil material or a plastic film may be less easily broken as the holder (6) has a larger capacity, that is, as the holder (6) has a larger height (thickness) from the edge (9) to the top (10).
  • Patent Literature 1 In the cap (refer to FIGS. 1 to 3 in Patent Literature 1) described in Patent Literature 1 including the holder (6) having a large height (thickness) from the edge (9) to the top (10), the holder (6) is more likely to deform under a pressing force at the top (10), whereas the bottom (8) including a foil material or a plastic film is less easily broken.
  • the bottom (8) may be less easily openable when the capacity is larger.
  • one or more aspects of the present invention are directed to an individual package opening aid that facilitates attachment of an individual package in position at a container opening in reuse of a mixture container through replacement of an individual package containing a mixing substance with a new package, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is directed to an individual package for the individual package opening aid and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid, and particularly, to an individual package containing a large content of liquid or powder and easily openable.
  • An individual package opening aid is removably or integrally attachable at an opening of a container to aid opening of an individual package containing a portion of a mixing substance.
  • the individual package opening aid includes a support that covers the opening and receives the individual package, a guide port in a middle of the support to connect to the opening, a holder that is cylindrical and erect at a rim of the support, and a securing ring that is cylindrical or that is a ring having a thickness.
  • the securing ring is screwed on an inner surface of the holder and presses the individual package against the support at an end surface of the securing ring to secure the individual package.
  • the support supports the individual package.
  • the guide port guides the mixing substance in the individual package into the container.
  • the cylindrical holder erect at the rim of the support holds the individual package in its internal space to retain the individual package in position on the support. More specifically, the holder holds the individual package on the support with the center position of the individual package substantially aligned with the center position of the support in a plan view.
  • the securing ring presses the individual package against the support to secure the individual package.
  • the individual package opening aid according to the first aspect of the invention openably holds the individual package at the container opening, and smoothly places the mixing substance contained in the individual package into the container when the individual package is open.
  • An individual package opening aid according to a second aspect of the invention is the individual package opening aid according to the first aspect of the invention in which the securing ring includes a cover secured watertight in an internal space of the securing ring. The cover covers an exposed surface of the individual package secured to the support with the securing ring.
  • the structure according to the second aspect of the invention has, in addition to the above effects of the first aspect of the invention, the individual package secured with the securing ring including the cover to form the watertightness of a contact portion between the individual package, the support, and the holder.
  • the container containing, for example, liquid as the receiving substance prevents the liquid from leaking from the container during carrying of the container with the individual package attached at the container opening.
  • An individual package opening aid according to a third aspect of the invention is the individual package opening aid according to the second aspect of the invention in which the cover includes a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the cover to press the individual package on the inner surface of the cover in response to the cover being pushed toward the container.
  • the structure according to the third aspect of the invention has, in addition to the above effects of the second aspect of the invention, the protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the cover pressing the individual package toward the internal space of the container when pushed down from outside the cover.
  • This operation raises the pressure of the individual package, and breaks or opens a portion of the individual package in contact with the guide port.
  • the mixing substance contained in the individual package is discharged into the internal space of the container through the guide port.
  • An individual package opening aid according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the individual package opening aid according to the first aspect of the invention in which the securing ring includes an operation tab on an end surface of the securing ring that does not come in contact with the individual package.
  • the structure according to the fourth aspect of the invention has, in addition to the above effects of the first aspect of the invention, the operation tab enabling rotation of the securing ring housed in the internal space of the holder when the securing ring is shorter in the center axis direction than the holder.
  • An individual package opening aid is the individual package opening aid according to the first aspect of the invention in which at least one of the support or the securing ring includes a ring-shaped elastic member on a surface of the at least one of the support or the securing ring that comes in contact with the individual package.
  • the structure according to the fifth aspect of the invention has, in addition to the above effects of the first aspect of the invention, the elastic member elastically deformed to eliminate a gap between at least one of the support or the securing ring and the individual package when the securing ring presses the individual package against the support to secure the package.
  • this structure prevents leakage of the liquid through the gap between the individual package and at least one of the securing ring or the support.
  • a mixture container includes a container that contains a receiving substance or a mixture, and the individual package opening aid according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention removably or integrally attached at an opening of the container.
  • the container contains, in the internal space, the receiving substance and the mixing substance, which will be placed into the container later, and further contains a mixture of these.
  • the individual package opening aid removably or integrally attached at the opening of the container has the same effects as in the first to fifth aspects of the invention.
  • the mixing substance contained in the individual package is placed into the container, and a mixture is prepared from the mixing substance and the receiving substance.
  • An individual package according to a seventh aspect of the invention is a package for the individual package opening aid according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention and for containing a portion of liquid or powder as a mixing substance.
  • the individual package includes a package body having an internal space and being columnar, an outlet in a middle of a bottom surface of the package body, a push portion protruding outward from the package body on a surface of the package body without the outlet and comprising a flexible material to protrude reversely, and a film or a lid sealing the outlet.
  • the surface of the package body without the outlet and from which the push portion protrudes refers to the surface opposite to the surface including the outlet.
  • the outlet and the push portion oppose each other in the package body in the individual package according to the seventh aspect of the invention.
  • the package body and the internal space of the push portion contain the liquid or powder as the mixing substance.
  • the outlet in the bottom surface of the package body allows discharge of the liquid or powder as the mixing substance contained in the package body and the internal space of the push portion when the film or the lid covering the outlet is broken or removed.
  • the film or the lid that seals the outlet covers the outlet.
  • the push portion When pushed toward the internal space of the package body from outside the package body, the push portion protrudes reversely to directly or indirectly break the film sealing the outlet, or remove the lid sealing the outlet from the outlet.
  • the individual package according to the seventh aspect of the invention is usable at the opening of the container without the individual package opening aid according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention. More specifically, the individual package according to the seventh aspect of the invention can be directly attached at the opening of the container without the individual package opening aid according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention. More specifically, the individual package according to the seventh aspect of the invention is usable at the opening of any container including a structure to prevent the individual package according to the seventh aspect of the invention attached at the opening of the container from dropping into the container.
  • the individual package can be attached in position at the opening of the container.
  • the individual package can be attached simply by placing the individual package into the internal space in the holder of the individual package opening aid according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • This structure prevents displacement of the individual package housed in the internal space of the holder when the individual package is secured with the securing ring.
  • the securing ring secures the individual package on the support, the holder, the support, the individual package, and the securing ring can form a watertight structure.
  • the receiving substance is prevented from leaking out of the container during carrying of the container with the individual package attached at the container opening.
  • the individual package opening aid according to the first aspect of the invention can form a mixture container that is easily operable and portable.
  • the individual package is fixed in position when housed in the internal space of the holder.
  • the individual package sized to be receivable in the holder can be attached to the individual package opening aid without having the shape substantially completely the same as the shape of the container opening in a plan view.
  • the individual package opening aid according to the first aspect of the invention can receive the individual package having a regular square or polygonal shape in a plan view in the same manner as receiving the individual package having a circular shape, and thus is usable for individual packages with various different profiles.
  • the structure according to the second aspect of the invention can further reliably form a watertight structure with the holder, the support, the individual package, and the securing ring when the individual package is secured on the support with the securing ring including the cover.
  • a gap may be unintentionally formed between the individual package and the holder or between the individual package and the support.
  • the outer surface of the securing ring is screwed on the inner surface of the holder, and the cover is secured watertight in the internal space of the securing ring.
  • the cover can prevent leakage of the receiving substance or the mixture in the container to the outside.
  • the structure according to the third aspect of the invention facilitates opening of the individual package with the cover including the protrusion on the inner surface promoting deformation of the individual package pushed from outside the cover.
  • the mixing substance can be smoothly discharged into the container from the individual package.
  • the individual package opening aid according to the third aspect of the invention further reliably facilitates opening of the individual package while preventing leakage of the receiving substance in the container to the outside.
  • the structure according to the fourth aspect of the invention includes the securing ring with the operation tab rotatable while the securing ring is fully housed in the internal space of the holder.
  • a securing ring without the operation tab is to have an end portion away from the support maintained exposed from the holder to be operable when housed in the internal space of the holder.
  • the individual package opening aid is to have a larger length (dimension) in the center axis direction than in the structure according to the fourth aspect of the invention.
  • the individual package opening aid according to the fourth aspect of the invention thus has a small size.
  • the structure according to the fifth aspect of the invention has at least one of the support or the securing ring including the ring-shaped elastic member to eliminate a gap between the individual package and at least one of the support or the securing ring when the individual package is secured on the support with the securing ring.
  • the elastic member in at least one of the support or the securing ring can reliably form a watertight structure in a contact portion between at least one of the support or the securing ring and the individual package when the individual package is secured with the securing ring.
  • This structure prevents the receiving substance contained in the container from leaking outside during carrying of the container with the individual package secured on the support.
  • the individual package opening aid according to the fifth aspect of the invention can form a mixture container that has high performance and is less likely to cause leakage of the receiving substance or the mixture during carrying of the container in a tilted manner.
  • the mixture container according to the sixth aspect of the invention includes the container containing the receiving substance or the mixture, and the individual package opening aid according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention.
  • This mixture container has the effects of the first to fifth aspects of the invention.
  • the structure according to the sixth aspect of the invention enables reuse of the mixture container through replacement of the used individual package with a new package.
  • the mixture container according to the sixth aspect of the invention is easily operable and portable.
  • the structure according to the sixth aspect of the invention allows the individual package to contain the component alone to be mixed into a drink to be provided to a user.
  • the user can thus mix the drink component contained in the individual package with, for example, water to prepare a drink as intended at any time and place.
  • This structure can reduce the transportation costs for the drink as compared with when a prepared drink is provided.
  • the user can drink a drink as intended at any time, without carrying a heavy and bulky prepared drink.
  • the structure according to the sixth aspect of the invention improves portability for a user in addition to reducing the cost of the drink.
  • the structure according to the sixth aspect of the invention is convenient in preparing a liquid medicine with an appropriate concentration, besides preparing the above drink.
  • Individual packages typically known for containing a mixing substance include a holder (6) described in Patent Literature 1 and a press through package (PTP) described in Patent Literature 2.
  • PTP press through package
  • the PTP may have a larger opening in the container portion and increase the internal space capacity, or may increase the height (thickness) of the container portion without increasing the dimension of the opening in the container portion.
  • a larger opening in the container portion provides a larger opening area of the container portion of the PTP and thus a larger area of the container opening.
  • the container containing the receiving substance or the mixture may be shaped or sized in a manner unsuited for carrying.
  • a larger height (thickness) of the container portion causes the container portion to be elongated in the PTP, which may be less easily openable with a simple squash of the container portion.
  • the structure according to the seventh aspect of the invention includes a package body at the flange of a known PTP, and the container portion of a known PTP functioning as a push portion.
  • the individual package according to the seventh aspect of the invention can thus have a larger capacity for the mixing substance without changing the size of the individual package in a plan view.
  • the package body and the internal space of the push portion contain liquid or powder as the mixing substance.
  • the mixing substance can thus be smoothly discharged into the container when the outlet is open.
  • the individual package according to the seventh aspect of the invention is reusable.
  • the individual package may be a durable product instead of a disposable product.
  • the structure according to the seventh aspect of the invention particularly including the lid sealing the outlet can further reduce the waste than a disposable individual package.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a securing ring in the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an individual package used for the individual package opening aid.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention used to open the individual package.
  • FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an individual package according to a modification used for the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the open individual package according to the modification.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid showing their other example use.
  • FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid
  • FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the individual package opening aid without a cap and a securing ring.
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention used to open an individual packaging container (press through package, or PTP).
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to another modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • FIGS. 1 to 7 An individual package opening aid according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a mixture container including the individual package opening aid, and an individual package will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 .
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the individual package opening aid and the mixture container.
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a securing ring in the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an individual package used for the individual package opening aid.
  • an individual package opening aid 1 A 1 is an aid removably attached at an opening of a container 3 to facilitate opening of an individual package 8 containing a portion of a mixing substance 13 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 includes a support 4 that covers the opening of the container 3 and receives, on its upper surface, the individual package 8 , a guide port 4 a in the middle of the support 4 and through which the mixing substance 13 discharged from the individual package 8 is placed into the container 3 , a cylindrical holder 5 erect at the rim of the support 4 , and a securing ring 6 that secures the individual package 8 housed in the holder 5 .
  • the securing ring 6 is a ring having a thickness and is screwed on an inner surface 5 a of the holder 5 .
  • the securing ring 6 has a thread 6 b on its outer surface 6 a .
  • the holder 5 has a thread 5 b on the inner surface 5 a .
  • the thread 6 b of the securing ring 6 and the thread 5 b of the holder 5 are screwed together.
  • the securing ring 6 is thus screwed onto the inner surface 5 a of the holder 5 .
  • the thickness of the securing ring 6 may be smaller than the thickness shown in FIG. 1 . More specifically, the securing ring 6 may have, for example, a flat shape (not shown) such as a washer without a cut when it has sufficiently large stiffness against deformation during operation and includes, as appropriate, attachments (such as tabs 6 d ) that enable rotation, which will be described later.
  • the securing ring 6 in the first embodiment may include tabs 6 d (optional components) protruding from the end surface facing the open end of the holder 5 .
  • the securing ring 6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shorter in the center axis direction than the holder 5 . Thus, the securing ring 6 is not rotatable when being fully housed in the internal space of the holder 5 .
  • the securing ring 6 in the first embodiment including the tabs 6 d at the end surface facing the open end of the holder 5 is rotatable in the circumferential direction with the tabs 6 d being operated when the securing ring 6 is fully housed in the internal space of the holder 5 .
  • the securing ring 6 longer in the center axis direction than the holder 5 may eliminate the tabs 6 d , as described in detail in a second embodiment later.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 according to the first embodiment removably screwed on the opening of the container 3 with an internal space corresponds to a mixture container according to the first embodiment.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 may be attached at the opening of the container 3 in any manner.
  • removable attachment of the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 to the opening of the container 3 enables detachment of the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 from the opening of the container 3 as appropriate.
  • the opening of the container 3 can be open as appropriate to facilitate cleaning inside the container 3 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 can be removed from the container 3 , and thus the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 can also be cleaned easily.
  • removable attachment of the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 to the container 3 enables hygienical reuse of the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 and the container 3 through replacement of the individual package 8 with a new package.
  • FIG. 1 shows the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 according to the first embodiment removably attached at the opening of the container 3 , by way of example, but the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 may be unremovably secured to the opening of the container 3 (optional component), or the container 3 may be integral with the support 4 and the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 (optional component).
  • the manufacturing costs may be reduced by integrating the support 4 and the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 .
  • the securing ring 6 in the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 may include a cover 7 (optional component), which is secured watertight in an internal space 6 c and covers an exposed surface of the individual package 8 , with the securing ring 6 securing the individual package 8 to the support 4 .
  • the securing ring 6 including the cover 7 can secure the individual package 8 on the support 4 while forming a more reliable watertight structure.
  • Pushing a protrusion of the cover 7 formed from a restorable elastic material such as synthetic resin or silicone can indirectly push the individual package 8 inside the cover 7 .
  • a pressing force applied on the individual package 8 can open the individual package 8 , as described in detail with reference to the drawings later.
  • the mixing substance 13 contained in the individual package 8 can be placed into the container 3 .
  • the securing ring 6 in the first embodiment including the cover 7 can prevent the content from leaking when the container 3 tilts during carrying of the mixture container 2 A 1 .
  • the mixture container 2 A 1 according to the first embodiment thus has high portability.
  • the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment contains a portion of a liquid or powder mixing substance.
  • the individual package 8 includes a package body 9 that has an internal space and is columnar, an outlet 10 in the middle of the bottom surface of the package body 9 , and a film 12 that seals the outlet 10 .
  • the package body 9 also has, on the surface without the outlet 10 , a push portion 11 with an internal space protruding outward from the package body.
  • the push portion 11 of the individual package 8 is formed from a restorable, flexible material such as synthetic resin or silicone. When the push portion 11 is pushed into the internal space of the package body 9 in the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment containing the mixing substance 13 , the push portion 11 protrudes reversely.
  • the pressure inside the package body 9 rises, and the film 12 sealing the outlet 10 is broken to open the outlet 10 .
  • the mixing substance 13 in the individual package 8 can be discharged outside.
  • the package body 9 may have a shape of, for example, a hollow cylinder, a hollow polyhedron prism, or any prism with any number of sides or faces.
  • the package body 9 may have any columnar shape that can be housed in the internal space of the holder 5 , and can be secured watertight on the support 4 with the securing ring 6 with or without the cover 7 .
  • the first embodiment described by way of example includes the push portion 11 of the individual package 8 that is hemispherical.
  • the push portion 11 may have any shape or size that can be housed in the internal space of the cover 7 other than the hemisphere.
  • the push portion 11 of the individual package 8 housed in the internal space of the cover 7 for use positions the individual package 8 on the support 4 .
  • the diameter of the package body 9 (outer diameter) may be different from the inner diameter of the internal space of the holder 5 .
  • the diameter (outer diameter) of the package body 9 is at least larger than the diameter (inner diameter) of the guide port 4 a.
  • the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment may have a height H 1 (refer to FIG. 3B ) in the center axis direction of the package body 9 smaller than a height H 2 (refer to FIG. 3B ) of the push portion 11 (optional component).
  • the push portion 11 pushed toward the internal space of the package body 9 protrudes reversely to directly break the film 12 .
  • the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment can be open without any failure.
  • the push portion 11 may have sufficient flexibility, whereas the package body 9 may have no flexibility.
  • the package body 9 having no flexibility refers to the package body 9 being sufficiently stiff against deformation while the push portion 11 is being pushed.
  • the package body 9 may be easily collapsed under a large external force for separation of waste materials or for other purposes. More specifically, the package body 9 may have about the same stiffness as known polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles containing, for example, soft drinks.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the holder 5 and the securing ring 6 (refer to FIG. 1 ) surrounding the package body 9 reduce deformation of the package body 9 when the push portion 11 is pushed into the internal space of the package body 9 .
  • the package body 9 may be less stiff than known PET bottles.
  • the bottom surface of the package body 9 in the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment may have a shape substantially conforming the three-dimensional shape of the upper surface of the support 4 in the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 (optional component).
  • the bottom surface of the individual package 8 and the upper surface of the support 4 can be fitted together.
  • the individual package 8 including the package body 9 having a diameter (outer diameter) smaller than the diameter of the internal space of the holder 5 (inner diameter of the holder 5 ) in the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 according to the first embodiment is to be attached in the internal space of the holder 5 , the individual package 8 can be easily in position on the support 4 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 may include a lid 14 (optional component) that seals the open end of the holder 5 .
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show the lid 14 screwed on the open end of the holder 5 by way of example, but the lid 14 may be attached in any manner.
  • the container 3 (not shown) contains, for example, liquid as the receiving substance and the individual package 8 fails to be secured watertight through screwing of the securing ring 6 on the holder 5 , this structure prevents the receiving substance from leaking outside.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 and the mixture container 2 A 1 according to the first embodiment include a connection portion 5 c at the end of the cylindrical holder 5 on which the support 4 is attached.
  • the connection portion 5 c screwed on the opening of the container 3 enables removable attachment of the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 according to the first embodiment to the opening of the container 3 .
  • the attachment structure of the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 to the opening of the container 3 may be other than the screwing using the connection portion 5 c.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention used to open an individual package.
  • the same components as in FIGS. 1 to 3B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.
  • the holder 5 including the support 4 is screwed on the opening of the container 3 for attachment as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • an unopen individual package 8 is dropped into the internal space of the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 , and then placed onto the support 4 .
  • the securing ring 6 is then rotated to move from the open end of the holder 5 toward the individual package 8 placed in the internal space of the holder 5 .
  • the securing ring 6 is rotated furthest possible to secure the individual package 8 being pressed against the support 4 .
  • an overlap between the push portion 11 of the individual package 8 and the cover 7 may be pushed in the direction indicated with arrow P in the figure, that is, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the push portion 11 and the cover 7 protrude.
  • the content in the individual package 8 is to be reliably discharged outside through the broken portion of the film 12 .
  • the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment may contain a fluid such as liquid or powder as the mixing substance 13 .
  • the procedure of attaching the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment to the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 may be reversed to remove the used individual package 8 from the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 , and then a new individual package 8 may be attached to the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 with the above procedure.
  • FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an individual package according to the modification used for the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the open individual package according to the modification. The same components as in FIGS. 1 to 4B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.
  • the outlet 10 in the package body 9 is sealed with the film 12 .
  • the individual package 8 is disposable.
  • the outlet 10 in the package body 9 is sealed by a lid 15 .
  • the individual package 8 ′ can be reused after being cleaned.
  • a user may fill the individual package 8 with the mixing substance 13 and seal the individual package 8 with the lid 15 for use.
  • the reusable individual package 8 ′ greatly reduces waste from the use of the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 and the mixture container 2 A 1 including the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification can thus be environmentally friendly.
  • the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification may include the lid 15 formed from a magnetic material (optional component).
  • the lid 15 formed from a magnetic material falls into the container 3 to agitate the substance contained in the container 3 .
  • the lid 15 formed from a magnetic material falls into the container 3 to be operable with magnetism applied from a separate tool external to the container 3 .
  • This lid 15 can thus function similarly to a magnetic stirrer.
  • the receiving substance contained in advance in the container 3 and the mixing substance placed from the individual package 8 ′ can be efficiently agitated with the lid 15 to easily obtain a homogeneous mixture.
  • a magnetic material added to the lid 15 can produce the effect described above.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 and the mixture container 2 A 1 are more useful than the disposable individual package 8 .
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example structure including the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification in which the lid 15 is removable from the package body 9 .
  • the lid 15 may be integral or coupled with the package body 9 .
  • the lid 15 may be integral with the outlet 10 in the package body 9 with a connector such as a hinge.
  • the lid 15 may be secured to or around the outlet 10 in the package body 9 with a coupler formed from a flexible material such as a band strip or string.
  • the stiffness of a joint of the lid 15 integral with the outlet 10 in the package body 9 may be adjusted as appropriate to prevent the lid 15 removed from the outlet 10 from returning toward the outlet 10 .
  • the joint between the package body 9 and the lid 15 may be formed from a material more flexible (such as synthetic resin, silicone, or rubber) than the material of the package body 9 and the lid 15 .
  • the lid 15 removed from the outlet 10 when the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification is open is prevented from covering the outlet 10 in the package body 9 or the guide port 4 a in the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 according to the first embodiment, without blocking discharge of the mixing substance 13 .
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • the same components as in FIGS. 1 to 5B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 4A, and 4B is described by way of example with the upper surface of the support 4 and the bottom surface of the individual package 8 being fitted to be in tight contact with each other.
  • This contact portion may have a gap as shown in FIG. 6 .
  • An individual package opening aid 1 A 2 according to the modification may include the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , instead of the individual package 8 shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the entire periphery of the guide port 4 a may be in tight contact with the bottom surface of the individual package 8 or the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification.
  • This structure prevents the receiving substance contained in the container 3 from leaking into the internal space of the holder 5 through the guide port 4 a.
  • the individual package 8 or the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification placed on the upper surface of the support 4 is pressed against the upper surface of the support 4 with the securing ring 6 .
  • the entire periphery of the guide port 4 a in tight contact with the bottom surface of the individual package 8 or the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification prevents the content in the container 3 from leaking into the internal space of the holder 5 through the guide port 4 a.
  • FIGS. 1, 4A, and 4B show, by way of example, the connection portion 5 c of the holder 5 extending from the end surface closer to the support 4 screwed on the inner surface of the opening of the container 3 .
  • the structure may include a connection portion 5 c ′ screwed to hold both inner and outer surfaces of the opening of the container 3 .
  • connection portion between the container 3 and the individual package opening aid 1 A 2 can further improve watertightness.
  • the first embodiment has been described by way of example with the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 or 1 A 2 according to the first embodiment screwed on the opening of the container 3 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 or 1 A 2 according to the first embodiment may be attached to the container 3 in any manner that can achieve watertightness.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid showing their other example use.
  • the same components as in FIGS. 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 according to the first embodiment may include a press through package (PTP) 16 as described in Patent Literature 2, instead of the individual package 8 according to the first embodiment or the individual package 8 ′ according to the modification shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 5B .
  • PTP press through package
  • the PTP 16 includes a container portion 17 molded with, for example, synthetic resin and including a recessed internal space to contain the mixing substance 13 , a flange 17 a extending along an outlet 10 in the container portion 17 , and a film 12 in tight contact with the flange 17 a with the outlet 10 being sealed.
  • the PTP 16 may contain liquid or a tablet as the mixing substance 13 instead of powder as shown in FIG. 7 .
  • the flange 17 a of the PTP 16 are sized to be receivable in the internal space of the holder 5 in a plan view.
  • the container portion 17 of the PTP 16 are also sized to be receivable in the internal space of the cover 7 in a plan view.
  • the upper surface of a support 4 ′ in the holder 5 may be substantially flat.
  • the watertightness can be improved by the securing ring 6 securing the PTP 16 usually having a substantially flat bottom surface by pressing the PTP 16 against the substantially flat upper surface of the support 4 ′.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 and the mixture container 2 A 1 according to the first embodiment are usable for individual packages in a variety of forms.
  • FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the individual package opening aid without a cap and a securing ring.
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the same components as in FIGS. 1 to 7 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.
  • the individual package opening aid and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on its differences from those in the first embodiment.
  • an individual package opening aid 1 B 1 includes a securing ring 6 ′ including a ring-shaped elastic member P 1 and a support 4 ′′ including a ring-shaped elastic member P 2 on the surfaces that come in contact with the PTP 16 as an individual package.
  • the securing ring 6 ′ includes the ring-shaped elastic member P 1 at a portion that comes in contact with the upper surface of the flange 17 a of the PTP 16 .
  • the support 4 ′′ includes the ring-shaped elastic member P 2 at a portion that comes in contact with the bottom surface (surface covered with the film 12 ) of the PTP 16 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 according to the second embodiment including the elastic members P 1 and P 2 can reliably form a watertight structure with the securing ring 6 ′, the support 4 ′′, and the PTP 16 , with the flange 17 a of the PTP 16 being pressed against the upper surface of the support 4 ′′ using the securing ring 6 ′.
  • FIGS. 8A and 9 show the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 according to the second embodiment including both the elastic members P 1 and P 2 by way of example.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 including either the elastic members P 1 or P 2 may improve watertightness sufficiently.
  • the upper end of the securing ring 6 ′ is maintained to be exposed through the open end of the holder 5 .
  • the securing ring 6 ′ can be rotated with an open end 6 d ′ of the securing ring 6 ′ exposed through the open end of the holder 5 (upper end) being gripped by fingertips.
  • the securing ring 6 ′ may be replaced with the securing ring 6 including the tabs 6 d of the individual package opening aid 1 A 1 according to the first embodiment.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 and the mixture container 2 B 1 including the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 9 are suitable for relatively small individual packages.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 and the mixture container 2 B 1 according to the second embodiment can be used as a mixture container used for preparing a mixture with an intended concentration by dissolving a medicine into a solvent such as water.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 can complete the attachment of the PTP 16 in the internal space of the holder 5 simply by dropping the PTP 16 into the internal space.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 according to the second embodiment can thus easily, speedily, and accurately prepare a mixture using the small PTP 16 , containing a medicine or another substance, as an individual package.
  • the PTP 16 may contain liquid or a tablet as the mixing substance 13 instead of powder as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 may include a cup-shaped lid 18 (optional component).
  • the lid 18 can prevent leaked liquid from flowing out of the container 3 .
  • the lid 18 can be used as a cup for convenience.
  • FIG. 8A shows the structure including the lid 18 screwed on the outer surface of the holder 5 by way of example.
  • the lid 18 may be screwed on the outer surface of the container 3 .
  • This structure can increase the capacity of the lid 18 , and further improve the convenience of the lid 18 used as a cup.
  • FIGS. 8A and 9 show the structure including the lid 18 screwed on its receiver by way of example.
  • the lid 18 may be attached in any manner that enables watertight attachment.
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the individual package opening aid according to the second embodiment of the present invention used to open a PTP.
  • the same components as in FIGS. 1 to 9 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.
  • an unopen PTP 16 is placed in the internal space of the holder 5 in the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 , and then placed onto the support 4 ′′ as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the securing ring 6 ′ is then rotated to move from the open end of the holder 5 toward the PTP 16 housed in the internal space of the holder 5 .
  • the securing ring 6 ′ is rotated furthest possible to secure the flange 17 a of the PTP 16 with the flange 17 a being pressed against the support 4 ′′.
  • the container portion 17 of the PTP 16 is pushed in the direction indicated with arrow P in the figure, that is, toward the internal space of the container 3 .
  • the mixing substance 13 contained in the PTP 16 is placed into the container 3 through the broken portion of the film 12 .
  • the procedure of attaching the PTP 16 to the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 may be reversed to remove the used PTP 16 from the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 , and then a new PTP 16 may be attached to the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 with the above procedure.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the individual package opening aid according to the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and the mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • the same components as in FIGS. 1 to 10B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.
  • an individual package opening aid 1 B 2 according to the modification of the second embodiment includes a securing ring longer in the center axis direction than the securing ring 6 ′ in the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 according to the second embodiment.
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 2 according to the modification shown in FIG. 11 is particularly suitable for opening a PTP 16 having a large height (thickness) from the film 12 .
  • the structure without the holder 5 may cause the container portion 17 to deform and expand horizontally and fail to easily break the film 12 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 2 according to the modification shown in FIG. 11 including the holder 5 restricts such horizontally expanding deformation of the container portion 17 , and efficiently transmits the pressure applied on the container portion 17 to the film 12 to successfully break the film 12 .
  • an individual package opening aid including the individual package opening aid 1 B 2 and the mixture container 2 B 2 including the individual package opening aid 1 B 2 according to the modification shown in FIG. 11 can facilitate opening of the PTP 16 with a large capacity.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an individual package opening aid according to another modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a mixture container including the individual package opening aid.
  • the same components as in FIGS. 1 to 11 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described.
  • an individual package opening aid 1 B 3 and a mixture container 2 B 3 may include a cover 7 ′ integrated and secured watertight in an internal space 6 c of the securing ring 6 ′ in the individual package opening aid 1 B 1 shown in FIGS. 8A to 10B .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 3 and the mixture container 2 B 3 according to this modification can improve the watertightness of the individual package opening aid 1 B 3 .
  • the individual package opening aid 1 B 3 and the mixture container 2 B 3 may include protrusions 7 a (optional component) on the inner surface of the cover 7 ′ to press the container portion 17 of the PTP 16 .
  • the protrusions 7 a protruding from the inner surface of the cover 7 ′ can firmly press the container portion 17 of the PTP 16 toward the internal space of the container 3 .
  • the PTP 16 can thus be easily open.
  • FIGS. 8A to 12 show the structure including each of the individual package opening aids 1 B 1 to 1 B 3 according to the second embodiment integrally attached at the opening 3 a of the container 3 by way of example.
  • each of the individual package opening aids 1 B 1 to 1 B 3 according to the second embodiment may be removably attached at the opening 3 a of the container 3 .
  • the mixture containers 2 A 1 to 2 B 3 according to the first and second embodiments are described by way of example with the opening through which the content is inserted into and discharged from the container 3 used as a supply port for placing the mixing substance 13 contained in the individual package 8 or the PTP 16 into the container 3 .
  • the mixture container according to the first and second embodiments is not limited to this structure.
  • the mixture container according to the first and second embodiments may have a second opening (not shown) in the side surface or bottom surface of the container 3 , different from the opening through which the content is inserted into and discharged from the container 3 and either of the mixture containers 2 A 1 to 2 B 3 according to the first and second embodiments may be integrally or removably attached at this second opening.
  • the individual package 8 or the PTP 16 is not attached at the opening of the container 3 .
  • a prepared mixture may be removed from the container 3 without removing, for example, the used individual package 8 or PTP 16 from the opening.
  • the mixture container according to the first and second embodiments including the second opening facilitates removal of a prepared mixture from the container 3 through the opening.
  • the guide port 4 a in each of the individual package opening aids 1 A 1 to 1 B 3 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the outlet 10 in the package body 9 in the individual package 8 or 8 ′ according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the outlet 10 in the container portion 17 of the PTP 16 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention have circular shapes in a plan view. In some embodiments, they may have any shape other than a circle in a plan view.
  • the guide port 4 a and the outlet 10 may have any shape, in a plan view, that does not block discharge of the mixing substance 13 contained in the individual package 8 or 8 ′ or the PTP 16 .
  • the individual package opening aids 1 B 1 to 1 B 3 according to the second embodiment and modifications of the second embodiment have been described using the PTP 16 or 16 ′ as an individual package by way of example.
  • the individual package opening aids 1 B 1 to 1 B 3 including the holder 5 having the length in the center axis direction adjusted as appropriate can also receive the individual package 8 or 8 ′.
  • the individual package 8 or 8 ′ according to the present embodiment is usable also at an opening of a container body without any of the individual package opening aids 1 A 1 to 1 B 3 according to the present embodiment. More specifically, the individual package 8 or 8 ′ according to the present embodiment may be directly attached at an opening of a container body without the individual package opening aids 1 A 1 to 1 B 3 according to the present embodiment.
  • the individual package 8 or 8 ′ is usable for any container body that has an opening that prevents dropping of the individual package 8 or 8 ′ according to the embodiment attached at the opening.
  • One or more embodiments of the present invention can easily and highly accurately adjust the concentration to prepare a mixture.
  • the individual package opening aids 1 B 1 to 1 B 3 according to the present embodiment and the individual package 8 and 8 ′ according to the present embodiment are usable for, in addition to preparing a drink such as a sports drink, preparing a mixture of different concentrations, such as preparing of a seasoning or a medicine (e.g., oral medicine, parenteral medicine, or water depurator) into water or another receiving substance, preparing a cleansing liquid with an intended concentration, or preparing a reagent with an intended concentration.
  • a medicine e.g., oral medicine, parenteral medicine, or water depurator
  • the present invention relates to an individual package opening aid that facilitates attachment of an individual package containing a portion of a mixing substance in position at a container opening, and that can place the mixing substance in the individual package into the container with a simple operation performed in the above state.
  • the present invention also relates to a mixture container including the individual package opening aid, and an individual package.
  • the present invention is applicable to technical fields of, for example, foods, drinks, daily necessities, medical products, or laboratory equipment.

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JP2007001650A (ja) * 2005-06-27 2007-01-11 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 容器
DE202007008690U1 (de) * 2007-06-21 2007-08-09 Staatl. Mineralbrunnen Aktiengesellschaft Bad Brückenau Verschlusskappe mit versiegelter Abgabekammer für Getränkezusatzmittel
ITMO20110077A1 (it) * 2011-04-11 2012-10-12 Lameplast Spa Flacone per prodotti a preparazione estemporanea, particolarmente medicinali, farmaceutici, cosmetici o simili
FR2987352B1 (fr) * 2012-02-23 2015-05-15 Francoise Moreau Dispositif distributeur melangeur
US10059493B1 (en) * 2015-02-12 2018-08-28 Michael Anderson Modified blister blast dispensing capsule
CN107697459A (zh) * 2017-09-17 2018-02-16 周君 一种有泡罩的饮料瓶盖

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US11465806B2 (en) * 2017-02-10 2022-10-11 Dexos Drinks Limited Liquid container with a dispenser
US20220153500A1 (en) * 2020-11-17 2022-05-19 Sangrok Lee Mixing container combined with drinking container
US11884472B2 (en) * 2020-11-17 2024-01-30 Sangrok Lee Mixing container combined with drinking container
WO2023139296A1 (es) * 2022-01-20 2023-07-27 Id Mirai, S.L. Tapón de cierre para un envase de suministro de productos de alimenticios para pacientes
WO2023148791A1 (en) * 2022-02-03 2023-08-10 Caiazza Claudio Mixing cap for receptacles, mixing kit and refillable container

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