Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H1/00—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
  • B65H1/26—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with auxiliary supports to facilitate introduction or renewal of the pile
  • B65H1/266—Support fully or partially removable from the handling machine, e.g. cassette, drawer
• • 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
  • B65D83/08—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession
  • B65D83/0805—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession through an aperture in a wall
  • B65D83/0811—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession through an aperture in a wall with means for assisting dispensing
  • B65D83/0823—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession through an aperture in a wall with means for assisting dispensing the articles being pushed and slid through the aperture
  • B65D83/0829—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession through an aperture in a wall with means for assisting dispensing the articles being pushed and slid through the aperture by means of an actuator
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H1/00—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
  • B65H1/04—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles substantially horizontally, e.g. for separation from top of pile
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
  • B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H37/00—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating devices for performing specified auxiliary operations
  • B65H37/002—Web delivery apparatus, the web serving as support for articles, material or another web
  • B65H37/005—Hand-held apparatus

Definitions

• Certain types of edible films are presently being used as a delivery system for mints and oral care products.
• the film is precut into rectangular pieces and packaged in a flat pack-shaped primary package.
• the edible film is stacked in the package.
• One problem that may be encountered with the present package is the difficulty of removing one piece of film from the stack.
• Another problem that may be encountered with the present package is the film pieces, at times, tend to curl during use life (when the film is exposed to moisture).
• edible films can be used as a delivery system for ethical drugs.
• the edible film would comprise a carrier made of an edible film and a regulated amount of the desired drug.
• the user would insert the edible film in their mouth and the edible film would dissolve - immediately dispensing the drug into the body.
• the present invention relates to an edible film dispenser that presents a single strip of film during each index cycle.
• the edible film dispenser provides a moisture tight environment during shelf life and during use life.
• the film dispenser of the present invention is illustrated by showing two edible film dispenser designs: (1) a continuous film dispenser where a unit dose of film is cut during the index cycle and (2) a design that dispenses precut film pieces.
• these designs are merely illustrative and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
• FIGS 1A, IB and 1 C are perspective views of one embodiment of the present invention showing a continuous film dispenser
• Fig. 1 A illustrates a flip-top main housing
• Fig. IB illustrates a tractor guide
• Fig. IC illustrates a drive assembly with drive roller and support roller
• Figure 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a method of feeding the continuous film
• Figure 3 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing an operation of the drive mechanism.
• Figure 4 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing an indexing of the film from the dispenser.
• Figures 5 A and 5B are perspective views of one embodiment of the present invention showing a continuous film dispenser where Fig. 5A illustrates a side perspective of the dispenser and Fig. 5B illustrates the rotation of the continuous film dispenser.
• Figures 6 and 6A are perspective views of different embodiments of the present invention showing a continuous film dispenser with different methods by which a sprocket may be powered to index the bandoleer forward and thus dispense the strips.
• Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of one embodiment of the present invention showing a continuous film dispenser where Fig. 7B illustrates a side perspective of the dispenser and Fig. 7A illustrates the rotation of the continuous film dispenser.
• Figure 8 is -a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a pre-cut film dispenser.
• Figures 9A, 9B and 9C are side perspective views of one embodiment of the present invention showing a pre-cut film dispenser where Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate, as the lid is raised, a flexible arm is pulled forward as it is prevented from moving upwards by the hinging point and Fig. 9C, illustrates, when the film dispenser is closed, the flexible arm is pushed through the "T" shaped opening and past the hinging point.
• precut pieces of film are packaged in the container (e.g. continuous bandoleer).
• the bandoleer is composed of 2-pieces of plastic film (e.g. PP, PET, etc) that is die cut and welded together to form pockets that each piece of film is placed.
• a set of regularly spaced tractor guide holes are placed in the bandoleer. These guide holes are used to precisely index the bandoleer in the dispenser.
• the precut film dispenser is composed of the following components (see Figure 1). The film pieces are stacked directly on top of each other or separated by a release liner.
• the precut film dispenser is composed of the following components (see e.g., Figure 8): 1. Lid and Main Housing - an injection molded part that interfaces with the Body. This component has a Main Housing and a hinged Lid. When closed, the Lid creates a moisture tight seal with the main housing. There is a "T" shaped opening in the Main Housing. In this opening a feature acts as a hinge point for the Flexible Arm as the Arm slides underneath the hinge point.
• the Lid and Main Housing are bonded to the Body in a manner that creates a moisture tight seal.
• Body An injection molded part that, for example, is made by two shot molding a material such as polypropylene and, at least a portion of, desiccant plastic.
• the desiccant plastic absorbs moisture that enters the package during the Shelf Life and Use Life.
• the desiccant plastic holds the film pieces and is shaped in the form of a ramp or slope so that the film strip is forced up and out of the package when being indexed.
• a Child Resistant (CR) feature is incorporated into this component as well. By pressing in on CR feature, the Lid can be opened which will cause the film to be dispensed. 3.
• CR Child Resistant
• Indexing Finger An injection molded part that is made, for example, by two shot molding an elastomer and a material such as polypropylene.
• the Indexing finger is bonded to the hinged Lid during the assembly process.
• the end of the Indexing Finger that is not bonded to the Lid is made of elastomer and when closed is in contact with the film strip. It fits through the "T" shaped slot in the Main Housing.
• the package is sealed when it is closed.
• the Lid seals to the Main Housing (e.g. by snapping over a sealing feature). The result is a moisture tight seal.
• the desiccant plastic absorbs moisture that may come into the package, from the opening and closing of the Dispenser, or that penetrates through the materials.
• the absorbing material is used because the Film Strips themselves contain moisture, which may be driven off by changes in temperature that the package goes through.
• the present invention maintains the Film Strips in a dry environment throughout the Shelf Life and the Use Life.
• the continuous film dispenser is composed of the following components (see Figures 1A, IB and IC): 1. Flip-Top Main Housing (1) - an injection molded part (e.g. made via 2-shot molding of polypropylene and a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) i.e., Santoprene). In one embodiment, the Santoprene forms a moisture tight reusable seal.
• TPE thermoplastic elastomer
• Tractor Guide (2) an injection molded part (e.g. made of polypropylene) that has a base with, for example, 2-caterpillar tractor guides attached.
• the tractor guide is assembled to the lid of the main housing via posts in the main housing lid. In one example, the assembly may be accomplished by ultrasonic welding.
• Drive Assembly ( Magazine) (3) - (e.g. can be made of polypropylene or 3-phase desiccant plastic).
• the drive and support rollers are assembled into the magazine, via a snap fit.
• the magazine also holds a supply of edible film in a single, continuous arrangement.
• the drive assembly is placed into the main housing and assembled via spot welding using a heat source or ultrasonic welding.
• Drive Roller (4) - (e.g. can be made via 2-shot molding - polypropylene inner shaft and drive sprockets with a TPE (Santoprene) coating the inner shaft).
• TPE Tetoprene
• the TPE serves as the edible film contact surface.
• the sprockets of the drive roller are assembled into the tractor guide caterpillars.
• Support Roller (5) - e.g. can be made via 2-shot molding - polypropylene inner shaft with a TPE (Santoprene) coating the inner shaft).
• TPE Tetoprene
• the TPE serves as the edible film contact surface.
• the continuous film dispenser holds a supply of film to support
• FIG 2 is an example of one embodiment of the method of feeding the continuous film.
• the edible film supply is not rolled; rather the film is folded into the magazine, similar to an impact printer cartridge ribbon.
• the continuous piece of edible film is fed between the drive and support rollers.
• the edible film is dispensed while the main housing lid is opened by a user.
• the tractor guide which is attached to the lid, also rotates upward.
• the drive roller sprockets rotate as the tractor guide caterpillars are displaced by the lid motion (see Figure 3).
• the edible film is positioned between the drive and support rollers. As the drive roller rotates, the edible film is indexed out of the dispenser (see Figure 4).
• the film is cut, via a knife-like feature on the underside of the flip-top lid in the main housing (see Figure 1).
• the lid snaps closed and the moisture-tight seal is reestablished.
• the moisture tight seal maintains a moisture ingress below about 300 micro-g/day.
• the tractor guide caterpillars return to the home position.
• the caterpillar teeth ride over the drive roller sprockets.
• the drive roller only rotates, in 1 -direction - the sprocket teeth do not engage the caterpillar and cause the sprockets to rotate during lid closing.
• a 'brake feature' is included to prevent a user from pulling an excessive amount of film out of the dispenser before cutting.
• the features of the lid are designed so that it must be opened some minimum amount to ensure that a full dose of film is indexed out of the dispenser.
• precut pieces of film are packaged in a container (e.g. continuous bandoleer).
• the bandoleer is composed of 2-pieces of plastic film (e.g. PP, PET, etc) that is die cut and welded together to form pdckets that each piece of film is placed.
• a set of regularly spaced tractor guide holes are placed in the bandoleer. These guide holes are used to precisely index the bandoleer in the dispenser.
• the precut film dispenser is composed of the following components (see Figure 5):
• Flip-Top Main Housing (6) an injection molded part (e.g. made via 2-shot molding of polypropylene and a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) i.e., Santoprene).
• TPE thermoplastic elastomer
• the Santoprene forms a moisture tight reusable seal.
• Film Indexing Magazine (7) - e.g. can be made of polypropylene or 3-phase desiccant plastic.
• the drive sprocket is assembled into the magazine (e.g. via a snap fit).
• the magazine has 2-compartments that hold the continuous bandoleer.
• One compartment is the supply side (bandoleer filled with edible film pieces) and a take-up compartment (empty bandoleer).
• the drive assembly is placed into the main housing (e.g. assembled via spot welding using a heat source or ultrasonic welding).
• Drive Sprocket - e.g. made of polypropylene.
• the drive sprockets are driven by an external thumb wheel. As the drive sprocket is rotated, the bandoleer is indexed forward. The sprocket moves in 1 -direction.
• Thumb Wheel & Drive Shaft - (e.g. made of polypropylene).
• the sprockets are assembled onto the drive shaft.
• the drive shaft is fitted into the main housing, through the film indexing magazine.
• a set of thumb wheels are attached to the ends of the drive shaft.
• Figures 5, 6, 6a and 7 illustrate different methods (although not limited to these methods) by which the sprocket may be powered to index the bandoleer forward. In all cases, individual pieces of film are packaged into a bandoleer.
• the dispenser has supply and take-up compartments.
• the bandoleer is a disposable component: However, it is understood that these designs are merely illustrative and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
• Embodiment in Figure 5 Open Flip-top lid. 2. Rotate thumb wheel to index a piece of film.
• the present invention may also include a dispenser that is either disposable or reusable.
• the entire dispenser is discarded after one emptying out the edible film.
• the spent bandoleer is disposable so that a new bandoleer filled with film piece may be reloaded into the re-usable dispenser.
• part of the dispenser may be made of a desiccant plastic such as, but not limited to, disclosed in U. S. Patent 5,911,937 and 6,214,255, which are incorporated by reference herein.
• the film indexing magazine may be made of a desiccant plastic.
• the dispenser may hold a desired quantity of edible film - such as 25, 50, 75, and/or 100 units.
• the dispenser of the present invention is designed to maintain a moisture tight seal during shelf and use life of less than about 300 micro-g/day.
• the dispenser of the present invention is "moisture tight" in accordance with the test protocols set forth in USP 671.
• the dispenser is considered “moisture tight" where not more than one of the ,10 test dispenser exceeds 100 mg per day, per liter, in moisture permeability. Testing for USP 671 is conducted on sealed containers and on containers that have been opened and then resealed.
• the testing consists of a desiccant of set quantity 4-8 mesh, anhydrous calcium chloride being first dried at 110 degrees for one hour then cooled in a desiccator. Then 12 containers of uniform size are selected and opened and closed 30 times each. Torque is applied to the closures as specified in the USP monograph. Desiccant is then added to 10 of the packages labeled test containers. These are then filled to within 13mm of the opening on containers larger than 20ml and to two-thirds full on containers smaller than 20ml. The closures are then applied to the torque specified in the monograph.
• Weight is recorded to the' nearest O.lmg for containers smaller than 20ml, to the nearest mg for 20ml to 200ml, or to the nearest centigram if the container is larger than 200ml.
• the containers are stored at 75 percent, plus or minus three percent, relative humidity at a temperature of 23 degrees, plus or minus two degrees. After 36 hours, plus or minus one hour, the weight is recorded, with the moisture permeability calculated in mg per day, per liter.
• the following is an illustrative example that tests breath strips in the container of the present invention compared with a non-desiccated breath strip pack at 25C 80% RH to determine the effectiveness of these packs in protecting the strips during use life.
• Watson Spearmint Breath strips, Wrigley's Spearmint Breath strips and strips from Pfizer were tested at 25C 80% Rh to determine the variation in strip chemistry stability for this use life condition in their own primary packaging.
• Test 1 (Current Container) 1. Tested five replicates of breath strips for each variable or pull. 2. 24 - Watson Strips each (in current container) were placed into a chamber at 25C/80% Rh and physical descriptions were taken for each strip set prior to the test. 3. Looked at samples every 24 hours to look for changes in appearance. Pulled samples from chamber when samples began to block or stick together.
• Test 2 (Present Invention) 1. Tested five replicates of breath strips for each variable or pull. 2. 24 - Watson Strips each (in Desiccated CSP pocket pack) placed into a chamber at 25C/80% Rh and physical descriptions were taken for each strip set prior to the test. 3. Looked at samples every 24 hours to look for changes in appearance. Pulled samples from chamber when samples began to block or stick together.
• Test l All Watson strips were blocking in all containers within 24 hours. There was no color change seen in any of the strips.
• Test 2 No blocking after 21 -days. Approx, 1/3 desiccant capacity used, but rate of desiccant absorption rate is slower than ingress into the package after 21-days. All Watson strips were blocking in all containers after 22 days. There was no color change seen in any of the strips.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
• Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
• General Preparation And Processing Of Foods (AREA)
• Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Priority Applications (5)

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Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Cited By (6)

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Citations (5)

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• 2004
  • 2004-11-24 AT AT04812159T patent/ATE426571T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2004-11-24 EP EP04812159A patent/EP1692064B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2004-11-24 WO PCT/US2004/039582 patent/WO2005051822A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2004-11-24 CA CA2545782A patent/CA2545782C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2004-11-24 DE DE602004020257T patent/DE602004020257D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2004-11-24 US US10/595,776 patent/US8464898B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2004-11-24 JP JP2006541714A patent/JP2007513840A/ja active Pending

Patent Citations (5)

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