WO2014125396A1

WO2014125396A1 - Integrated dispensing device for delivering accurate dose for multiparticulate pharmaceutical dosage forms

Info

Publication number: WO2014125396A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/058768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajesh Mishra; Vikrant MESTA; Shripad Jathar
Original assignee: Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-02-15
Filing date: 2014-02-04
Publication date: 2014-08-21
Also published as: IN2013MU00452A; MX2019008299A; PE20151549A1; CL2015002256A1; ECSP15039671A; BR112015019733A2; MX2015010361A; BR112015019733A8

Abstract

The present invention provides an integrated dispensing device is adapted for attaching to a container defining an opening and an inner portion and housing therein the multi-particulate substance, and comprises a cap attachable to the opening of the container, wherein the cap is adapted to receive a dosing head and a slider. The slider works in conjunction with the dosing head to selectively controlling a flow path between the inner portion of the bottle and the dosing head so as to enable accommodation of the predetermined quantity of the multi-particle substance in the dosing head for release therefrom.

Description

INTEGRATED DISPENSING DEVICE FOR DELIVERING ACCURATE DOSE FOR MULTIPARTICULATE PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to an integrated dispensing device for delivering predetermined quantity of multi-particulate substances such as granules, powders, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Many substances are made available to users in multi-particulate form viz. powders, granules, etc. Usually such substances are provided in containers / bottles along with dispensing aids such as scoop or spoon to facilitate the dispensing.

However use of scoop or spoon as dispensing aid for dispensing the substance in the multiparticulate form such as powders/granules leads to several problems.

» Every time for withdrawing the contents of the container, the user has to open the container by removing the cap and dispense the contents from the container into dispensing aid, thus the contents of the containers are exposed to atmosphere. Contents which are moisture sensitive or light sensitive can have stability problems.

• The use of scoop or spoon is likely to induce an inconsistency in the quantity of the substance being dispensed. If the substance being withdrawn is a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical substance, the same can lead to under or over dosing.

* Dispensing aid needs to be maintained along with the pack till the entire quantity of powder/granules are finished from the container and hence it is essential to keep the dispensing aids properly, which may be a tedious job.

® The cost of the bottle and dispensing aid may increase the overall cost due to its multi component nature and/or due to the packing material required.

To overcome all above mentioned problems present inventors have come up with an invention in the form of an integrated dispensing device for delivering predetermined quantity of multiparticulate substance which has integrated provision in the container itself to measure and deliver accurate quantity of the substance each time without use of separate dispensing aids such as scoop or spoon. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

It is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated dispensing device for delivering predetermined quantity of multi-particulate substance such as granules or powders.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

In accordance with a preferred embodiment the present invention, therefore disclosed an integrated dispensing device for delivering accurate doseand/or measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined quantity of multi-particulate substances from a container such as bottle holding said multi-particulate substance. The integrated dispensing device is adapted for attaching to a container defining an opening and an inner portion and housing therein the multi-particulate substance, and comprisesa cap attachable to the opening of the container. The device further comprises a dosing head received by cap. The device further comprises a slider received by the cap. The slider works in conjunction with the dosing head to selectively control a flow path between the inner portion of the bottle and the dosing head so as to enable accommodation of the predetermined quantity of the multi-particle substance in the dosing head for release therefrom. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS;

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure No. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an integrated dispensing device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 2 shows an exploded view of an integrated dispensing device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 3 (A & B) shows a process of using an integrated dispensing device as shown in Figures 1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of integrated dispensing device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure No. 5 shows an exploded view of integrated dispensing device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 6 shows a process of using an integrated dispensing device as shown in Figures 4 and 5 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an integrated dispensing device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 8 shows an exploded view of an integrated dispensing device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure No. 9 shows a process of using an integrated dispensing device as shown in Figures 7 and 8 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

It may be noted that, to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative failing within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The parts of the device have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skil l in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures. Similarly, a method step proceeded by "comprising" or any variation thereof, does not, without more constraints preclude the existence of additional steps or repetitive steps.

Accordingly the present invention provides an integrated dispensing device for delivering measured and/or metered and/or pre-determined quantity of multi-paniculate substance. Referring to figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment the present invention provides an integrated dispensing device comprising:

a cap (41) attachable to the opening of the container ( 91);

a dosing head (51) received by cap (41); and

a slider (21) received by the cap (41), the slider (21) working in conjunction with the dosing head (51) to selective!}' interrupt a flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51) so as to enable accommodation of the predetermined quantity of the multi- particle substance in the dosing head for release therefrom.

In a preferred aspect, the slider comprises a first arm (22), a second arm (23) and a third arm (24), the first and the second anus being substantially parallel to each other and the third arm connecting the first and the second arms and a length of the first arm is less than a length of the second arm. The first arm (22) and second arm (23) is received by a horizontal slot (42) defined in the cap (41) and the second arm (23) rests on an open top end (52) of the dosing head (51). It can be seen that the first arm (22) of the slider (21) is configured to interrupt the flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51 ) upon a first level actuation. It can be further observed that the second arm (23) defines an opening (25) adapted to align with the open top end (52) of the dosing head (51) upon a second level actuation.

In a preferred aspect, the integrated dispensing device further comprising a resilient mechanism (31) disposed in a space (53) defined between the dosing head (51) and the slider (21) for enabling return of the slider from the actuated position to the non- actuated position upon release of an actuating force.

It can be noticed that in inverted, non-actuated condition, an un-interrupted flow path is defined between an inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51 ) and the open top end (52) of the dosing head is closed by the second arm (23). The first arm (22) of the slider (21 ) provided in the cap (41) on actuation to a first level interrupts the flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51) and on actuation to a second level the opening (25) defined in the second arm (23) of the slider aligns with the opening defined in the dosing head (51 ) thereby enabling release of the substance from the dosing head. The slider (21 ) is further provided with a spring (31) for enabling the same to return to its normal position (non-actuated position) upon release. The device further comprises an over cap (11 ) attachable to the cap (41 ). If desired, a tamper evident mechanism can be incorporated in the over cap (11).

Referring to figures 3 (A & B), the process of using an integrated dispensing device shown in Figures 1 and 2 is illustrated and as per one embodiment of present invention the process comprises:

after removing the over cap (11 ), the whole assembly is inverted to allow the contents (granules or powder) to flow from bottle (91 ) to dosing head (51),

holding the whole assembly in the inverted state, the slider (21) is pressed to reach a first actuation level. During this state, the first arm of the slider (21) interrupts the flow between the bottle and the dosing head, thereby separating a predetermined quantity of the substance within the dosing head (51); holding the whole assembly in the inverted state, the slider is further pressed to reach a first actuation level. In this second actuated state, the opening (25) provided in the second arm of the slider (21) aligns with opening of dosing head (51) and allows the contents (granules or powder) to dispense out;

when pressure is released, the slider (21) automatically comes to its original position due to tension of spring (31) and is ready for next dispensing.

Referring to figures 4 and 5, in another embodiment the present invention provides an integrated dispensing device for delivering accurate dose comprising;

a cap (41) attachable to the opening of the container (91);

a disc (71) defining an opening (72) located at about a bottom end of the cap (41);

a dosing head (51) received by cap (41); and

a slider (21 ) received by the cap (43) such that the same is sandwiched between the dosing head (53) and the disc (73), the slider (21 ) working in conjunction with the dosing head (51 ) and the disc (71) to selectively establish a flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51) so as to enable accommodation of the predetermined quantity of the multi- particle substance in the dosing head for release therefrom.

In a preferred aspect, the slider (21 ) comprises a cylindrical member (26) defining a passage (27), an actuating arm (28) extending from the cylindrical member (26) and a blocking arm (29) extending from the cylindrical member (26). It can be observed that the blocking arm (29) is configured to be received by a horizontal slot (43) defined in the cap (41 ). Furthermore it can be noticed that the blocking arm (29) of the slider (21 ) is configured to close the opening (72) defined in the disc (71 ) in a non-actuated state thereby interrupt the flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91 ) and the dosing head (51).

During operation, the passage (27) defined by the cylindrical member (26) of the slider (21) is configured to align with the opening (72) defined in the disc (71) in an actuated state thereby establishing the flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51). In a preferred aspect of the invention, the device may further comprise a resilient mechanism (31) disposed a horizontal slot (43) defined by the cap and co-operates with the blocking ami (29) of the slider (21) for enabling return of the slider from the actuated position to the non-actuated position. Also, the integrated dispensing device may further comprise closing mechanism (61) disposed at about an open top end (52) of the dosing head (51).

It can be noticed that the disc (71) defines an aperture and in a normal condition, the dosing head defines a passage which is not aligned with the aperture defined in the disc (71). Therefore, the contents of the bottle are retained in the bottle itself. On the other hand, slider upon actuation aligns the aperture in the disc with the passage defined by the dosing head and thereby allowing the contents of the bottle to flow the passage defined in the dosing head. Since the dosing head is further provided with a tip cap (61) that closes the dosing head from a top portion, during the actuation, the contents of the bottle are accumulated in the space defined by the dosing head and does not fall out. As the slider (21) is further provided with a spring (31), upon release of an actuating force, the slider returns to its normal position (non-actuated position) wherein the passage is once again non-aligned, thereby disallowing the contents thus accumulated in the dosing head from returning to the container. The device further comprises an over cap (1 1 ) attachable to the cap (41). If desired, a tamper evident mechanism can be incorporated in the over cap (1 1 ).

Referring to figure 6 the process of using an integrated dispensing device shown in Figures 4 and 5 is illustrated and as per one embodiment of present invention the process comprises;

after removing the over cap (11) the whole assembly is inverted and when the slider (21) is pressed the orifice on the slider (21 ), the orifice on the disc (71 ) and the bottom opening of the dosing head (51) gets aligned and this alignment creates a passage that allows flow of the contents (powder or granules) from bottle (91) to dosing head (51 ) and when pressure released from the slider (21), slider moves back to its original position: this closes the bottom opening of the dosing head (51), thus in process the required dose is dispensed in the dosing head (51): and then upright the bottle and then open the tip cap (61) on dosing head (51) and dispense the content.

Referring to figures 7 and 8, the integrated dispensing device disclosed therein is substantially similar to that illustrated in figures 1 and 2. In addition to the components contained by the integrated dispensing device as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the integrated dispensing device as illustrated in figures 8 and 9 comprises:

a container cover (H i) that encompasses the container (91);

a top cover (121) disposed over the cap (41) such that the second arm (23) of the slider (21) is sandwiched between the top cover (111) and cap (41):

the top cover defining an aperture (112 ) aligned with the open top end (52) of the dosing head (51); and

a lockmg knob (131) operable to hold the slider (21) in a locked condition.

The locking knob (131) can be placed in any one of a locking position or an un-locking position. The locking knob (131) comprises a locking arm (133) and in a locking position, the locking arm (133) ensures that the slider in a locked position. In a preferred aspect, illustrated by figure 8, the locking knob (101) comprises a U-shaped member defining a first leg (132), a second leg (133) and a third leg (134) with the first and the second legs being substantially parallel to each other and the third leg connecting the first and the second legs. In addition to the various alternatives mentioned above for incorporation of a tamper evident mechanism, in the embodiment illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the tamper evident mechanism (103) can be incorporated between the top cover ( 121 ) and the lockmg knob (131), While operating the locking knob for the first time from locked position to unlock position (i.e. by pushing the locking knob up), the tamper evident mechanism provided on locking knob can be configured to break thereby providing a visual identification to the user of a tampering.

Referring to figure 9 (A to F), the process of using an integrated dispensing device shown in Figures 7 and 8 is illustrated and as per one embodiment of present invention the process comprises:

after removing the over cap (11), the locking knob is lifted upwardly to release the slide (21) (figure 9A to 9B);

the whole assembly is inverted to allow the contents (granules or powder) to flow from bottle (91) to dosing head (51) (figure 9B to 9C),

holding the whole assembly in the inverted state, the slider (21) is pressed to reach a first actuation level. During this state, the first arm of the slider (21) interrupts the flow between the bottle and the dosing head, thereby separating a predetermined quantity of the substance within the dosing head (51);

the slider is further pressed to reach a first, second or final actuation level. In this second actuated state, the opening (25) provided in the second arm of the slider (21) aligns with opening of dosing head (51) and allows the contents (granules or powder) to dispense out figure 9C to 9D):

the pressure is released from the slider due to which the slider (21) automatical!}' comes to its original position due to tension of spring (31) (figure 9E to 9F); and

the locking knob is pressed downwardly to lock the slider (21) (figure 9F to 9A). Now the above indicated steps can be repeated for next dispensing. A tamper evident mechanism can be incorporated in the over cap (1 1). in a preferred aspect of the invention, the cap (41) can be in the form of a snap cap so that it fits to the opening of the container. While the integrated dispensing device is adapted for attaching to any type of container and can deliver predetermined quantity of any type of a multi-particulate substance, one of the preferred uses of the same can be in dispensing pharmaceutical substances.

W'hile the construction and the functioning of the device has been explained above, it can be noticed that the dispensing device is easy and quick to use and does not require a user to disassemble or interchange parts. Also, the dispensing device enables for delivering accurate dose of multi-particulate pharmaceutical dosage forms which is simple in use and reduces dosing errors. Since the device is very easy to use and the dispensing is of the accurate amount, one can anticipate increased patient compliance. Last, but not the least, the dispensing device has few parts and can be easily manufactured and mass produced. While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

We Claim: 1. An integrated dispensing device (81) adapted for attaching to a container (91)and delivering a predetermined quantity of a multi-particulate substance, the container defining an opening and an inner portionand housing therein the multi-particulate substance, characterized in that the dispensing device (81) comprises;

a cap (41) attachable to the opening of the container (91);

a dosing head (51) received by cap (41); and

a slider (21) received by the cap (41), the slider (21) working in conjunction with the dosing head (51) to selectively controlling a flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51) so as to enable accommodation of the predetennined quantity of the multi-particle substance in the dosing head for release therefrom.

2. An integrated dispensing device (81 ) adapted for attaching to a container (91 ) and delivering a predetermined quantity of a multi-particulate substance, the container defining an opening and an inner portionand housing therein the multi-particulate substance, characterized in that the dispensing device (81) comprises;

a cap (41 ) attachable to the opening of the container (91);

a dosing head (51) received by cap (41); and

a slider (21) received by the cap (41), the slider (21) working in conjunction with the dosing head (51 ) to selectively interrupt a flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51 ) so as to enable accommodation of the predetermined quantity of the multi-particle substance in the dosing head for release therefrom.

3. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the slider comprises a first arm (22), a second arm (23) and a third arm (24), the first and the second arms being substantially parallel to each other and the third arm connecting the first and the second arms and a length of the first arm is less than a length of the second arm.

4. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first arm (22) is received by a horizontal slot (42) defined in the cap (41) and the second arm (23) rests on an open top end (52) of the dosing head (51).

5. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first arm (22) of the slider (21) is configured to iiiterrapt the flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51) upon a first level actuation.

6. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second arm (23) defines an opening (25) adapted to align with the open top end (52) of the dosing head (51 ) upon a second level actuation.

7. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a resilient mechanism (31) disposed in a space (53) defined between the dosing head (51) and the slider (21) for enabling return of the slider from the actuated position to the non-actuated position.

8. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a top cover (121) disposed over the cap (41) such that the second arm (23) of the slider (21) is sandwiched between the top cover (1 1 1 ) and cap (41 ).

9. The integrated dispensing device as ciairaed in claim 8, wherem the top cover defines an aperture (1 12 ) aligned with the open top end (52) of the dosing head (51 ).

10. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a locking knob (131) operable to hold the slider (21 ) in a locked condition.

1 1. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the locking knob (131) comprises of a U-shaped member defining a first leg (132), a second leg (133) and a third leg (134) with the first and the second legs being substantially parallel to each other and the third leg connecting the first and the second legs.

12. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a tamper evident mechanism (101).

13. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tamper evident mechanism is incorporated: ● to cover the opening (25) defined in the second arm of the slider,

● between the over cap (11) and container (91); or

● between the top cover (121) and the locking knob (131).

14. An integrated dispensing device (81) adapted for attaching to a container (93)and delivering a predetermined quantity of a multi-particulate substance, the container defining an opening and an inner portionand housing therein the multi-particulate substance, characterized in that the dispensing device (81) comprises:

a cap (41 ) attachable to the opening of the container (91);

a disc (71 ) defining an opening (72) located at about a bottom end of the cap (41 );

a dosing head (51) received by cap (41); and

a slider (21) received by the cap (41 ) such that the same is sandwiched between the dosing head (51) and the disc (71), the slider (21) working in conjunction with the dosing head (51) and the disc (71 ) to selectively establish a flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51) so as to enable accommodation of the predetermined quantity of the multi-particle substance in the dosing head for release therefrom.

15. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the slider (21) comprises a cylindrical member (26) defining a passage (27), an actuating arm (28) extending from the cylindrical member (26) and a blocking arm (29) extending from the cylindrical member (26).

16. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the blocking ami (29) is received by a horizontal slot (43) defined in the cap (41).

17. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the blocking arm (29) of the slider (21 ) is configured to close the opening (72) defined in the disc (71) in a non- actuated state thereby interrupt the flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91 ) and the dosing head (51).

18. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the passage (27) defined by the cylindrical member (26) of the slider (21) is configured to align with the opening (72) defined in the disc (71) in an actuated state thereby establishing the flow path between the inner portion of the bottle (91) and the dosing head (51).

19. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a resilient mechanism (31) disposed in a horizontal slot (43) defined by the cap and co-operates with the blocking arm (29) of the slider (21) and the cap (41) for enabling return of the slider from the actuated position to the non-actuated position.

20. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a closing mechanism (61) disposed at about an open top end (52) of the dosing head (51).

21 The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a tamper evident mechanism.

22. The integrated dispensing device as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the tamper evident mechanism is incorporated:

● to cover the opening (25) defined in the second arm of the slider, or

● between the over cap (11) and container (91).

23. The integrated dispensing device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the aforesaid detailed description.