CN101198990A - Resealing Mechanism for Dispensers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for dispensing a solid dosage form, the method comprising the steps of: opening a resealable reservoir for storing the solid dosage form, and an opening for dispensing the solid dosage form. The opening further includes an elastomeric seal (3) surrounding the opening. A cap (2) includes a stopper (3) integrally attached to the interior of the cap (2), and the cap (2) includes a hinge attached to the container for rotating the cap (2) at a pivot point.

Description

Resealing Mechanism for Dispensers

technical field

The present invention relates to a method of dispensing at least one solid dosage form, the method comprising the steps of: opening a resealable container and lid assembly, wherein the container includes a reservoir for storing the solid dosage form and a An opening for dispensing a single solid dosage form; the opening further includes an elastomeric seal at least partially disposed around the opening in a circumferential direction; the cap includes a plug integrally attached to the interior of the lid, and the lid includes a hinge attached to the container for rotating the lid at a pivot point; dispensing from the reservoir of the container through the opening at least one solid dosage form; applying sufficient pressure to the exterior of the lid to engage the bung with the elastomeric seal of the opening; maintaining sufficient pressure by a latch mechanism disposed on the container and the lid to form a wet-tight seal between the plug and the elastomeric seal of the opening.

Background technique

Typically, solid dosage forms are used to deliver medicinal, medicated confectionery and confectionery products. These dosage forms include, but are not limited to: compressed tablets, coated tablets, capsules, caplets, liquid gels, liquid capsule granules, and the like. An example of a solid dosage form dispenser is an active dispenser in which the user pushes a button or lever while expelling dosage forms from the container one at a time. Diagnostic test strips and solid dosage forms are often moisture sensitive and therefore need to be stored in containers that will protect them from the ambient humidity to which they are exposed during storage and use.

Contents of the invention

In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing at least one solid dosage form, the method comprising the steps of: opening a resealable container and lid assembly, wherein the container includes storage for storing the solid dosage form and an opening for dispensing a single solid dosage form; the opening further includes an elastomeric seal at least partially disposed around the opening in a circumferential direction; the cover includes a plug integrally attached to the interior of the lid, and the lid includes a hinge attached to the container for rotating the lid at a pivot point; from the reservoir of the container through the the opening dispenses at least one solid dosage form; applying sufficient pressure to the exterior of the lid to engage the bung with the elastomeric seal of the opening; retained by a latch mechanism disposed on the container and the lid Sufficient pressure to form a wet-tight seal between the stopper and the elastomeric seal of the opening; by removing the sufficient pressure, the resealable container and lid assembly is opened; dispensing at least one solid dosage form from the reservoir through the opening; again applying sufficient pressure to the exterior of the cap to engage the bung with the elastomeric seal of the opening; and a fastening mechanism on the lid to maintain sufficient pressure to form a substantially wet-tight seal between the stopper and the elastomeric seal of the opening.

Description of drawings

The following figures merely illustrate the invention without restricting it to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 1A is a cutaway view of the lid, foil and opening in the closed position; and Figure 1B is the lid, foil and opening in the open position stereogram.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 2A is a cutaway view of the lid and opening in an open position; and Figure 2B is a cutaway view of the lid and opening in a closed position.

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 3A is a cutaway view of the lid, foil and opening in the open position; and Figure 3B is the lid, foil and opening in the closed position cutaway view.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate one embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 4A is a cutaway view of the lid and opening in an open position; and Figure 4B is a cutaway view of the lid and opening in a closed position.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the dispenser in an open position; and Figure 7 shows a dispenser with a lid in a closed position Partial Cutaway View Of A Dispenser And Opening.

Disclosed benefits and improvements of the present invention, as well as other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of the specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and explain objects and features of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Although detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, the examples given in conjunction with the various embodiments of the invention are illustrative and not restrictive. Further, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a dispenser for a solid dosage form dispenser having a single dosage form during the shelf life and after each indexing cycle. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a dispenser for dispensing diagnostic test strips packaged in a substantially moisture-tight container. The present invention provides a substantially moisture-tight environment during shelf life and during use.

In one embodiment, the dispenser includes multiple parts. A part of the dispenser is the element that forms a moisture-tight seal at the point where the dosage form is expelled from the dispenser. And another aspect of this part is to protect the sealing area from damage due to accidental contact with foreign objects.

The present invention includes a sealing "door" or "plug" to seal and protect the dispensing opening/hole. In one embodiment, the dispensing holes may be actual holes or slits in the elastomer. For example, the plug can be of any shape (eg, round, oval, rectangular, square...). In another embodiment, the "door" or "plug" may incorporate a plugging principle (a male plugs into a female), whereby the opening is sealed and resealed by interference when opened and closed . In yet another embodiment, the holes may be plugged by interference with plugs using the same material or may be based on using different materials (eg, PP and HDPE, PP and TPE, or others).

In yet another embodiment, the "door" or "plug" applies pressure to an elastomeric gasket on the container that forms and protects the dispensing aperture.

In yet another embodiment, the invention uses a foil seal over the top of the "hole". The foil material may be secured to the material surrounding the gasket material rather than to the gasket material itself.

In another embodiment, the door may be formed by a living hinge hinged to the container or may be attached later by using a common latching mechanism. In another example, the door may be designed to require at least two movements to release the door and a mechanism for providing child-resistant packaging may be provided. In yet another example, the door may be designed to grip and/or retain the dosage form as it is dispensed from the container.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a moisture-tight and resealable mechanism. The term "resealable" means that the container can be opened/reopened and closed/reclosed multiple times (eg, more than 5 times) and still maintain the container's moisture-tight properties. The term "wet tight" means that the container has a moisture ingress of less than about 1000 micrograms of water/day as determined by the following test method: (a) placing approximately 1 gram of molecular sieve in the container and recording the weight; (b) closing Resealable mechanism; (c) set up the sealed container in an environmental chamber at 80% relative humidity and 72F; (c) weigh the container containing the molecular sieve after one day; (d) about two weeks Afterwards, the container is weighed; (e) the first day's sample is subtracted from the obtained value and divided by the number of days to calculate the water inflow to the container in micrograms of water.

1 to 4 illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 shows an enlarged view of one embodiment of a dispenser including a sealing mechanism. In said enlarged view, the foil seal 1 is also shown. When the door 2 is closed to form a wet-tight seal, the door 2 applies pressure to the elastomeric seal 3 of the container. Figure 2 shows yet another embodiment of the sealing mechanism in an open position and a closed position. In the open position, a "door" (eg "plug") 2 on the lid 3 allows the seal to break. In the closed position, the bung 2 contacts the elastomer 4 on the container and thus seals said container. In one example, the container includes a portion contacting the stopper, and the portion is made of a material such as an elastomer. Figure 3 also shows yet another embodiment of the sealing mechanism in an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the foil seal 1 is applied to the container (eg by welding) and the lid 2 does not touch the container. In the closed position, the bung 3 of the lid 2 is applied over the foil seal 1 and the bung 3 forms an interference fit with the container. In one example, the stopper and container are constructed of the same material (eg, PP or PE(Hd/Ld)). Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the sealing mechanism in an open position and a closed position, whereby the bung 3 again forms an interference fit with the container. In one example, the stopper 3 and the container are constructed of the same material (eg PP or PE(Hd/Ld)).

In another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention is used in a single dispense solid dosage dispenser or a single dispense diagnostic test strip. In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention forms a wet-tight seal that protects the product in the dispenser during shelf life and during use. In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention forms a wet-tight seal through the interference of a plug in the opening, wherein the plug is of the same material as that used for the container and lid. In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention forms a wet-tight seal through the interference of a plug in the opening, wherein the plug is constructed of a material different from that used for the container and lid. In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention uses a foil seal over the opening in addition to the plug. In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention forms a wet-tight seal by compressing an elastomer together with the plug. In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention comprises a "door" or "plug" formed as a single piece, either as a living hinge or assembled to the dispenser. In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention includes a bung having two different movements that are released to form a child-resistant package. In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism of the present invention includes a door or bung that retains the medicament so that the user does not need to touch the medicament.

In yet another embodiment, the dispensing holes may be actual holes or may be slits in the elastomeric material. The holes may be of any shape (eg circular, oval, rectangular, square...). In another embodiment, the "door" may be of a plug principle ("male" plugging into a female), so that the opening is sealed and resealed by interference when opened and closed. The holes may be plugged by interference with plugs using the same material or may be based on using different materials (eg PP and HDPE, PP and TPE, or others). In yet another embodiment, the door applies pressure to an elastomeric gasket that forms and protects the dispensing aperture. The elastomeric gasket will not reseal after each use when the door does not apply pressure to the elastomeric gasket. Where a surface seal is used, the foil can be heat sealed to the opening to provide additional protection during shelf life storage.

In yet another embodiment, the opening through which the diagnostic test strip passes is open enough to allow a single strip to pass and then be resealed. For example, Figure 5 shows a hinged door 10 having a plug 11 which forms a seal with opening 13 when closed. The door 10 can be opened manually or when an indexing mechanism is actuated. The inner opening 13 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . In one embodiment, after the strip 12 is drawn out, the door 10 is manually closed to reseal the opening.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above by way of example, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced otherwise than in the disclosed embodiments, all of which are presented in the specification by way of illustration and not of limitation. It should be noted that equivalents to the specific embodiments described in the specification may also practice the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description of the examples when determining the scope of the invention to which an exclusive claim is based.

Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty)

1. A method of dispensing at least one solid dosage form, said method comprising the steps of:

Opening the resealable container and lid assembly, wherein the container includes a reservoir for storing a solid dosage form and an opening for dispensing a single solid dosage form; the opening further includes an elastomeric seal, the seal being at least partially placed circumferentially around the opening; the lid includes a plug integrally attached to the interior of the lid, and the lid includes a hinge attached to the container for to rotate the lid at a pivot point;

dispensing at least one solid dosage form from the reservoir of the container through the opening;

applying sufficient pressure to the lid to engage the plug with the elastomeric seal of the opening;

maintaining sufficient pressure by fastening mechanisms disposed on the container and the lid to form a substantially moisture-tight seal between the stopper and the elastomeric seal of the opening;

opening said resealable container and lid assembly by removing said sufficient pressure;

dispensing at least one solid dosage form from the reservoir of the container through the opening;

again applying sufficient pressure to the lid to engage the bung with the elastomeric seal of the opening; and

Sufficient pressure is maintained by fastening mechanisms placed on the container and lid to form a substantially wet-tight seal between the stopper and the elastomeric seal of the opening.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the top of the plug contacts the top of the elastomeric seal when the plug is engaged with the elastomeric seal.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the plug passes through or surrounds the opening when the plug is engaged with the elastomeric seal such that an outer portion of the plug is at least partially in contact with a portion of the elastomeric seal.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein when the plug is engaged with the elastomeric seal, the plug spans the opening so that an inner portion of the plug is at least partially in contact with the elastomeric seal. A portion of the seal is in contact.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a wettight seal is formed.

6. The resealable method of claim 1, wherein said stopper and said container are constructed of the same material.

7. The resealable method of claim 1, wherein said stopper and said container are constructed of different materials.

8. The resealable method of claim 1 , wherein the lid is integral with the container and includes a living hinge to hinge with the container.

9. The resealable method of claim 1 , wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a stopper with two distinct movements for release to form a child resistant package.

10. The resealable method of claim 1, wherein the solid dosage form is a diagnostic test strip.

11. The resealable method of dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said solid dosage form is formed from gel coating agent, coated tablet, edible film, lozenge, effervescent tablet, compressed tablet, instant Choose from the group consisting of tablets, liquid-filled granules, capsules, and pouches.

12. The method of resealing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said securing mechanism comprises a protrusion on the interior of said lid and a corresponding slot on said container.

13. The method of resealing of claim 1, wherein a lid of the dispenser grips and retains the solid dosage form.

Claims (13)

1. method of distributing at least one solid dosage forms said method comprising the steps of:

Open reclosable container and assembly of lid, wherein, described container comprises the reservoir that is used for the store solids formulation and is used to distribute the opening of single solid dosage forms; Described opening further comprises elastomeric seal, described seal at least in part along circumferentially place described opening around; Described lid comprises stopper, and described stopper is attached to the inside of described lid integratedly, and described lid comprises the hinge that is attached to described container, and described hinge is used for rotating described lid a pivot point;

From the reservoir of described container, distribute at least one solid dosage forms by described opening;

Apply enough pressure to the outside of described lid, so that described stopper engages with the elastomeric seal of described opening;

By placing retention mechanism on described container and the described lid to keep enough pressure between the elastomeric seal of described stopper and described opening, to form basic wet close sealing;

By removing described enough pressure, open described reclosable container and assembly of lid;

From the reservoir of described container, distribute at least a solid dosage forms by described opening;

Apply enough pressure to the outside of described lid once more, so that described stopper engages with the elastomeric seal of described opening; And

By placing retention mechanism on described container and the described lid to keep enough pressure between the elastomeric seal of described stopper and described opening, to form basic wet close sealing.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein when described stopper engages with described elastomeric seal, the top of described stopper contacts with the top of described elastomeric seal.

3. the method for claim 1, wherein when described stopper engages with described elastomeric seal, at least a portion of described stopper is passed described opening, so that the outside portion of described stopper contacts with the part of described elastomeric seal at least in part.

4. the method for claim 1, wherein described opening further comprises the paillon foil that covers described opening at least, and when the outside to described lid applied enough pressure, described stopper engaged with the paillon foil of described opening to form foil seal.

5. the method for claim 1, wherein form wet close sealing.

6. reclosable method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described stopper and described container are made of identical materials.

7. reclosable method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described stopper is made of different materials with described container.

8. reclosable method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described lid and described container form one, and comprise the hinges hinged with described container.

9. reclosable method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described sealing mechanism comprises having two different motion so that the stopper that discharges, to form the packing of Childproof.

10. reclosable method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described solid dosage forms is a diagnostic test strip.

11. the resealable method of divider as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described solid dosage forms is selected from the group of being made up of gel covering, coating tablet, edible film, lozenge, effervescent tablet, compressed tablet, instant, liquid filling particle, capsule and medicine bag.

12. as claimed in claim 1 again the sealing method, wherein, described retention mechanism comprise described lid inside the projection and described container on corresponding slit.

13. the method for sealing more as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the lid clamping of described divider also keeps described solid dosage forms.

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