EP1241108A1

EP1241108A1 - Package

Info

Publication number: EP1241108A1
Application number: EP01850050A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Billy Nilson
Original assignee: Karlen Jan
Current assignee: Karlen Jan
Priority date: 2001-03-16
Filing date: 2001-03-16
Publication date: 2002-09-18

Abstract

Packaging comprising a board (3) with at least one bulge (6) and a containment for a first contents (2) arranged at the bulge (6). A pressure (F) on the bulge (6), e.g., with a thumb may separate the contents (2) from the board (3). The packaging further comprises a container (1) for the contents (2), which has a first end arranged to detachably attach against a wall of the bulge (6).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a packaging for a content. The packaging is arranged to be easily opened, whereby the content can be transferred to a vessel containing a fluid, with which the content is mixed. More specifically, the invention relates to a powder package.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND THE PROBLEM

A packaging is supposed to exclude external contamination, and retain a content. Further, the packaging should easy break open, and its contents directly used or transferred to a vessel, e.g., with a fluid for further treatment / use. During the transfer, substantially no contamination should occur, neither of the contents of the packaging nor of the contents of the vessel, such as a fluid retained therein.
In particular, so called blister packagings are known for the distribution of trifles and pharmaceuticals. These often consist of a planar unit, a board, from which blister shaped uptake units, or bulges, are arranged. During distribution of, for example, drugs, these bulges are sealed with a breakable foil, which during storage and transport together with the bulge forms a closed container, in this case for on dose unit of a drug. A partly cylindrical blister of a transparent plastic material often constitutes the bulge. The plastic material, possibly reinforced / laminated, also constitutes the planar unit. The packaging should be of low weight and designed for rational manufacturing. Further, the packaging should be easy to handle, both as a sealed packaging and during the opening itself. The packaging should further facilitate even distribution in and mixing of the contents with the liquid of the vessel.

THE PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION AND THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

The purpose of the invention is to solve one or more of the problems stated above. This is achieved with a device according to claim 1.
Through a board with at least one bulge, which detachably connects to a container, preferably of cylindrical shape, sealing of one end of the container is obtained. In the other wall of the container is a wall that seals the cylindrical shape. In a preferred embodiment the second end of the container is furnished with a gas containment. During transfer of the contents to a vessel the board can connect to the vessel in such a way that a transfer, substantially free from contamination, of the contents of the packaging to the vessel can take place.
The appurtenant sub claims describe further preferred embodiments according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in greater detail, through examples of embodiments, with reference to figures as follows.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a packaging with a container, according to the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a detailed schematic drawing of a container according to Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic drawing of an alternative embodiment of the container according to Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 shows a schematic drawing of a packaging with a container, according to the invention, in which the container 1 is inserted in a vessel.
Fig. 5 shows a schematic drawing of an alternative embodiment of the container comprising an annular bulge.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, a container is designated with 1, and a board with 3. The container 1 encloses a content 2, which preferably consists of a powder, but which also may consist of, e.g., a liquid containing a solution of a component. The board 3 has at least one blister-shaped bulge 6, and preferably a multitude of blister-shaped bulges arranged in one or more rows on the board 3, see Fig. 1. Each bulge 6 connects to the container 1 in such a way that the bulge 6 forms a tight sealing of the container 1. In one area of the board 3 that surrounds the blister-shaped bulge 6, the board 3 I substantially planar. A pinching force from the container 1, inserted into the bulge 6, is directed substantially in the extension of the area outwards from the bulge, whereby the flatness of the area contributes to an increased counterforce. Thus, the material in the board may be thin, which reduces the material costs. A thin plate 3 of plastic also makes possible cost-efficient manufacturing methods, e.g., vacuum forming of a plastic film for the achievement of said board 3 and bulges 6.
The bulge 6 further exhibits an upper part, a lid, which connects to the first end 1a of the container 1 when the container is fully inserted in the bulge 6. Between the upper part and the board 3 is a cylindrical wall, arranged to retain the container 1 when the container 1 is inserted in the bulge, until it is released. The wall is preferably perpendicular to the board 3, and arranged to connect sealingly to the container 1. The container 1 is preferably retained through a frictional force between the container 1 and the wall, which is supported by the area around the bulge 6 and the upper part. In an alternative embodiment the wall has inwardly or outwardly directed shape changes, and the container 1 a corresponding shape, in such a way that an engagement, based on shape, is obtained for the container 1. In a further alternative embodiment the wall is inclined from the board 30 - 35°, and preferably 3 - 15 °, which gives a wedge action towards the container 1, and may facilitate the manufacturing of the board 3 and the bulges 6, e.g., during vacuum forming.
The ability of the bulge 6 to attach to and retain the container 1 is at least partly dependent upon the height of the bulge 6, the thickness of the board, the extension of the bulge 6, and / or the combined weight of the container 1 and the contents, as well as the choice of material for the bulge 6 and the container 1, respectively, and friction. Thus, a container 1 of, for example, a plastic material with a diameter, e.g., of 30 - 50 mm, and a length of 30 - 60 mm, entail a height of the bulge 6, preferably of 3 - 10 mm. In order to increase the retaining capacity, the height may be further increased.
When the first part of the container 1 is arranged in the bulge 6, the plane of the board 3 divides the container 1 into two parts. A first part is in the bulge 6, and a second part is outside the bulge 6. The second part may be bigger than the first part, for example, 2 - 30 times bigger, and preferably 5 - 15 times bigger.
The container 1 is preferably cylinder-shaped, and manufactured, e.g., from plastic. The cylinder shape, exemplified in Fig. 1 - 3 is circular, and thus allows a substantially even distribution of the forces from the bulge 6. Further, the container 1 is transparent in order to allow visual inspection of the contents 2. In an alternative embodiment, e.g. for light sensitive contents, the container is not transparent. A pinching area on the cylindrical shape of the container 1, at the first end, is arranged in such a way as to be pinched by the bulge 6, and thereby by the board. Thus, in the cases where the wall is incliningly arranged, the pinching area has a substantially corresponding bevelling. In an alternative embodiment the pinching area contains irregularities, such that an engagement, based on shape, is obtained.
In a preferred embodiment the first end of the container 1 is open, so that the contents may pass when the container 1 is liberated from the board. In an alternative embodiment the first end has a filter or small apertures 1d, such that a liquid may enter an mix with the contents 2, and thereafter the resulting mixture / solution may pass through the filter, or through the small apertures 1d. The small apertures 1d may be configured in the side of the container1, se Fig. 4, whereby they are sealed by the wall when the container 1 is attached to the bulge. The small apertures, together with a corresponding protrusion or similar on the container 1, can also provide an engagement, based on shape, between the container 1 and the bulge 6.
An containment 1c for a gas is arranged at the second end 1b of the container 1. The container 1, the contents 2, and the gas exhibit a common density higher than a liquid 5, in which the container 1 is arranged to be positioned. The container 1 without its contents and the gas exhibits a lower common density than the liquid 5. When the container 1 is liberated, for example, through an applied pressure F with a thumb, the container 1 falls into the liquid 5, and thereby sinks to the bottom, whereby the containment 1c entails that the container 1 starts to rise in the liquid when at least parts of the contents 2 have been dissolved. When the container 1 has risen to the surface, it can be easily removed from the liquid 5 without great risk of contaminating the liquid /mixture / solution 5. During the time period that the container 1 is sinking, lying in the liquid / mixture / solution 5, and rising towards the surface, the contents 2 can mix with, or dissolve and distribute in, the liquid / mixture / solution 5.
In a further alternative embodiment (not shown) the container 1 is arranged on the second side of the board 3, i.e., on the side of the board 3 from which the bulge 6 extends, whereby the bulge 6, for retaining the container 1, is arranged substantially in the container 1. In this embodiment the upper part and wall of the bulge thus acts to press on the inner wall of the container 1, and a traction force arises in the area of the board 3 that surrounds the bulge 6. By pressing downward, e.g. with a thumb, into the bulge 6, the container 1 is liberated.
Another alternative embodiment exhibits an annular bulge outside the bulge 6, occupying the container 1, whereby this annular bulge is substantially concentric with the bulge 6, occupying the container 1. Hereby the annular bulge is adapted to the vessel 4, in which the container 1 is intended to be inserted, so that a sealing connection between the board 3 and thereto adapted vessel 4 is achieved.
Prior to and during mounting of the container 1 to the bulge 6, the bulge 6 may be depressed somewhat in order to diminish the residual effect of the compression of air or gas, which may arise during insertion of the container 1 into the bulge 6. The need for this is present, particularly in the case of high bulges 6, which leads to a high compression of the contents and / or the gas in the container 1 during insertion.
The invention shall not be construed as limited to the embodiments described above; rather, it may be varied within the scope of the accompanying patent claims.

SUMMARY OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1: container
1a: first end
1b: second end
1c: gas containment
1d: apertures
2: contents
3: board
4: vessel
5: fluid
6: bulge
F: force

Claims

A packaging comprising a board (3) with at least one bulge (6), and space (1) arranged at the bulge (6) for a content (2), which is arranged to be separated from the board (3) e.g. thought pressure (F on the bulge (6) with a thumb, first end (1a) of the container (1),
characterised by,
that the packaging comprises a container (1) for the content (2) which has a first end (1a) arranged to detachably attach to the bulge (6).
The packaging according to claim 1, characterised by,
that the board (3) exhibits at least two bulges (6).
A packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that an area of the board (3) in connection to the bulge (6) is substantially planar and forms a substantially perpendicular angle to the container (1).
A packaging according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that the first end (1c) of the container has a shape that is complementary with respect to the bulge (6).
A packaging according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that the container (1) is cylinder-shaped, and that the board (3) at the bulge (6) constitutes a sealing of the first end (1c) of the container, so that the container (1) is opened when separated from tha board (3).
A packaging according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that the contents (2) comprise a powder, which at least partly fills the container (1),
that the first end (1c) of the container has a filter arranged to pass liquid, so that liquid (5) may enter the container (1) and thereby mix with the powder.
A packaging according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that the board (3) is arranged outside the container (1), which is arranged to detachably attach to the surrounding bulge (6).
A packaging according to one or more of claims 1 - 6, characterised by,
that the board (3) exhibits a plane, which divides the container (1) into two parts, of which one parts is situated inside the bulge (6) and a second part is outside the bulge (6).
A packaging according to claim 8, characterised by,
that the second part is significantly larger than the first part.
A packaging according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that the container (1) is arranged to substantially through a grip based on friction attach to the bulge (6).
A packaging according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that the container (1) in its second end has a containment (1c) for gas.
A packaging according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that the combined densities of the container (1), the contents (2) of the container (1) and the combined densities of the gas are higher than the density of a liquid (5), into which the container (1) is arranged to be inserted in order for its contents to be dissolved in the liquid (5), and
that the combined densities of the container (1) and the gas are lower than the density of the liquid (5) when the contents (2) is dissolved in the liquid (5).
A packaging according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by,
that the bulge (6) is surrounded by a thereby concentric, annular bulge arranged to occupy the opening of the vessel (4) into which the container (1) is arranged to be inserted.
A container for a first contents arranged for mixing into a liquid, characterised by,
that the container (1) further comprises a containment (1c) to be occupied by a gas.
A container according to claim 13, characterised by,
that the combined densities of the container (1) and the gas are lower than the density of the fluid (5).