U.S. patent application number 10/190059 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-20 for internal ejector punch for blister-pack type containers.
Invention is credited to Burridge, Michael D..
Application Number | 20030034271 10/190059 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46280828 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030034271 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burridge, Michael D. |
February 20, 2003 |
Internal ejector punch for blister-pack type containers
Abstract
The present invention is embodied in a protective surround in
combination with an "internal ejector punch." The internal ejector
punch is either integral to an upper membrane of the protective
surround, or is simply disposed within a dome or bubble of a
conventional blister-pack type container. For example, given a
protective surround such as a blister pack, the internal ejector
punch provides the capability to safely protect items within the
blister pack such as medication in solid, soft or semi-solid,
powder, or liquid form, while allowing such items to be easily and
rapidly dispensed from the blister pack by a user. Further, the
internal ejector punch is designed to be substantially stronger
than the relatively soft blister-pack type container, thereby
providing the added benefit of protecting items stored within the
internal ejector punch in a manner that would not be possible using
only a conventional blister-pack type container.
Inventors: |
Burridge, Michael D.; (Santa
Barbara, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LYON & HARR
Suite 800
300 Esplanade Drive
Oxnard
CA
93030
US
|
Family ID: |
46280828 |
Appl. No.: |
10/190059 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10190059 |
Jul 3, 2002 |
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09491496 |
Jan 25, 2000 |
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6443307 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/532 ;
206/469; 222/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/0061 20140204;
A61M 15/0035 20140204; A61M 15/0041 20140204; A61M 15/0051
20140204; B65D 81/3211 20130101; A61M 2202/064 20130101; A61M
15/0045 20130101; B65D 83/0463 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/532 ;
206/469; 222/80 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An internal punch for opening a chamber in a blister-pack type
container, comprising: a free floating flexible ejector punch
disposed within a chamber of a blister-pack type container between
a domed upper membrane and a frangible lower membrane; said free
floating flexible ejector punch cutting through the lower membrane
to open the chamber by applying pressure to the domed upper
membrane.
2. The internal punch of claim 1 wherein at least one item is
stored within a central cavity within the internal punch.
3. The internal punch of claim 2 wherein at least one item stored
within the central cavity within the internal punch is released
from the central cavity when the cutting edge of the ejector punch
is forced through the lower membrane.
4. The internal punch of claim 1 further comprising a cutting edge
defining a bottom end of the central cavity.
5. The internal punch of claim 4 wherein the cutting edge is
serrated.
6. The internal punch of claim 4 wherein the cutting edge is
generally perpendicular to the surface of the frangible lower
membrane.
7. A system for opening a chamber in a blister-pack type container,
comprising: a blister pack-type container having an upper membrane
comprising at least one flexible dome, each dome defining a central
void; an ejector punch disposed within the central void of at least
one dome, said ejector punches having an open end which defines a
central cavity within each ejector punch; a cutting edge defining
the open end of each ejector punch; a lower membrane attached to
the bottom of the upper membrane, thereby sealing an ejector punch
in at least one dome; and opening at least one chamber in the
blister pack type container by pressing the dome into the ejector
punch, thereby forcing the cutting edge of the ejector punch
through the lower membrane.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the ejector punch disposed within
the central void of at least one dome is integral to at least one
of the domes.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein the ejector punch disposed within
the central void of at least one dome is free floating within at
least one of the domes.
10. The system of claim 7 wherein at least one item is stored
within the central cavity within each ejector punch.
11. The system of claim 7 wherein at least one item stored within
the central cavity within each ejector punch is released from the
central cavity when the cutting edge of the ejector punch is forced
through the lower membrane.
12. A dispenser for storing and dispensing material in a solid,
powder, or liquid form, comprising: an upper membrane comprising at
least one flexible dome, each dome defining a central void; a lower
membrane attached to the bottom of the upper membrane; and an
annular cutter extending down from the interior surface of each
dome toward the lower membrane.
13. The dispenser of claim 12 wherein medication is stored with the
inner circumference of at least one of the annular cutters
extending down from the interior surface of each dome.
14. The dispenser of claim 12 wherein the at least one flexible
dome deforms downwardly and pushes the corresponding annular cutter
against the lower membrane to cut through the lower membrane when
an external downward force is applied to the top of that dome.
15. The dispenser of claim 14 wherein a space formed within the
flexible dome is initially airtight so that the downward
deformation of the at least one dome increases pressure within that
dome prior to the cutter cutting through the lower membrane.
16. The dispenser of claim 15 wherein the increased pressure within
the at least one dome propels the stored medication from within the
dispenser as the membrane is cut.
17. A method for dispensing items stored within a dispenser
comprising: applying a downward force to a blister disposed on an
upper surface of an upper membrane that forms a top of the
dispenser, thereby deforming the blister and decreasing an internal
volume of the dispenser; increasing the pressure within the
dispenser by decreasing the internal volume of the dispenser;
cutting a lower membrane, which seals the dispenser, with an
annular cutter which extends down from within the blister towards
the lower membrane.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising propelling the items
from within the dispenser by using the increased pressure to propel
the items from within the dispenser after the lower membrane is
cut.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein cutting the lower membrane
comprises pushing the annular cutter through a portion of the
membrane by applying the downward force to the blister.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein cutting the lower membrane
comprises cutting a piece of the membrane such that a small portion
of the piece remains attached to the membrane thereby preventing
the cut piece from being propelled or otherwise released with the
items.
21. A dispenser for storing and dispensing material, comprising: an
upper membrane comprising at least one flexible dome, each dome
defining a central void; a lower membrane attached to the bottom of
the upper membrane; and an annular punch disposed within the
interior volume of each dome, said annular punch having a cutting
edge generally perpendicular to the lower membrane, and resting
above the lower membrane.
22. The dispenser of claim 21 wherein the annular punch disposed
within the interior volume of each dome is integral to each
dome.
23. The dispenser of claim 21 wherein the annular punch disposed
within the interior volume of each dome is free floating within
each dome.
24. The dispenser of claim 21 wherein medication is stored with an
inner circumference of at least one of the annular cutters.
25. The dispenser of claim 21 wherein the at least one flexible
dome deforms downwardly and pushes the corresponding annular cutter
against the lower membrane to cut through the membrane when an
external downward force is applied to the top of that dome.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of a previously
filed utility application, Ser. No. 09/491,496 filed on Jan. 25,
2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to an apparatus for protecting and
dispensing items such as medication in solid, powder or liquid
form, and more particularly, to an apparatus which can be used by a
person to safely carry such items while protecting the items from
damage or exposure and allowing the person to immediately and
easily access those items.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] "Blister packs" or "soft packs" are sometimes used to carry
items, such as specific dosage medication in pill or powder form,
in readily accessible, individually sealed and sterile
compartments. Individual compartments making up the blister pack
may be opened exclusively of any other compartments in the pack.
Typically, these compartments are opened by pushing the contents of
the compartment through a frangible membrane sealing the
compartment, or by peeling back a covering forming part of the
compartment.
[0006] The frangible membrane used to seal the individual
compartments of blister packs must be made weak enough that the
contents of the compartment may be forced through the frangible
wall or membrane without being damaged. However, the unfortunate
result of this construction is that weak membranes are subject to
tearing or rupturing. For example, if a blister pack is carried in
a user's pocket along with a set of keys or other hard items, it is
not uncommon for damage to the membranes sealing one or more
compartments to occur. Damage to a compartment typically exposes
the contents of that compartment to environmental conditions such
as moisture or contamination that can render the contents
unusable.
[0007] The frangible membrane used to seal a compartment may be
made strong enough to minimize the possibility of inadvertent
tearing or rupturing. However, while increased strength may appear
desirable, the usefulness of such a configuration is limited in
that forcing the contents of the compartment through the membrane
can become increasingly difficult as the strength of the membrane
is increased. Further, the structural integrity of the contents of
the compartment must be considered when increasing the strength of
the membrane. For example, nitroglycerin pills, often carried by a
person suffering from angina pectoris, are very soft, having a
consistency similar to compacted powdered sugar. Attempting to
force such pills through even a very weak membrane will tend to
pulverize the pills, with the result that the medication is
difficult or impossible to ingest.
[0008] Further, it is often desirable to place liquids or powders
within a compartment of a blister pack. It is difficult to force
such compositions through a frangible membrane. Making a membrane
weak enough to allow its use with liquids or powders often creates
a configuration that is extremely susceptible to damage by tearing
and/or rupturing.
[0009] Blister pack configurations having coverings that may be
peeled back to expose the contents of a compartment in the pack
also have problems. For example, it is not uncommon for an area of
the covering to tear away in such a manner as to expose more than
one compartment. Where it is not desired to open or expose more
than one compartment at a time, the contents of any additional
fully or partially opened compartments may be exposed to moisture
or other contaminants that render those contents unusable.
[0010] Further, a common problem associated with peelable coverings
is that such coverings tend to give way suddenly as the surface
area to which they are attached decreases while they are being
peeled back. In such cases, the contents of the compartment
enclosed by the cover may be flung out of the compartment as the
cover suddenly gives way. This may result in damage or
contamination of the contents, thereby rendering the contents
unusable. In addition, such configurations are not suitable for use
in containing liquids or powders, as the possibility of spillage is
dramatically increased.
[0011] Various solutions have been devised in an attempt to address
some of the problems described above. For example, some blister
packs have sharp external prongs designed to pierce a cover or
seal, then to pierce the skin against which such blister packs are
pressed. These blister packs have been designed to deliver
intracutaneous injections of liquid medication that coats the
prongs. Such configurations are not capable of delivering powdered
or solid medications or other items.
[0012] Other designs use cumbersome or complicated external cutter
devices designed to cut the covering of a compartment in a blister
pack. For example, some blister packs have external cutters that
must be pressed through a frangible covering, rotated to cut or
tear the covering, then pulled back or removed to expose the
contents of the compartment. Such devices can be complicated and
expensive to manufacture. Further, such devices may be difficult to
operate, especially where they are designed to provide "child
resistance," and/or where the user has trembling or unsteady hands,
or is otherwise impaired.
[0013] Still other blister pack designs use sharpened prongs within
the compartments of the pack to pierce a frangible covering to
allow mixing of a binary compound contained within
sub-compartments. However, simply piercing the covering in one or
more places does not provide an adequate opening to allow the
contents of a compartment to be quickly and completely evacuated or
removed from the compartment. Often, especially with powders and
liquids, a portion of the contents remains in the compartment and
is lost because the prongs do not create a sufficient path for
complete egress of the contents. Consequently, use of such designs
requires either increasing the volume of the liquid or powder to
account for the loss, or simply ignoring the issue altogether.
[0014] Still other solutions, such as requiring the blister pack to
be placed within separate mechanisms having cutters designed to
open one or more compartments, have been suggested. Such devices
tend to be relatively expensive and complicated, especially where
they must also function as a medication dispenser for liquid and/or
powder medications.
[0015] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that reduces or
eliminates the problems described above with respect to the use of
current blister pack type containers, while simultaneously
accentuating the strengths associated with such containers. In
particular, this device should ensure that a blister pack type
container could be sealed with a membrane or covering of sufficient
strength to prevent inadvertent tearing or rupturing. To ensure
that the contents of a compartment within the container are
protected during removal, the device should ensure the contents of
the compartment would not be directly forced through the membrane
or covering in order to open the compartment, or that the covering
be manually peeled back to expose the contents of the compartment.
Further, the device should ensure that blister pack type container
will work equally well with solids, powders, soft or semi-solid
items, or liquids without requiring external cutters or opening
devices. In addition, the device should ensure that, upon opening,
the blister pack type container would provide an open path for
complete evacuation of liquids and powders. The device should
ensure the blister pack type containers would be extremely easy to
open, even where the user was in an impaired state, or had unsteady
or shaking hands. Finally, the device should be simple and
inexpensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] To overcome the limitations in the related art described
above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent
upon reading and understanding the present application, the present
invention is embodied in a protective surround in combination with
an "internal ejector punch." The internal ejector punch is either
integral to an upper membrane of the protective surround, or is
simply disposed within a dome or bubble of a conventional
blister-pack type device. For example, in the case of a protective
surround such as a blister pack, the internal ejector punch
provides the capability to safely protect items within the blister
pack such as medication in solid, soft or semi-solid, powder, or
liquid form, while allowing such items to be easily and rapidly
dispensed from the blister pack by a user. Further, the internal
ejector punch is designed to be substantially stronger than the
relatively soft blister-pack type container, thereby providing the
added benefit of protecting items stored within the internal
ejector punch in a manner that would not be possible using only a
conventional blister-pack type container.
[0017] In general, the present invention is embodied in an
"internal ejector punch" defining a central open ended void or
chamber within which items that are to be dispensed are disposed.
In one embodiment, this internal ejector punch is placed within a
dome or blister of a conventional "blister pack" type container
that is defined by a flexible upper membrane including at least one
depressing dome extending from the top surface of the upper
membrane, and a lower membrane which is sealed to the bottom of the
upper membrane, thereby defining one or more storage compartments
within the container. Alternately, the internal ejector punch is
integral to the upper surface of the dome or blister. One advantage
of providing an internal ejector punch which is separate from
either membrane is that such an internal ejector punch can simply
be placed into existing blister pack type container designs without
the need to redesign such containers, or even retool the machinery
used to fabricate such containers.
[0018] In either embodiment, items to be dispensed from within the
container are stored within the central void or chamber of the
internal ejector punch which serves the dual purpose of protecting
those items and providing a mechanism for the easy and safe removal
of the items from within the individual compartments of the
container. Specifically, in either embodiment, the lower membrane
of the container serves to seal items such as pills, powders, or
liquids within the central void of the internal ejector punch
between the pill pack's upper and lower membranes, while the
internal ejector punch serves to cut open the lower membrane to
allow for the safe and easy extraction of the items from within the
container when a sufficient downward force is applied to the dome
or blister defining the upper surface of the compartments.
[0019] Specifically, as noted above, the internal ejector punch
resides within the compartment defined by the depressing dome of
the upper membrane, and is sealed into the compartment by the lower
membrane. Further, also as noted above, the internal ejector punch
is either separate from either membrane, or integral to the upper
membrane, while the medication or other items to be dispensed
reside with the void defined by the internal ejector punch. A
cutting portion of the internal ejector punch along the open end of
the internal ejector punch is oriented approximately perpendicular
to the upper and lower membranes, with the cutting portion of each
internal ejector punch being arrayed within a corresponding
compartment so as to cut through the lower membrane as described
below. Pills, powders, liquids or other items are sealed within the
void or chamber of the internal ejector punch between the upper and
lower membranes of the pill pack or blister pack type container.
Note that as is common with such pill pack or blister pack type
containers, the containers may include individual storage
compartments, or storage compartments arranged in rows and/or
columns, or any other desired arrangement in order to provide a
desired amount of storage.
[0020] The lower membrane is of sufficient strength to prevent
inadvertent tearing or rupturing of the membrane, even when carried
in a relatively hostile environment, such as with metal keys in a
user's pocket. However, the internal ejector punch is capable of
cutting through this membrane by simply depressing the dome thereby
providing an open path for rapid and complete evacuation of the
chamber contents.
[0021] In operation, a user depresses the depressing dome or
blister of a particular compartment within the container which
forces the cutter portion of the internal ejector punch through the
lower membrane of that compartment, thereby opening the lower
membrane and allowing the easy and complete release of the contents
from the open end of the internal ejector punch within the
compartment. Unlike more complicated devices which require
manipulation of external cutter devices, or carefully peeling back
a membrane, a user having unsteady or shaking hands would be able
to depress the dome to open the compartment thereby releasing the
contents of the open ended void or chamber of the internal ejector
punch.
[0022] Further, in one embodiment, because the volume of the
chamber decreases as the dome is depressed, the internal pressure
within the chamber increases prior to cutting the lower membrane.
This increased pressure serves to propel the contents out of the
open ended void or chamber of the internal ejector punch as the
lower membrane is cut. This feature is especially useful in
dispensing powders and liquids.
[0023] For example, in one embodiment, the internal ejector punch
is used in a blister pack comprising individual doses of medication
within individual domes of the blister pack. As the dome is
depressed, the cutter portion of the internal ejector punch cuts
the lower membrane, and the increased pressure within the chamber
propels the medication within the chamber out where a user has
immediate access to the dose of medication. Note that in alternate
embodiments, the cutting portion of the internal ejector punch
includes a serrated edge to allow for easier cutting of the lower
membrane. Further, in alternate embodiments, the cutting portion of
the internal ejector punch is notched, or otherwise discontinuous
along its circumference so as to ensure that at least a portion of
the lower membrane remains attached after being cut. This
embodiment is useful for ensuring that the portion of the lower
membrane that is cut by the cutter is not completely cut loose from
the blister pack type container during use.
[0024] In addition, because there are no moving parts, simply an
internal ejector punch which is either disposed within blisters or
domes of a conventional blister pack or the like, or integral to
the upper membrane of the blister pack or other protective
surround, the internal ejector punch can be easily and
inexpensively fabricated by methods such as injection molding using
a thermoplastic-type compound. Note that with conventional blister
pack type containers, the lower membrane is typically inexpensively
and easily fabricated from any suitable material such as, for
example, metal foil or plastic. The upper and lower membranes of
such conventional blister pack type containers are preferably
bonded together, using conventional techniques, to hermetically
seal the contents of at least one chamber.
[0025] Finally, note that in alternate embodiments, the internal
ejector punch is injection molded or otherwise fabricated in any
desired shape, so as to securely protect the contents which are
disposed within the internal ejector punch while providing a cutter
for cutting through the protective surround or membrane used to
seal both the internal ejector punch and the item or items disposed
within. As noted above, the cutting of the lower membrane by the
cutter on the open end of the void or chamber of the internal
ejector punch provides for immediate access to the item or items
disposed within the internal ejector punch. Again, this cutting is
achieved by simply pushing or depressing the dome or blister
covering the internal ejector punch, thereby forcing the cutter
portion of the internal ejector punch through the lower membrane or
protective surround, thus opening the lower membrane or protective
surround and releasing the contents of the open ended void or
chamber of the internal ejector punch to the user.
[0026] The foregoing and still further features and advantages of
the present invention as well as a more complete understanding
thereof will be made apparent from a study of the following
detailed description of the invention in connection with the
accompanying drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application
publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office
upon request and payment of the necessary fee. The specific
features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will
become better understood with regard to the following description,
appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
[0028] FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a blister pack type
container having a single storage compartment according to the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a blister pack type
container having a row of storage compartments according to the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of a blister pack type
container having both rows and columns of storage compartments
according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view, partially broken
away, of the blister pack type container of FIG. 1B, illustrating
an internal ejector punch disposed within a storage
compartment.
[0032] FIG. 2B illustrates a semi-transparent top view, partially
broken away of a blister pack type container, illustrating an
internal ejector punch disposed within a storage compartment of the
container.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic side elevation of a blister
pack type container, illustrating an internal ejector punch
integral to a top membrane of the container, shown with a stored
item.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic side elevation of the blister
pack type container of FIG. 3, shown after dispensing the stored
item.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side elevation of a blister
pack type container, illustrating an internal ejector punch placed
within a blister or dome of the container, shown with a stored
item.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic side elevation of the blister
pack type container of FIG. 5, shown after dispensing the stored
item.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of a free floating internal ejector punch shown for use
in a blister pack type container.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of a free floating internal ejector multi-punch shown
for use in a blister pack type container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] In the following description of the invention, reference is
made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in
which is shown by way of illustration a specific example in which
the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0040] 1.0 Overview:
[0041] The present invention is embodied in a protective surround
in combination with an "internal ejector punch." The internal
ejector punch is either integral to an upper membrane of the
protective surround, or is simply disposed within a dome or bubble
of a conventional blister-pack type device. For example, in the
case of a protective surround such as a blister pack, the internal
ejector punch provides the capability to safely protect items
within the blister pack such as medication in solid, soft or
semi-solid, powder, or liquid form, while allowing such items to be
easily and rapidly dispensed from the blister pack by a user.
Further, the internal ejector punch is designed to be substantially
stronger than the relatively soft blister-pack type container,
thereby providing the added benefit of protecting items stored
within the internal ejector punch in a manner that would not be
possible using only a conventional blister-pack type container.
[0042] In general, the present invention is embodied in an
"internal ejector punch" defining a central open ended void or
chamber within which items that are to be dispensed are disposed.
In one embodiment, this internal ejector punch is placed within a
dome or blister of a conventional "blister pack" type container
that is defined by a flexible upper membrane including at least one
depressing dome extending from the top surface of the upper
membrane, and a lower membrane which is sealed to the bottom of the
upper membrane, thereby defining one or more storage compartments
within the container. Alternately, the internal ejector punch is
integral to the upper surface of the dome or blister. One advantage
of providing an internal ejector punch which is separate from
either membrane is that such an internal ejector punch can simply
be placed into existing blister pack type container designs without
the need to redesign such containers, or even retool the machinery
used to fabricate such containers.
[0043] In either embodiment, items to be dispensed from within the
container are stored within the central void or chamber of the
internal ejector punch which serves the dual purpose of protecting
those items and providing a mechanism for the easy and safe removal
of the items from within the individual compartments of the
container. Specifically, in either embodiment, the lower membrane
of the container serves to seal items such as pills, powders, or
liquids within the central void of the internal ejector punch
between the pill pack's upper and lower membranes, while the
internal ejector punch serves to cut open the lower membrane to
allow for the safe and easy extraction of the items from within the
container when a sufficient downward force is applied to the dome
or blister defining the upper surface of the compartments.
[0044] Specifically, as noted above, the internal ejector punch
resides within the compartment defined by the depressing dome of
the upper membrane, and is sealed into the compartment by the lower
membrane. Further, also as noted above, the internal ejector punch
is either separate from either membrane, or integral to the upper
membrane, while the medication or other items to be dispensed
reside with the void defined by the internal ejector punch. A
cutting portion of the internal ejector punch along the open end of
the internal ejector punch is oriented approximately perpendicular
to the upper and lower membranes, with the cutting portion of each
internal ejector punch being arrayed within a corresponding
compartment so as to cut through the lower membrane as described
below. Pills, powders, liquids or other items are sealed within the
void or chamber of the internal ejector punch between the upper and
lower membranes of the pill pack or blister pack type container.
Note that as is common with such pill pack or blister pack type
containers, the containers may include individual storage
compartments, or storage compartments arranged in rows and/or
columns, or any other desired arrangement in order to provide a
desired amount of storage.
[0045] The lower membrane is of sufficient strength to prevent
inadvertent tearing or rupturing of the membrane, even when carried
in a relatively hostile environment, such as with metal keys in a
user's pocket. However, the internal ejector punch is capable of
cutting through this membrane by simply depressing the dome thereby
providing an open path for rapid and complete evacuation of the
chamber contents.
[0046] In operation, a user depresses the depressing dome or
blister of a particular compartment within the container which
forces the cutter portion of the internal ejector punch through the
lower membrane of that compartment, thereby opening the lower
membrane and allowing the easy and complete release of the contents
from the open end of the internal ejector punch within the
compartment. Unlike more complicated devices which require
manipulation of external cutter devices, or carefully peeling back
a membrane, a user having unsteady or shaking hands would be able
to depress the dome to open the compartment thereby releasing the
contents of the open ended void or chamber of the internal ejector
punch.
[0047] Further, in one embodiment, because the volume of the
chamber decreases as the dome is depressed, the internal pressure
within the chamber increases prior to cutting the lower membrane.
This increased pressure serves to propel the contents out of the
open ended void or chamber of the internal ejector punch as the
lower membrane is cut. This feature is especially useful in
dispensing powders and liquids.
[0048] For example, in one embodiment, the internal ejector punch
is used in a blister pack comprising individual doses of medication
within individual domes of the blister pack. As the dome is
depressed, the cutter portion of the internal ejector punch cuts
the lower membrane, and the increased pressure within the chamber
propels the medication within the chamber out where a user has
immediate access to the dose of medication. Note that in alternate
embodiments, the cutting portion of the internal ejector punch
includes a serrated edge to allow for easier cutting of the lower
membrane. Further, in alternate embodiments, the cutting portion of
the internal ejector punch is notched, or otherwise discontinuous
along its circumference so as to ensure that at least a portion of
the lower membrane remains attached after being cut. This
embodiment is useful for ensuring that the portion of the lower
membrane that is cut by the cutter is not completely cut loose from
the blister pack type storage container during use.
[0049] In addition, because there are no moving parts, simply an
internal ejector punch which is either disposed within blisters or
domes of a conventional blister pack or the like, or integral to
the upper membrane of the blister pack or other protective
surround, the internal ejector punch can be easily and
inexpensively fabricated by methods such as injection molding using
a thermoplastic-type compound. Note that with conventional blister
pack type containers, the lower membrane is typically inexpensively
and easily fabricated from any suitable material such as, for
example, metal foil or plastic. The upper and lower membranes of
such conventional blister pack type containers are preferably
bonded together, using conventional techniques, to hermetically
seal the contents of at least one chamber.
[0050] Finally, note that in alternate embodiments, the internal
ejector punch is injection molded or otherwise fabricated in any
desired shape, so as to securely protect the contents which are
disposed within the internal ejector punch while providing a cutter
for cutting through the protective surround or membrane used to
seal both the internal ejector punch and the item or items disposed
within. As noted above, the cutting of the lower membrane by the
cutter on the open end of the void or chamber of the internal
ejector punch provides for immediate access to the item or items
disposed within the internal ejector punch. Again, this cutting is
achieved by simply pushing or depressing the dome or blister
covering the internal ejector punch, thereby forcing the cutter
portion of the internal ejector punch through the lower membrane or
protective surround, thus opening the lower membrane or protective
surround and releasing the contents of the open ended void or
chamber of the internal ejector punch to the user.
[0051] An internal ejector punch as described herein is preferably
fabricated of a thermoplastic compound, but may be fabricated of
any suitably flexible material that will not react chemically with
the contents stored within the internal ejector punch. Further,
because the material of the blister pack type container in which
the internal ejector punch is disposed is preferably non-permeable
to air and/or moisture, such containers provide a hermetically
sealed storage environment.
[0052] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show exemplary arrangements of a
blister pack type storage container having one or more dispensing
chambers 110 in accordance with the present invention. The chambers
110 may be singular, as in FIG. 1A, or multiple chambers may be
joined as in FIGS. 1B or 1C, or in any other desired arrangement.
Each chamber 110 is capable of containing items in a small,
hermetically sealed area, until such time as use of the contained
items is required. The material between the chambers is preferably
perforated to allow a user to separate one or more dispensing
chambers 110, either before or after expending the contents of
those chambers.
[0053] 2.0 Components:
[0054] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a "strip" of blister
pack type storage containers in accordance with the present
invention. Each blister pack is preferably formed of a flexible
upper membrane 200 having a depressing dome 210. An internal
ejector punch 220 is disposed within the dome 210. As noted above,
in alternate embodiments, the internal ejector punch 220 is either
integral to the dome 210, or simply placed within the dome.
[0055] FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the blister pack type storage
container showing the flexible upper membrane 200, the dome 210,
the internal ejector punch 220, and the internal chamber 240. In
one embodiment, the upper membrane 200, dome 210 and internal
ejector punch 220, are preferably of unitary construction, made
from a flexible plastic material, preferably in a single injection
molding operation. This is advantageous in that the blister pack
type container with the integral internal ejector punch can be
easily and inexpensively manufactured because it is effectively
comprised of only two sections, an upper section having the dome
210 with the internal ejector punch 220 which together form the
chamber 240, and a lower section comprising the lower membrane 230
that is used to seal the upper section. However, the blister pack
type storage container may also be made from other materials of
suitable flexibility, and need not be of unitary construction.
[0056] In an alternate embodiment, the internal ejector punch 220
is simply placed within a dome or blister of a conventional
"blister pack" type container that is defined by a flexible upper
membrane 200 including at least one depressing dome 210 extending
from the top surface of the upper membrane, and a lower membrane
230 which is sealed to the bottom of the upper membrane, thereby
defining one or more storage compartments or chambers 240 within
the container. As noted above, this embodiment is advantageous in
that it provides an internal ejector punch 220 which is separate
from either membrane, 200 or 230, and the internal ejector punch
can simply be placed into existing blister pack type container
designs without the need to redesign such containers, or even
retool the machinery used to fabricate such containers.
[0057] The upper membrane 200 is preferably formed of a flexible
plastic material. The upper membrane 200 may be made as large or
small as desired in order to accommodate the desired number of
dispensing chambers 240. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A through
1C, the upper membrane 200 may consist of a single dispensing
chamber 240, or as many dispensing chambers as desired, arranged in
multiple rows and/or columns.
[0058] The material of the upper membrane 200 between the chambers
240 is preferably segmented and/or perforated such that a user can
separate one or more dispensing chambers 240 from the body of the
upper membrane, either before or after expending the contents of
those chambers. However, in one embodiment, fabrication of the
upper membrane without segmentation of the dispensing chambers
serves to reduce the production cost.
[0059] In general, the internal ejector punch 220 is forced through
the lower membrane 230 as an operator depresses the flexible dome
210. As the dome 210 is depressed, the pressure within the dome
increases until the cutters of the internal ejector punch 220 cut
through the lower membrane 230. Once the lower membrane 230 is cut,
the increased pressure within the dome 210 helps to expel the
contents of the dispensing chamber 240.
[0060] As noted above, in one embodiment, the internal ejector
punch 220 is an annular-shaped cutter or punch with the cutting
portion of the internal ejector punch extending from one end of the
internal ejector punch towards the lower membrane 230. As shown in
FIG. 2B, the cutter 220 preferably has a gap or notch 250 in its
circumference. The notch 250 prevents the lower membrane 230 from
being completely cut loose from the blister pack type storage
container during use. Further, the notch 250 is sufficiently narrow
that the small portion of the lower membrane 230 that is not cut
during operation will not interfere with dispensation or egress of
the chamber 240 contents. The cutter 220 creates a hole through the
lower membrane 230 sufficient to provide an open path for rapid and
complete evacuation of the chamber contents.
[0061] Note that in alternate embodiments, the internal ejector
punch 220 can have any cross section desired. For example, rather
than being limited to an annular shaped cutter, the internal
ejector punch 220 can be specially shaped to fit the contents which
it is designed to protect. For example, the internal ejector punch
220 can have any of a square, rectangular, circular, or any other
geometric cross section as desired.
[0062] Regardless of the cross sectional shape of the internal
ejector punch 220, the internal ejector punch is preferably
disposed within the dome 210, whether integral or free floating, as
described above, and is oriented between and generally
perpendicular to the upper and lower membranes 200 and 230,
respectively. As noted above, in one embodiment, the upper end of
the internal ejector punch 220 is attached to the interior surface
of the dome 210, with the bottom end of the internal ejector punch
floating above the lower membrane 230 prior to use.
[0063] FIG. 3 shows a side view of one embodiment of the internal
ejector punch 220 showing the flexible upper membrane 200 with the
depressing dome. Note that in this embodiment, the internal ejector
punch 220 is integral to the dome 210. In one embodiment, this dome
210 is hermetically sealed with the lower membrane 230, to form a
dispensing chamber 240, after dispensable items are placed with the
dome. As illustrated by FIG. 3, the internal ejector punch 220 is
disposed within the dome 210 surrounding one or more dispensable
items 300.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, the depressing dome 210 forms an
integral part of the upper membrane 200, and is preferably formed
at the same time as the upper membrane as one continuous piece. The
flexibility of the membrane is preferably such that the dome 210 is
stiff enough to protect the contents of the dispensing chamber 240,
yet flexible enough to deform downwardly and inwardly when the user
applies a downward force to the top of the dome 210. However, it
should be noted that in one embodiment, the portion of the internal
ejector punch 220 which forms the central open ended void or
chamber within which items that are to be dispensed are disposed is
substantially less flexible than the upper membrane in order to
provide additional protection to items stored with the borders of
the internal ejector punch.
[0065] Alternately, as illustrated by FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a base of
the internal ejector punch 220 rests on the lower membrane within
the dispensing chamber 240. In this embodiment, the base of the
internal ejector punch 220 extends below the cutting portion of the
internal ejector punch. Consequently, the cutting portion of the
internal ejector punch again floats above the lower membrane 230
prior to use. Note that as illustrated by FIG. 6, in this
embodiment, the sides of the internal ejector punch 220 flex as the
depressing dome 210 is depressed, thereby allowing the cutting
portion of the internal ejector punch to come into contact with,
and thereby cut through, the lower membrane 230.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lower end of the internal
ejector punch 220 is sufficiently sharp to easily and rapidly cut
through the lower membrane 230 when the user depresses the dome
210. However, the cutter 220 is preferably not sharp enough to cut
through skin, or otherwise cause injury to the user as it protrudes
beyond the lower membrane 230 during and after use. User operation
with either the integral internal ejector punch, or the free
floating internal ejector punch is identical. Note that in
alternate embodiments, the lower end of the internal ejector punch
for cutting through the lower membrane 230 is designed to cut
through particular lower membrane types. For example, the lower end
of the internal ejector punch 220 can be flat, serrated, or any
other desired cutting shape or configuration.
[0067] The dispensing chamber 240 is disposed within the depressing
dome 210. The sides of the dispensing chamber 240 are formed by the
interior of the structure of the internal ejector punch 220. The
top of the chamber 240 is formed by the interior of the depressing
dome 210 (which is formed from the upper membrane 200), while the
lower membrane 230 forms the bottom of the chamber. Consequently,
items stored within the chamber 220 are surrounded by the internal
ejector punch 220, and covered by the upper and lower membranes 200
and 230.
[0068] The lower membrane 230 is preferably formed from a metal
foil or plastic material. The lower membrane 230 is preferably of
sufficient strength to prevent inadvertent tearing or rupturing of
the membrane, even when carried in a relatively hostile
environment, such as with metal keys in a users pocket. However,
the strength of the lower membrane 230 is such that the internal
ejector punch 220 is capable of cutting through this membrane by
simply depressing the dome 210 using a reasonable amount of
force.
[0069] The lower membrane 230 is bonded to the base of the upper
membrane 200 once the chambers 240 are filled with the desired
contents. Bonding of the lower membrane 230 to the upper membrane
200 creates a hermetically sealed storage chamber 240 which
protects the stored items until such time as the user depresses the
dome 210 to cut the lower membrane and eject the chamber
contents.
[0070] 3.0 Operation:
[0071] FIG. 3 shows an item such as a pill 300 stored within the
internal chamber 240 within the internal diameter of an integral
internal ejector punch 220. In operation, as illustrated by FIG. 4,
a user depresses the depressing dome 210 which forces the cutting
end of the internal ejector punch 220 through the lower membrane
230, thereby opening the lower membrane and allowing the release of
the pill 300, or other contents of the chamber 240 to the user.
[0072] Similarly, FIG. 5 shows an item such as a pill 500 stored
within the internal chamber 240 within the internal diameter of a
free floating internal ejector punch 220. In operation, as
illustrated by FIG. 6, a user depresses the depressing dome 210
which forces the cutting end of the internal ejector punch 220
through the lower membrane 230, thereby opening the lower membrane
and allowing the release of the pill 500, or other contents of the
chamber 240 to the user.
[0073] In either embodiment, unlike with more complicated devices
which require manipulation of external cutter devices, or carefully
peeling back a membrane or seal, a user having unsteady or shaking
hands would typically be able to depress the dome 210 to open the
chamber 240 thereby releasing the contents.
[0074] Because the lower membrane 230 is cut to allow egress of the
chamber 240 contents, the internal ejector punch 220 of the present
invention ensures that the contents of the chamber are not forced
through the lower membrane as is typical of other "blister pack"
type devices. This feature is advantageous in that it may be
difficult or impossible to rupture or break a lower membrane
without a cutter or punch where the chamber contains a liquid,
powder, or other relatively soft item. In addition, use of the
internal ejector punch 220 prevents damage to relatively soft
items, such as nitroglycerin pills, which could not be forced
through a membrane or seal without being pulverized.
[0075] Further, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the volume of the
chamber 240 decreases as the dome 210 is depressed. Because the
dome 210 is flexible, it deforms downwardly and inwardly when
pressure is applied to its top surface, thereby decreasing the
volume within the chamber 240. Consequently, the internal pressure
within the chamber 240 is increased as the volume is decreased
prior to cutting the lower membrane 230. The increased pressure
preferably assists in expelling or propelling the contents out of
the chamber 240 as the internal ejector punch 220 cuts the lower
membrane 230. This feature is especially useful in ensuring
complete and rapid dispensing of powders or liquids from within the
chamber 240.
[0076] 4.0 Additional Embodiments:
[0077] As discussed above, with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, in one
embodiment, the internal ejector punch 220 is simply placed within
a blister pack type container rather than being integral to the
dome of such a container. Consequently, such an internal ejector
punch 220 can be said to be free floating, as it is not attached to
either the upper or the lower membrane of such a container. FIG. 7
provides a three-dimensional photographic view of an exemplary
free-floating internal ejector punch 220. Note that the shape of
this internal ejector punch 220 is generally hemispherical; with
the center portion of the internal ejector punch 220 including a
cutting edge on its lower surface for penetrating the lower
membrane during use as described above.
[0078] As should be appreciated by those skill in the art, the
general shape of this internal ejector punch 220 is ideally suited
to be placed into any of a number of pre-existing conventional
blister pack type containers without the need redesign or otherwise
modify such conventional containers. Consequently, this embodiment
of the internal ejector punch 220 is especially useful where extra
protection and ease of access to stored items within a blister pack
type container is a concern because the internal ejector punch 220
can simply be added to such containers as the containers are filled
with medication or other items prior to being sealed.
[0079] In a related embodiment, the internal ejector punch 220 is a
"multi-punch." In particular, as illustrated by FIG. 8, an internal
ejector multi-punch 820 includes one or more internal ejector
punches integrated into a single unit. Such a single unit can be
easily fabricated via conventional processes such as, for example
injection molding of thermoplastic-type materials. Note that in
this embodiment, a blister pack type container is assembled by
bonding or otherwise sealing an upper membrane 800 to a lower
membrane 830. Note that as described above, prior to bonding the
upper and lower membranes, the internal ejector punch, which in
this case is the internal ejector multi-punch 820 and the items 840
to be dispensed are first placed between the upper and lower
membranes. Note as with the blister pack type containers described
above, the upper membrane includes a depressing dome 810 for each
chamber within the blister pack type container.
[0080] In this embodiment, the internal ejector multi-punch 820
includes a separate punch for each chamber of the blister pack type
container, with each punch being held above the lower membrane by a
flexible arm extending from the body of the internal ejector
multi-punch 820.
[0081] Clearly, this embodiment is not limited to the configuration
shown. For example, any number of punches, in any desired
configuration and shape, can be fabricated into a single internal
ejector multi-punch 820, then sealed between an upper and a lower
membrane, as shown, for use in dispensing medication or other items
from within the chambers of the blister pack type container.
[0082] The foregoing description of the invention has been
presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teaching. For example, the internal
ejector punch may be scaled to any desirable size or shape and
placed within a suitably sized blister pack type container to carry
larger or smaller items such as, for example, electronic components
or food items. Further, the shape of the dome may be varied without
adversely affecting its utility. For example, the dome may be
hemispherical, cubical, or any other shape capable of containing
internal ejector punch and the dispensable items. It is intended
that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed
description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *