U.S. patent application number 11/586798 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for packaged dental composition.
Invention is credited to Paul D. Hammesfahr, Paul R. Pierson.
Application Number | 20070041776 11/586798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34393422 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070041776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pierson; Paul R. ; et
al. |
February 22, 2007 |
Packaged dental composition
Abstract
The invention provides a container enclosing an applicator and a
dental composition including a volatile organic solvent. The
container is sealed. The volatile organic solvent is effectively
retained within the container, even after storage at about
43.degree. C. for one week. Preferably the container is made of a
copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin.
Inventors: |
Pierson; Paul R.; (Camden,
DE) ; Hammesfahr; Paul D.; (Wyoming, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC
570 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE
YORK
PA
17404
US
|
Family ID: |
34393422 |
Appl. No.: |
11/586798 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11146975 |
Jun 7, 2005 |
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11586798 |
Oct 26, 2006 |
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10668946 |
Sep 23, 2003 |
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11586798 |
Oct 26, 2006 |
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60319581 |
Sep 27, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 2202/02 20130101;
A61C 3/005 20130101; A61C 5/60 20170201 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/126 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00 |
Claims
1. A storage stable enclosed dental composition, comprising: a
container, an implement and a dental composition, said implement
having an elongated arm and an applicator, said applicator being
supported by said arm, said applicator and said dental composition
being enclosed by said container, said container comprising a
copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin, said dental
composition, comprising at least 1 percent by weight of volatile
organic solvent, at least 99 percent of said solvent remaining in
said dental composition in said container after storage at about
43.degree. C. for one week.
2. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said dental composition further comprises a polymerizable
material.
3. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said volatile organic solvent comprises at least 10 percent
by weight of said dental composition.
4. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said container is molded and has an average wall thickness
of from about 0.4 mm to about 6 mm.
5. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is stored at about
23.degree. C. for at least one year and at least 80 percent of said
volatile organic solvent remains in said container.
6. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is stored at about
23.degree. C. for at least two years and at least 90 percent of
said volatile organic solvent remains in said container.
7. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is stored at about
23.degree. C. for at least two years and at least 95 percent of
said volatile organic solvent remains in said container.
8. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said volatile organic solvent comprises acetone.
9. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 20 percent by
weight acetone both before and after storage at about 23.degree. C.
for two years and at least 95 percent of said volatile organic
solvent remains in said container after said storage.
10. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 20 percent by
weight acetone both before and after storage at about 23.degree. C.
for one year and at least 90 percent of said acetone remains in
said container after said storage.
11. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 40 percent by
weight acetone both before and after storage at about 23.degree. C.
for two years and at least 95 percent of said volatile organic
solvent remains in said container after said storage.
12. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 40 percent by
weight acetone both before and after storage at about 23.degree. C.
for one year and at least 90 percent of said acetone remains in
said container after said storage.
13. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 50 percent by
weight acetone both before and after storage at about 23.degree. C.
for two years and at least 95 percent of said volatile organic
solvent remains in said container after said storage.
14. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said packaged dental composition is at least 50 percent by
weight acetone both before and after storage at about 23.degree. C.
for one year and at least 90 percent of said acetone remains in
said container after said storage.
15. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
further comprising a closure, and wherein said container has inner
and outer wall faces, and said container outer wall face has a
groove, said applicator is supported by said closure, said closure
having a cover and a connector, said connector having an inner and
end wall faces, said connector inner wall face sealing and engaging
said container end outer wall face, said cover and said container
inner wall face enclosing a chamber, said container wall having a
first outer flange, said connector end wall face sealing and
engaging said first outer flange.
16. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 15,
wherein said container wall has a second outer flange.
17. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 16,
wherein said closure is supported by at least one outer flange.
18. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 1
wherein said container has an outer wall with a groove, and said
container wall is adapted to break open along said groove.
19. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 18,
wherein said groove forms a line extending circumferentially around
said container.
20. The storage stable enclosed dental composition of claim 16,
wherein said elongated arm extends through said container and said
elongated arm is supported by said container.
21. A stored enclosed dental product made by the process
comprising: enclosing an applicator and a dental composition having
at least one volatile component in a container, said container
comprising thermoplastic polymer having a high chemical resistance
and a high permeability barrier capability for water, and storing
said dental composition in said container for at least two weeks at
37.degree. C. and after said two weeks at least 90 percent of said
volatile component remains in said dental composition in said
container.
22. A stored enclosed dental product made by the process
comprising: enclosing an applicator and a dental adhesive
composition comprising volatile organic solvent in a container,
said container comprising a thermoplastic copolymer of a
cycloolefin and an open chain olefin, and effectively retaining
said volatile organic solvent in said dental composition while
storing said dental composition in said container for at least 1
week at about 23.degree. C.
23. The product of claim 22 wherein said dental composition is a
single unit dosage and said thermoplastic polymer has a high
chemical resistance, a high penetration barrier capability for
water, high penetration barrier capability for solvent and a high
permeability barrier capability for water.
24. The stored enclosed dental product of claim 22 wherein said
solvent comprises a polar organic solvent, said copolymer of a
cycloolefin and an open chain olefin has a high permeability
barrier capability for water and high chemical resistance, and at
least 90 percent of said polar organic solvent remains in said
dental composition in said container while stored at about
23.degree. C. for about two years.
25. The stored enclosed dental product by the process of claim 24
wherein said dental composition comprises at least 1 percent by
weight of said solvent, and at least 99 percent of said solvent
remains in said dental composition in said container after said
storage.
26. The stored enclosed dental product by the process of claim 24
wherein said dental composition comprises at least 15 percent by
weight of said solvent, and at least 99.8 percent of said solvent
remains in said dental composition in said container after said
storage.
27. The stored enclosed dental product by the process of claim 24
wherein said dental composition bonds to dentin with effectively
the same amount of bond strength before and after said storing.
28. The stored enclosed dental product by the process of claim 22
further comprising a handle, said handle being supported by and
connected to said container.
29. The stored enclosed dental product by the process of claim 28
wherein said handle is connected through an implement arm to said
applicator, and said container has an outer wall with a groove, and
said container wall is adapted to break open along said groove,
while said applicator remains connected to said handle.
30. The stored enclosed dental product by the process of claim 29
wherein said implement arm is low density polyethylene or
polypropylene.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/668,946 (Case LDC-922-1E) filed Sep.
23, 2003, which claims the benefit from Provisional Application No.
60/319,581 filed Sep. 27, 2002.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to packaged dental compositions. In
accordance with the invention is provided a container enclosing an
applicator and a dental composition having one or more volatile
components.
SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a container supporting an
implement and enclosing an applicator and a dental composition
having one or more volatile components in accordance with the
invention.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a container enclosing an
implement having applicator and a dental composition having one or
more volatile components in accordance with the invention.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a container
enclosing an applicator and a dental composition having one or more
volatile components in accordance with the invention.
[0006] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a holder.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the
container and implement arm shown in FIG. 3.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the
container shown in FIG. 3.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the handle
and connector flange of the container shown in FIG. 3.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a container
enclosing an applicator and a dental composition having one or more
volatile components in accordance with the invention.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the
container and implement arm shown in FIG. 7.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a container,
applicator and composition in accordance with the invention.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the
container, implement and composition shown in FIG. 9.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a container,
applicator and composition in accordance with the invention.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the
container, implement and composition shown in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention is now described in reference to FIGS. 1
through 12. With more particular reference to FIG. 1 is seen a unit
dose packaging system 1, which includes enclosure 2, implement 3
and dental composition 4, which also includes polymerizable
material. Enclosure 2 encloses the lower portion of implement 3 and
dental composition 4. The lower portion of implement 3 is connected
to applicator 5. Implement 3 is supported by enclosure 2. Enclosure
2 is made of a molded polymeric material, which retains volatile
organic solvent, such as a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an
olefin. Preferably dental composition 4 is hermetically sealed and
stored in unit dose system 1 for at least 6 months effectively
without loss of volatile organic solvent from dental composition
4.
[0017] With more particular reference to FIG. 2 is seen a unit dose
packaging system 6, which includes enclosure 7, implement 8 and
dental composition 9, which also includes polymerizable material.
Enclosure 7 encloses implement 8 and dental composition 9.
Implement 8 is connected to applicator 8A. Implement 8 is enclosed
by enclosure 7. Enclosure 7 is made of a molded polymeric material,
which retains volatile organic solvent, such as a copolymer of a
cycloolefin and an olefin. Preferably dental composition 9 is
hermetically sealed and stored in unit dose system 6 for at least 6
months effectively without loss of volatile organic solvent from
dental composition 9.
[0018] With more particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 is seen a
unit dose packaging system 10, which includes implement 11 and
container 12, and handle 20 which is integrally connected to
connector flange 19. Container 12 has inner container wall 13
enclosing dental composition 14. Connector flange 19 fits over
cover flange 18. Container 12 is adapted to break open along a line
formed by a groove 26. When container 12 is broken, implement 11 is
free to be used to remove portions of dental composition 14 from
base portion 28 of container 12. After container 12 is broken,
implement 11 has elongated arm 17, handle 20 and applicator 22.
Cover flange 18 is integral with elongated arm 17. Elongated arm 17
and cover flange 18 are preferably integrally connected and made,
for example by molding a flexible material, such as low density
polyethylene or polypropylene. The upper portion of elongated arm
17 has ribs 17R, which are press fit into inner chamber wall 20W of
handle 20. Container 12, connector flange 19 and handle 20 are made
of a molded copolymer of a cycloolefin and an olefin. Dental
composition 14 includes a volatile organic solvent. Dental
composition 14 is effectively completely enclosed within molded
copolymer of a cycloolefin and an olefin, which retains the
volatile organic solvent. Preferably dental composition 14 also
includes polymerizable material.
[0019] Container 12 has a cylindrical container wall. The
applicator 22 is supported by elongated arm 17. Elongated arm 17 is
supported by connector flange 19. Cover flange 18 seals one end of
inner container wall 13. Cover flange 18 is sealed between end wall
12E of container 12 and inner capping wall 19C of connector flange
19. The cover flange 18 and inner container wall 13 enclose a
chamber.
[0020] The container 12 is adapted to break open along a line
formed by a groove 26 extending circumferentially around the outer
surface of container 12. Container 12 has a first outer flange 42.
Inner side wall 19B forms a hermetic seal with the first outer
flange 42. Container 12 has a second outer flange 44. The closure
is supported by and forms a hermetic seal with second outer flange
44. Handle 20 is connected through implement arm 17 to applicator
22. Container 12 is adapted to break open along groove 26. Before,
during and after breaking open container 12, applicator 22 remains
connected to handle 20. After container 12 is broken open the user
holds handle 20 while dipping applicator 22 into dental composition
14 in the lower portion of the container 12. Then, while holding
handle 20, the user applies the portion of dental composition 14 on
applicator 22 to a dental tooth.
[0021] The dental composition in unit dose system 10 is stored for
weeks, months or even years without significant loss of volatile
organic solvent from dental composition 14. Preferably a dental
composition is stored in unit dose system 10 for at least 6 months
effectively without loss of volatile organic solvent from dental
composition 14. Cover flange 18 is integrally connected to
elongated arm 17, as shown in FIG. 4. Container 12 has end wall
12E, as shown in FIG. 5. Connector flange 19 has inner capping wall
19C, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0022] In use, container 12 is preferably held vertically so that
the volatile dental composition 14 is in base portion 28, below
cover flange 18. Thus, base portion 28 of container 12 may be
placed in holder H. Then, container 12 is broken at notch 26, and
base portion 28 is placed in a holder, which is supported on a
horizontal surface. Cover flange 18 is carried by handle 20. The
user dispenses dental material on applicator 22 from the base
portion 28, while the base portion 28 is supported in the holder.
The user dispenses dental material by inserting applicator 22 into
the broken open end of container 12. For example, while container
12 is supported in a holder supported on a horizontal surface.
Applicator 22 is, for example, a bristle brush or a flocked
element.
[0023] Handle 20 has a central handle axis. Container 12 has a
central container axis. Elongated arm 17 has a central arm axis.
The central handle axis, the central container axis and the central
arm axis are coaxial.
[0024] With more particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 is seen a
unit dose packaging system 70, which includes implement 71 and
container 72 and handle 80, which is integrally connected to
connector flange 79. Container 72 has inner container wall 73
enclosing dental composition 74. Cover flange 78 is optional.
Connector flange 79 fits over cover flange 78. Container 72 is
adapted to break open along a line formed by a groove 86. When
container 72 is broken, implement 71 is free to be used to remove
portions of dental composition 74 from base portion 88 of container
72. After container 72 is broken, implement 71 has elongated arm
77, handle 80 and applicator 82. Cover flange 78 is integral with
elongated arm 77. Elongated arm 77 and cover flange 78 are
preferably integrally connected and made, for example by molding a
flexible material, such as polypropylene. The upper portion of
elongated arm 77 has outer wall 77W, which is injection molded into
the chamber formed within inner chamber wall 80W. The upper portion
of elongated arm 77 is sealed into inner chamber wall 80W of handle
80. Container 72, connector flange 79 and handle 80 are made of a
molded copolymer of a cycloolefin and an olefin. Dental composition
74 includes a volatile organic solvent. Dental composition 74 is
effectively completely enclosed within molded copolymer of a
cycloolefin and an olefin, which retains the volatile organic
solvent. Preferably dental composition 74 also includes
polymerizable material.
[0025] Container 72 has a cylindrical container wall. The
applicator 82 is supported by elongated arm 77. Elongated arm 77 is
supported by connector flange 79. Cover flange 78 seals one end of
inner container wall 73. Cover flange 78 is sealed between end wall
72E of container 72 and inner capping wall 79C of connector flange
79. The cover flange 78 and inner container wall 73 enclose a
chamber. The container 72 is adapted to break open along a line
formed by a groove 86 extending circumferentially around the
container.
[0026] The dental composition in unit dose system 70 is stored for
weeks, months or even years without significant loss of volatile
organic solvent from dental composition 74. Preferably a dental
composition is stored in unit dose system 70 for at least 6 months
effectively without loss of volatile organic solvent from dental
composition 74. Cover flange 78 is integrally connected to
elongated arm 77. Container 72 has end wall 72E. Connector flange
79 has inner capping wall 79C.
[0027] In use, container 72 is preferably held vertically so that
the volatile dental composition 74 is in base portion 88, below
cover flange 78. Thus, base portion 28 of container 72 may be
placed in a holder. Then, container 72 is broken at notch 86, and
base portion 88 is placed in a holder, which is supported on a
horizontal surface. The user dispenses dental composition 74 on
applicator 82 from the base portion 88, while the base portion 88
is supported in the holder. The user dispenses dental material by
inserting applicator 82 into the broken open end of container 72.
For example, while container 72 is supported in a holder supported
on a horizontal surface. Applicator 82 is, for example, a bristle
brush or a flocked element.
[0028] With more particular reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 is seen a
unit dose system 101 having implement 111, unit dose container 112
and handle 120. Container 112 has inner container wall 113
enclosing a dental composition 114. Implement 111 is supported by
container 112. Implement 111 has elongated arm 117 and applicator
122. Applicator 122 is supported by elongated arm 117. Container
112 and handle 120 are made of a molded copolymer of a cycloolefin
and an olefin. Elongated arm 117 is preferably made of a flexible
material, such as polypropylene. Applicator 122 is, for example, a
bristle brush or a flocked element. Dental composition 114 includes
a volatile organic solvent. Preferably dental composition 114 also
includes polymerizable material. Container 112 has a planar lower
surface 140, which supports system 101 in an upright position on
horizontal surfaces.
[0029] Inner container wall 113 of container 112 has an upper
cylindrical portion 142. Upper portion 150 of elongated arm 117 has
ribs 152, 154 and 156. Ribs 152, 154 and 156 are press fit into
upper cylindrical portion 142 of container 112. Elongated arm 117
has readily bendable portion 130, which is adjacent to groove
126.
[0030] Locking flange 180 of container 112 extends into sealing
groove 182 of handle 120. Container 112 is hermetically sealed
through by ultrasonic sealing locking flange 180 to sealing groove
182 of inner container wall 113. Hermetic sealing is carried out,
for example, by thermal welding or ultrasonic welding. Container
112 is adapted to break open along a line formed by a groove 126
extending circumferentially around the container.
[0031] Dental composition 114 in unit dose system 101 is stored for
weeks, months or years without significant loss of volatile organic
solvent from dental composition 114. Preferably a dental
composition is stored in unit dose system 101 for at least 6 months
effectively without loss of volatile organic solvent from dental
composition 114.
[0032] With more particular reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 is seen a
container 212, dental composition 214, implement 211 and handle
220. Implement 211 has an elongated arm 217 with an applicator 222
supported at its lower end. Readily bendable portion 230 of
elongated arm 217 is adjacent to groove 226. Container 212 and
handle 220 are made of a molded copolymer of a cycloolefin and an
olefin. Dental composition 214 includes a volatile organic solvent.
Container 212 is adapted to be broken at groove 226. Cylindrical
portion 228 of implement 211 has snap ring 260, which forms a
connection with upper portion 282 of inner container wall 213 along
upper cylindrical portion 242. Snap ring 260 fits into and forms a
connection to inner channel 262 in inner portion 282 of inner
container wall 213.
[0033] Outer wall 280 of handle 220 is hermetically sealed with
upper portion 282 of inner container wall 213 along upper
cylindrical portion 242. Inner container wall 213 forms a hermetic
seal with outer wall 280 of handle 220, for example, by thermal
welding or ultrasonic welding.
[0034] Container 212 has a planar lower surface 240, which supports
system 201 in an upright position on horizontal surfaces. Inner
container wall 213 has an upper cylindrical portion 242. Elongated
arm 217 is preferably made of a flexible material, such as
polypropylene. Applicator 222 is, for example, a bristle brush or a
flocked element. Elongated arm 217 has a wide cylindrical portion
228 above readily bendable portion 230, which is adjacent to groove
226.
[0035] Dental composition 214 in unit dose system 201 is stored for
weeks, months or years without significant loss of volatile organic
solvent from dental composition 214. Preferably a dental
composition is stored in unit dose system 201 for at least 6 months
effectively without loss of volatile organic solvent from dental
composition 214.
[0036] Exemplary thermoplastic polymeric
cycloolefin-olefin-copolymer for making containers and closures,
such as handles, covers and connectors useful in accordance with
the invention are disclosed in EP 407,870; EP 156,464 and EP
283,164. Thus each discloses copolymers of cycloolefin and olefin
useful for making containers and closures such as covers,
connectors and handles, for use in accordance with the invention.
Open chain olefins, as used herein, refers to noncyclic olefins and
include linear open chain olefins, straight chain olefins, branched
chain olefins and branched open chain olefins. Open chain olefins
are not closed chain olefins or ring olefins. Linear open chain
olefins are most preferred open chain olefins for use in making
copolymer for use in accordance with the invention.
[0037] Single unit dosage, as used herein, refers to volumes of a
dental composition between 0.01 and 1 ml. Volatile component, as
used herein, refers to a component (of a dental composition) having
vapor pressure more than that of water at 20.degree. C. Volatile
organic solvents, as used herein, refers to organic solvents, such
as ethanol and acetone, which are more volatile than water at
20.degree. C.
[0038] High permeability barrier capability for water, as used
herein, refers to polymeric material having a water vapor
permeability below 0.07 g (mm)(m.sup.2)(d.sup.1) measured by DIN
53122 at 23.degree. C. and 85 percent relative humidity. High
penetration barrier capability of a polymeric material for water,
as used herein, refers to a less than 3 percent by weight increase
of a composition due to infusion of water through the polymeric
material while the composition is enclosed in the polymeric
material for at least two weeks at 37.degree. C.
[0039] High penetration barrier capability for solvent of a
polymeric material, as used herein, refers to less than 2 percent
by weight loss of polar organic solvents from a composition having
at least 5 percent by weight of polar organic solvent(s) while
enclosed in the polymeric material for at least two weeks at
37.degree. C.
[0040] High chemical resistance of polymeric material, as used
herein, refers to polymeric material having both a less than 3
percent by weight increase of the polymeric material, and a less
than 0.5 percent by weight decrease of the polymeric material while
the polymeric material is immersed in water and/or solvent for at
least two weeks at 37.degree. C. A weight decrease of the polymeric
material while enclosing a dental composition (and/or immersed in
water and/or solvent) may be due to diffusion of components of the
polymeric material from the polymeric material, and may cause
contamination of the dental composition by components of the
polymeric material. A weight increase of the polymeric material
while enclosing a dental composition and/or immersed in water
and/or solvent may be due to infusion of water and/or solvent into
the polymeric material, and may indicate that the polymeric
material allows loss (or gain) of solvent from the dental
composition and/or water contamination of a dental composition.
[0041] Dental compositions 4, 9, 14, 114 and 214 are enclosed by
enclosures 2 and 7 and containers 12, 112 and 212 respectively.
Dental compositions 4,9, 14, 114 and 214 each include a volatile
organic solvent. Dental compositions 4, 9, 14, 114 and 214
preferably include a polymerizable material. Dental compositions 4,
9, 14, 114 and 214 are stored for weeks, months or even years
without significant loss of volatile organic solvent from
enclosures 2 and 7 and containers 12, 112 and 212.
[0042] Enclosures 2 and 7 and containers 12, 112 and 212 and cover
18, and handles 120 and 220 are made of a copolymer of a
cycloolefin and an olefin. Exemplary thermoplastic polymeric
cycloolefin-olefin-copolymer useful for storage stable packaging of
dental composition in accordance with the invention are disclosed
in EP 407,870; EP 156,464 and EP 283,164. Thus, each discloses
copolymers of cycloolefin and olefin useful for making containers,
closures, implement arms, covers and connectors, for use in
accordance with the invention.
[0043] Copolymer of cycloolefin and open chain olefin useful for
storage stable packaging of dental composition in accordance with
the invention have the following properties: thermoplasticity,
suitable for injection-molding, high moisture-barrier capability,
high barrier capability towards organic solvents, high chemical
resistance, high rigidity, and suitability for sealing via thermal
welding or ultrasonic welding. Preferred copolymers of cycloolefin
and open chain olefin for use in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention are copolymers of norbomene and
ethylene for example the norbomene-ethylene-copolymer sold by
Ticona GmbH as Topas 6013 and Topas 8007. Both Topas 6013 and Topas
8007 norbomene-ethylene-copolymer have the following properties:
thermoplasticity, can be processed on conventional injection
molding machines; high moisture vapor barrier: permeability of
0.023 [Topas 8007] and 0.035 [Topas 6013] (g)(mm/m.sup.2)(24 hours)
at 23.degree. C., 85% relative humidity, high barrier capability
towards polar organic solvents such as acetone, high resistance
towards water, strong acids and bases, and polar organic solvents
such as methanol, ethanol and acetone, high rigidity: yield stress
of 66 MPa, and tensile modulus of 3200 MPa.
[0044] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention
is provided a dental composition including a solvent and a
polymerizable material enclosed by a container comprising a
copolymer of a cycloolefin and an olefin. The dental composition is
at least 1 percent by weight solvent, both before and after,
storage at about 43.degree. C. for one week. Preferably, the dental
composition is at least 10 percent by weight solvent, both before
and after, storage at about 43.degree. C. for one week. Preferably,
at least 99 percent of the solvent remains in the container after
storage. More preferably, at least 99.5-99.8 percent of the solvent
remains in the container after storage. Most preferably the solvent
is a volatile organic solvent and at least 99.9 percent of the
solvent remains in the container after storage.
[0045] Various alterations and modifications of the invention will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the scope and spirit of this invention. Accordingly, it should
be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrative
embodiments set forth herein.
* * * * *