U.S. patent application number 11/744377 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for packaging insert.
Invention is credited to Stephane Rault, Jo Ruckdeschel.
Application Number | 20070257046 11/744377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38535490 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070257046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rault; Stephane ; et
al. |
November 8, 2007 |
Packaging Insert
Abstract
The present invention relates to a packaging insert that
comprises a chamber that can be filled with an adsorbent. When the
insert is positioned within a closed bottle, the adsorbent can
entrap any moisture or gases generally targeted by the adsorbent
selected. The insert is designed such that the container can be
induction sealed with the insert positioned within the neck of the
container.
Inventors: |
Rault; Stephane; (Paris,
FR) ; Ruckdeschel; Jo; (Voorhees, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUD-CHEMIE INC.
1600 WEST HILL STREET
LOUISVILLE
KY
40210
US
|
Family ID: |
38535490 |
Appl. No.: |
11/744377 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60746589 |
May 5, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/675 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/244 20130101;
B65D 51/30 20130101; B65D 81/268 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/675 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/02 20060101
B65D090/02 |
Claims
1. A packaging insert for use in containers having an essentially
rigid opening, said insert comprising: (a) an essentially circular
bottom proportioned to fit within said rigid opening; (b) a
sidewall, defining an interior diameter and an exterior diameter,
securely affixed to and extending upward from said bottom by a
predetermined distance so as to form a cavity with respect to said
bottom; (c) a neck, securely affixed to said sidewall, and defining
an exterior diameter greater than said sidewall exterior diameter
and an interior diameter at least equal to said sidewall interior
diameter; (d) a collar, extending upward from said neck and away
from said sidewall, and defining an exterior diameter that is
greater than the neck exterior diameter and an interior diameter
that is at least equal to said sidewall interior diameter; (e) a
top, fixedly attached to the interior of said neck, and being
proportioned so as to completely cover said cavity; and (f) a
pull-tab secured to said top.
2. The insert of claim 1 wherein said cavity is filled with
adsorbent.
3. The insert of claim 1 further comprising a connecting section
between said neck and said sidewall.
4. The insert of claim 1 further comprising a connecting section
between said neck and said collar.
5. The insert of claim 1 wherein said pull-tab is a ring.
6. The insert of claim 1 wherein said insert is made from a
permeable material.
7. The insert of claim 6 wherein said insert is made from a
polymeric material, a thermoplastic material, and a combination
thereof.
8. The insert of claim 1 wherein said insert is a single unit.
9. The insert of claim 1 wherein said insert is molded.
10. The insert of claim 1 wherein said adsorbent is a moisture
adsorbent, an oxygen adsorbent, activated charcoal, molecular
sieve, silica gel, clay and combinations thereof.
11. The insert of claim 1 wherein said top forms a seal to contain
said adsorbent within said cavity.
12. The insert of claim 1 wherein said neck further defines a rim,
and wherein a seal is reversibly attached to said rim.
13. The insert of claim 12 wherein said seal comprises a flexible
material.
14. A packaging insert for use in containers having an essentially
rigid opening, said insert comprising: (a) a cavity defined by a
top and a bottom and sidewall, defining an interior diameter and an
exterior diameter, securely affixed to and extending upward from
said bottom; (b) a neck, securely affixed to said sidewall, and
defining an exterior diameter greater than said sidewall exterior
diameter and an interior diameter at least equal to said sidewall
interior diameter; and (c) a collar, extending upward from said
neck and away from said sidewall, and defining an exterior diameter
that is greater than the neck exterior diameter and an interior
diameter that is at least equal to said sidewall interior
diameter.
15. The insert of claim 14 wherein said cavity is filled with
adsorbent.
16. The insert of claim 14 further comprising a pull-tab fixedly
attached to said top.
17. The insert of claim 14 wherein said insert is made from a
polymeric material, a thermoplastic material, and a combination
thereof.
18. The insert of claim 15 wherein said adsorbent is a moisture
adsorbent, an oxygen adsorbent, activated charcoal, molecular
sieve, silica gel, clay and combinations thereof.
19. The insert of claim 14 wherein said top forms a seal to contain
said adsorbent within said cavity.
20. The insert of claim 14 wherein said insert is positioned within
a container sealed by an induction seal.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging insert designed
to entrap gases or other volatiles sealed into a bottle or similar
container. In an alternative embodiment, the insert is designed to
further restrict access of additional gases into the container,
while still allowing the widely used and accepted induction
seal.
[0002] Many pharmaceutical and nutriceutical products are known to
be moisture and/or oxygen sensitive. Thus, these products must be
packaged so as to minimize the amount of moisture and/or oxygen
packed with the product. This may be accomplished by packaging the
products in an environmentally-controlled facility, but even under
these conditions it is virtually impossible to eliminate all
moisture or certain gases from the packaging facility.
[0003] The prior art teaches desiccant-containing canisters or
packets or similar containers inserted into the pharmaceutical
bottle or package. Although this was an effective means for
controlling the pharmaceutical environment, it could be cumbersome
when inserted into a pharmaceutical supplied in the form of a
powder that needed to be reconstituted with water before use. In
this case, the desiccant-containing canisters had to be removed
before the powder could be reconstituted, requiring additional
preparation time on the part of the pharmacist, risking
contamination of the pharmaceutical powder as the pharmacist
attempted to remove the packet from the bottle, and creating the
risk that the desiccant packet could be punctured or otherwise
damaged allowing the desiccant to mix with the powdered
pharmaceutical.
[0004] The prior art also teaches that a pharmaceutical package may
be prepared from a polymeric material that incorporates desiccant
or oxygen adsorbents. These desiccant-containing polymers may be
used to form the pharmaceutical bottle or as a bottle or cap liner.
However, these systems may require significant amounts of
desiccant-containing polymer and can thus be costly to prepare.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to a packaging insert that
comprises a chamber that can be filled with an adsorbent. The
insert fits inside a container in such a way that it can be easily
opened or removed by hand or by any other small device. Typically
this insert sits inside the container neck. In contrast to prior
art insert, the present invention allows for induction sealing of
the container with the insert positioned in the neck. For
pharmaceutical and nutriceutical products, induction seals are a
preferred means of package sealing because of the high quality of
the seal and because a broken or damaged seal provides evidence of
prior opening or tampering.
[0006] When the insert is positioned within a closed bottle, the
adsorbent can entrap any moisture or other volatiles targeted by
the adsorbent selected. In an exemplary embodiment, the insert is
filled with desiccant and is intended to entrap moisture that
enters a pharmaceutical product bottle during the packaging and
shipping process. In an alternative embodiment, the insert may be
filled with an adsorbent selected to entrap other volatiles coming
from the product, such as organic compounds that can create
unpleasant odors within the bottle.
[0007] The insert is designed to fit snuggly within the neck of a
bottle or similar container. However, the insert functions to
adsorb moisture if it has a relatively loose fit in the container
neck as well. When the insert is designed to fit snuggly within the
neck, the insert adsorbs moisture and/or other volatiles within the
bottle and also creates a physical barrier to restrict access of
additional gases from entering the container. The tight fit of the
insert can also help prevent product spill.
FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an insert prepared according
to the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the insert of FIG. 1 inserted in
the neck of a bottle with the pull-tab being lifted by the
user;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the insert of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of the insert of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a top view of the insert of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cut-away side view of a second embodiment of an
insert prepared according to the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the insert shown in FIG.
6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] The packaging insert of the present invention is intended
for use in containers having an essentially rigid opening, such as
a bottle, vial, tube, jar. For the purpose of discussion herein,
"bottle" will be used generically to cover any of these
containers.
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the insert (10) is a self-contained
unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the insert is a one-piece
unit.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 4, the insert (10) has a chamber or cavity
(12) that can be filled with an absorbent or adsorbent (14). For
the purposes of discussion herein, the term adsorbent will be used,
but it is intended that the term absorbent is covered there under
Adsorbents (14) that may be used to fill the chamber (12) include,
without limitation, moisture adsorbents, oxygen adsorbents,
activated charcoal, molecular sieve, silica gel, clay or
combinations thereof The adsorbent may irreversibly entrap water
vapor or gases, or may be selected so as to maintain a specific gas
or vapor concentration range within the bottle. The amount of
adsorbent (14) may be varied as desired by the packager.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the insert (10) is intended for use
within a bottle (100), and preferably is proportioned to fit within
a neck section (102) of the bottle (100). In a preferred
embodiment, the insert is designed to fit under or within an
induction seal--a sealing process commonly used in the packaging
industry. A separate cap (not shown) may be fitted over the insert
by the packager. The insert (10) is inserted into the bottle neck
(102) during the bottle-filling process. More specifically: (a) the
clean, dry empty bottle (100) is fed to a filling line (possibly in
a controlled environment, particularly for nutraceutical/pharma
products), (b) a product (not shown) is deposited in the bottle,
(c) the insert (10) is inserted into the bottle neck to a
predetermined depth, (d) a cap or lid (not shown) is affixed to the
bottle (100), and (e) the filled and sealed bottle (100) exits the
packing line. The bottle (100) can then be labelled, packed in
outer boxes, or otherwise prepared for marketing as desired by the
manufacturer or packer.
[0019] From the consumer's perspective: When the consumer receives
the bottle (100) with the insert (100), he or she would be expected
to remove the cap or lid from the bottle (100) but will not be able
to see the product. Rather, after having removed the cap or lid,
the consumer will see a top (28) and a pull-tab (30) of the insert
(10) filling the entire bottle neck opening. The pull-tab (30) may
be a flexible or rigid design--both of which are known in the art.
The consumer can then remove the insert (10) by grabbing the pull
tab (30) and pulling the insert (10) out of the bottle neck (102).
Once removed, the insert (10) can be discarded and the consumer can
work with the product as necessary, e.g. reconstituting a powder.
The consumer can then close the bottle (100) with the cap or lid
provided by the manufacturer or packer.
[0020] The insert (10) is made of any material that will allow for
moisture or gas permeation. Such materials may include, for
example, polymeric or thermoplastic materials that optionally may
further comprise adsorbents. Any moisture or other targeted gas
that remains in the bottle during the bottle-filling process is
drawn to the insert where it becomes essentially trapped in the
adsorbent. Further, any moisture or other targeted gas attempting
to enter the bottle after it is filled and the insert is positioned
in the bottle neck is drawn into the adsorbent before it reaches
the internal cavity of the bottle.
[0021] Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, the insert (10) defines a
bottom (20), a sidewall (22), a neck (24), a collar (26), a top
(28) and a pull-tab (30). Specifically, the bottom (20) is an
essentially circular piece proportioned to fit within the bottle
neck (102).
[0022] The sidewall (22) forms a cylinder defining an interior
diameter (d.sub.1) and an exterior diameter (d.sub.2) that is
securely affixed to and rises from the bottom (20) by a
predetermined distance (h), preferably selected to extend into the
bottle (100). The sidewall (22) defines a thickness (t) that should
be adequate to maintain the integrity of the sidewall (22) but
should also be sufficiently thin to allow a cavity (12) to remain
within the insert (10). The sidewall (22) terminates at the insert
neck (24).
[0023] The neck (24) is securely affixed to the sidewall (22) and
forms a cylinder defining an exterior diameter (d.sub.3) that is
greater than the sidewall exterior diameter (d.sub.2). The neck
(24) also defines an interior diameter that may be greater than or
equal to the sidewall interior diameter (d.sub.1), depending on how
the neck (24) is formed and secured to the sidewall (22). The neck
(24) may be molded to the sidewall (22) as shown in FIGS. 1-5, or
may be otherwise fixedly attached to the sidewall (22) by methods
known in the art. Optionally, there may be a bead or other
connection section (25) between the neck (24) and the sidewall
(22), although this section is not necessary for the insert (10) to
function as intended. In the figures shown, the insert neck (24) is
sized to fit snuggly within the bottle neck (102) such that a
slight force must be applied to disengage the insert (10) from the
bottle neck (102). Alternatively, the insert may be sized to fit
loosely within the neck (24).
[0024] Extending upward from the neck (24) away from the sidewall
(22) is the collar (26). The collar (26) is securely affixed to the
neck (24) and forms a cylinder defining an exterior diameter
(d.sub.4) that is greater than the neck exterior diameter
(d.sub.3). The collar (26) also defines an interior diameter
(d.sub.5) that is preferably greater than the sidewall interior
diameter (d.sub.1). The collar (26) may be molded to the neck (24)
as shown in FIGS. 1-5, or may be otherwise fixedly attached to the
neck (24) by methods known in the art. Optionally, similar to the
neck (24), there may be a bead or other connection section (not
shown) between the collar (26) and the neck (24), although this
section is not necessary for the insert (10) to function as
intended.
[0025] Fixedly attached to the interior of the neck (24) is the top
(28). The top (28) may have any shape or configuration that will
allow it to form a sealed cavity (12) within the region defined by
the bottom (20), the sidewall (22) and the neck (26). For example,
the top (28) may be slightly concave as shown in the FIGS. 1-5, or
it may be essentially flat, or it may be slightly convex, or it may
have dimples or other patterns. However, the top (28) must be
capable of providing an adequate seal for the insert (10) that any
adsorbent (14) is contained within the cavity (12).
[0026] The pull-tab (30) is a means to allow the consumer to remove
the insert (10) from the bottle (100). The pull-tab (30) may be a
ring secured to the top (28) and proportioned to fit within the
collar (26), as shown in FIGS. 1-5, or it may have any of several
designs known in the art. Functionally, the design of the pull-tab
should be such that the consumer can use the pull-tab (30) to exert
sufficient force against the insert (10) to extract the insert (10)
from the bottle neck (102).
[0027] As noted above, once removed, the insert (10) can be
discarded and the consumer can then close the bottle (100) with the
cap or lid provided by the manufacturer or packer. Alternatively,
the insert (10) may be sized such that the consumer can replace the
insert (10) in the bottle neck (102)--similar to inserting a cork
in a bottle--to provide a seal or closure for the bottle contents
without the need for an additional cap.
[0028] A second embodiment of an insert (110) prepared according to
the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, wherein the insert
(110) further comprises a flexible seal (200). The seal (200) may
be made of aluminum foil or plastic foil or similar materials known
in the art, and is intended to provide an additional barrier
against moisture and to provide tamper resistance. The seal (200)
is fitted on an upper rim (127) of a neck (126). To ensure the best
adhesion of the seal (200) to the rim (127), the neck (126) should
be long enough to allow a pull tab (130) to rest within a cavity
(210) formed between the seal (200) and a top (128). Preferably,
the pull tab (130) should not press against the seal (200) so that
the seal (200) will not be accidentally broken when pressure is
applied to the seal (200) either by the pull tab (130) or by an
external force. Although not intended as a limitation of the
invention, an exemplary length of the neck (126) ranges from a few
tenths of millimeters, such as about 0.5 mm, up to a few
millimeters. Similar to the first embodiment (10), adsorbent (14)
may be used to fill a chamber (112) of the insert (110) (not
shown).
[0029] The packaging insert of the present invention is intended
for use in containers that could benefit from a controlled
environment. The insert differs from the inserts of the prior art
by providing a means to entrap any moisture or gases that enters
the container, while still allowing for induction sealing of the
container. Further, the insert of the present development has been
found to be particularly effective when used in applications that
involve induction sealing, a feature not generally allowed by
adsorbent packaging of the prior art. It is understood that the
composition and design of the insert and the specific processing
conditions may be varied without exceeding the scope of this
development. Similarly, it is understood that the descriptions
provided herein are for example only and that the size and/or
geometry of the insert may be varied as desired by the user to
conform to the bottle or container with which the insert is to be
used.
* * * * *