U.S. patent application number 13/436870 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-04 for method and apparatus for packaging and delivering nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and polyceutical compositions.
Invention is credited to Mortaza Mark Naghavi, Morteza Naghavi, Albert Andrew Yen.
Application Number | 20120248004 13/436870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46925837 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120248004 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Naghavi; Morteza ; et
al. |
October 4, 2012 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING AND DELIVERING NUTRACEUTICAL,
PHARMACEUTICAL, AND POLYCEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS
Abstract
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for
bottling/packaging orally ingested compositions, said method
comprising compounds of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or
polyceutical components, collectively unique combinations of liquid
and solid elements such as pills and capsules. These can be
nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, or polyceuticals for improving
cardiovascular health. Said apparatus comprises a container having
a conventional closure with an additional detachable base member.
This packaging configuration divides the container into two
chambers; the superior or upper chamber and the inferior or lower
chamber. In one embodiment the upper chamber is designed to contain
liquid compounds, whereas the lower detachable chamber is designed
to contain solid matters such as pills and capsules. In one form of
this invention the upper and lower chambers are attached to each
other by a latching mechanism. Also, in one form of this invention,
the interior portion of the lower chamber is partitioned into
several smaller units.
Inventors: |
Naghavi; Morteza; (Houston,
TX) ; Naghavi; Mortaza Mark; (Katy, TX) ; Yen;
Albert Andrew; (Pearland, TX) |
Family ID: |
46925837 |
Appl. No.: |
13/436870 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61516431 |
Apr 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
61519782 |
May 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/538 ;
220/500 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3205 20130101;
B65D 25/04 20130101; B65D 83/0454 20130101; B65D 23/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/538 ;
220/500 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/04 20060101
B65D025/04; B65D 83/04 20060101 B65D083/04 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a) an upper chamber and a detachable
base comprising a lower chamber; and b) the upper chamber having an
openable closure.
2. The container of claim 1 where the lower chamber has
compartmentalized sections.
3. The container of claim 2 where the lower chamber has a rotatable
hole moving around the circumference of the base accessing the
compartmentalized sections.
4. The container of claim 1 further comprising the upper and lower
chambers detachably attached to each other by latchs, plastic snap
components, or threaded components,.
5. The container of claim 1 where said container is used to house
liquid in the upper chamber and solids such as at least one capsule
in the lower chamber.
6. The container of claim 1 where said container is used to house
liquid in the upper chamber and powders in the lower chamber.
7. The container of claim 1 where said container is used to house
liquid in both upper and lower chambers.
8. The container of claim 5 where said container is used to deliver
nutraceutical compositions.
9. The container of claim 6 where said container is used to deliver
nutraceutical compositions.
10. The container of claim 7 where said container is used to
deliver nutraceutical compositions.
11. The container of claim 1 where said container is used to
deliver pharmaceutical compositions.
12. The container of claim 5 where said container is used to
deliver pharmaceutical compositions.
13. The container of claim 6 where said container is used to
deliver pharmaceutical compositions.
14. The container of claim 7 where said container is used to
deliver pharmaceutical compositions.
15. The container of claim 1 where the container is used to deliver
a combination of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compositions.
16. The container of claim 3 where said container is used to
deliver a combination of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical
compositions.
17. The container of claim 4 where said container is used to
deliver a combination of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical
compositions.
18. The container of claim 5 where said container is used to
deliver a combination of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical
compositions.
19. The container of claim 1 where said contents of lower chamber
could be released in various form consisting of a group of pills,
tablets, capsules, geltabs, soft tabs and powders or combinations
thereof.
20. The container of claim 1 where said container is used to
deliver cardiovascular health-promoting nutraceutical
composition
21. A packaging apparatus comprising: a) a box with a lid; b) a
liquid fillable container housed inside the box having a lid; c) an
extension protruding from the top of the box lid housing at least
one capsule.
22. The packaging apparatus of claim 21 where the container housed
inside the box will contain solid matters of at least one
capsule.
23. The packaging apparatus of claim 21 where the extension
protruding from the top of the lid will contain liquid.
24. A packaging apparatus comprising: a) a packaging platform; b) a
pre-structured space on the platform where liquid filled container
could be placed; c) a pre-structures space on the platform where
solid material could be placed; and d) a flexible plastic film that
can be attached over the platform.
25. A packaging apparatus comprising a) a liquid fillable
container; b) a removable container cover; and c) an openable
bubble wrapped attachment to the said container capable of
containing solid material.
26. An apparatus comprising a container with a cap wherein the cap
contains at least one compartment
27. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising at least one
capsule in the compartment of the cap.
28. A method for delivering multiple nutraceutical, polyceutical or
pharmaceutical compositions comprising: a) removing a dose of one
or more compositions from one compartment of a multi-part
container; and b) removing a dose of one or more compositions from
a second compartment of the multi-part container.
29. The method of claim 28 further comprising removing a dose of
one or more compositions from packaging of the container.
30. The method of claim 28 further comprising removing a dose of
one or more compositions from a lid of the container.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
Ser. No. 61/516,431 filed Apr. 4, 2011, entitled Methods and
Apparatus for Delivering Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical
Compositions and provisional application 61/519,782 filed May 31,
2011, entitled Method and Apparatus for Delivering or Packaging
Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Products.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] There are various nutraceutical as well as pharmaceutical
products that cannot be mixed with other nutraceutical or
pharmaceutical products due to various factors including but not
limited to instability of ingredients, insolubility, viscosity,
incompatibility (solid vs. liquid), taste, and shelf life.
Incompatibility can include diminution of shelf life or potency or
toxicity when the products are combined and stored together in one
mixture.
[0003] Furthermore, incompatible compositions are usually delivered
to the consumer in separate packages, so a person must purchase and
keep track of multiple containers. At times, this could result in
decrease of adherence to the therapy. Patients have the increased
burden of maintaining a supply of separate multiple products. The
products may not be sold in containers comprising the same number
of doses, thereby requiring multiple visits to a store or pharmacy.
Thus there is a need to provide a means of delivering these
elements in one convenient and easy to adopt packaging.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] One form of this invention relates to the apparatus and
methods of packaging and delivering nutraceutical, polyceutical as
well as pharmaceutical products in one unit. In one embodiment of
this disclosure, the apparatus houses the liquid in an upper
chamber (hereinafter "upper chamber") and solids such as pills and
capsules in a lower compartment or chamber (hereinafter "lower
chamber"). In other forms of said apparatus, both upper and lower
chambers house liquid products that cannot be mixed due to various
conditions such as incompatibility, insolubility, and the length of
shelf life. In another embodiment, the upper chamber houses the
liquid composition whereas the lower chamber contains powder
compositions. The upper chamber may be a bottle with a closure or
other type of container (hereinafter "container"). The lower
chamber can be compartmentalized wherein each compartment holds a
dose of the solid nutraceutical, polyceutical, or pharmaceuticals.
The upper chamber may contain one or more doses of liquid
nutraceutical, polyceutical, or pharmaceuticals. The packaging and
container subject of this disclosure may provide individualized
doses of nutraceutical, polyceutical, or pharmaceuticals. Prior
designs and methods fall short of the unique combinations of this
apparatus and methods of delivery provided in this disclosure.
[0005] As disclosed in the named inventors' prior patent
applications, a "polyceutical" is a unique combination of one or
more nutraceutical compounds and one or more pharmaceutical
compounds. Examples of polyceuticals are: a combination of aspirin
and vitamin B6; a combination of aspirin and vitamin B12; a
combination of aspirin and folic acid; a combination of ibuprofen
and COQ10; a combination of a nutraceutical composition for
boosting metabolism and a pharmaceutical medication for suppressing
appetite, such as phentermine; a combination of a nutraceutical
composition for increasing levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL,
also referred to as "good" cholesterol) and a pharmaceutical
medication for reducing levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL,
also referred to as "bad" cholesterol), such as medication
belonging to the statin class of medications. The combination can
be either in the form of a chemical mixture (mixed in a medium like
capsule, tablet, gel tab, softgel, liquid, pills etc., hereinafter
"capsule") or physically packaged together such as a capsule and a
liquid placed together in a package-container.
[0006] One form of this disclosure relates to the apparatus and
methods of packaging and delivering nutraceutical, pharmaceutical,
or polyceuticals, together in one unit, hereinafter "package").
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the disclosure. These drawings, together with the
general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to
explain the principles of the disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one form of packaging
apparatus.
[0009] FIG. 1.1 is an illustration of an outer box with multiple
openings to showcase the contents inside the box.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an illustration of another form of said packaging
apparatus platform comprising a card.
[0011] FIG. 2.1 is an illustration of packaging apparatus platform
housing the components attached with shrink wrap.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an illustration of another form of said packaging
apparatus with a capsule attached to a bottle closure or cap.
[0013] FIG. 4.0 is an illustration of another form of said
packaging apparatus showing multiple capsules attached to the
container.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an illustration of another form of said packaging
apparatus illustrating a capsule package attached to the
container.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the container with upper and
lower parts attached to each other.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the container where the lower
container is released from the upper chamber.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the container and several
methods of attachments.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a lower container showing the
partitioned chambers.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an illustration of lower container with an
adjustable hole where the contents of the container are
released.
[0020] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a compartmentalized base
container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The apparatus and methods herein are for unique containers
or packaging for delivery of combinations of nutraceutical or
polyceutical compositions. The compositions can be delivered in
various forms including any combination of liquid, solid and
powder. The compositions described are combinations of specific
vitamins, minerals, herbs, and nutraceutical compounds. These
essential components protect cardiovascular health and promote
heart healthy lifestyle. Other components reduce or control the
levels of total cholesterol by lowering low density lipoproteins
(LDL), and triglycerides, and may also increase the level and
density of high density lipoproteins (HDL).
[0022] The disclosure is for an apparatus and methods used to
deliver these essentials. The apparatus is comprised of a container
having a conventional screw top closure with a detachable base
member, which divides the container into two chambers; the superior
or upper chamber and the inferior or lower chamber. Each chamber of
this apparatus houses specific compositions of liquid, solid,
powder or any combination thereof. The disclosure teaches a method
and apparatus that allows different substances, nutraceuticals,
polyceuticals or pharmaceuticals, to be combined together in a
single package and to be consumed simultaneously as if a
"polypill". A polypill is the combining of multiple medicinal
compounds in a single pill or capsule. The polypill concept allows
for ease of use and improved patient adherence to prescribed
medications. The multi-compartmentalized packaging described in
this disclosure allows these substances to be combined in a single
package in compliance with existing regulations and without
triggering regulatory review. It is well known that combining
multiple compounds into a single pill or capsule, etc. would
undergo extensive review by regulatory agencies, even if each
individual pharmaceutical compound has received prior regulatory
approval. When the substances are retained in each manufacturer's
original dosage medium, i.e., pill, tablet, capsule, etc. or
packaging, further regulatory approval is not required. The
apparatus of this invention facilitates this consumption of
healthful substances and, therefore, also improves the adherence of
the user to recommended nutraceutical, polyceutical, and
pharmaceutical therapies.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates the outer packaging for the container
subject of the invention. FIG. 1.1 illustrates of an outer box with
multiple openings to showcase the contents inside the box. The
container 102 is shown within the box. Also two capsules 103 are
shown in the protrusion of the packaging lid or cover. In this
embodiment, the capsules may be taken with the liquid in the
container. It may be appreciated that the contents of the container
and the capsules may contain a single dose of the combination.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates another form of said packaging apparatus
wherein the packaging consists of a card structure with a portion
holding a supply of 12 capsules 204. The card also contains a
liquid containing container with a cap 202 held to the card by
various means such as shrink wrap/heat wrap 203. As used herein,
shrink wrap is a flexible plastic covering that can adhere to the
card.
[0025] FIG. 3 is an illustration of another form of said packaging
apparatus wherein 301 illustrates a container containing liquid,
302 is an illustration of solid matter(s) such as a capsule, 303 is
an illustration of an apparatus securing the solid matter(s) to the
container which could be removed prior to usage.
[0026] FIG. 4 is an illustration of another form of said packaging
apparatus wherein 401 illustrates a container containing liquid,
402 is an illustration of a capsule, and 403 is an illustration of
an apparatus securing the solid matter(s) to the container similar
to a hangtag.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates another form of said packaging apparatus
wherein 501 is an illustration of a container containing liquid,
502 is an illustration of a capsule, in a bubble wrapped
covering.
FIG. 503 is an illustration of method of attaching bubble wrapped
solid matter(s) such as pill(s), capsule(s), and softgel(s) or
combinations thereof, to the container.
[0028] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the container with upper 601
and lower parts 602 attached to each other. FIG. 7 is an
illustration of the container where the lower container 701 is
released from the upper chamber 702. FIG. 8 is an illustration of
the container 801 and several methods of attachments. FIG. 9 is an
illustration of lower container 901 showing the partitioned
chambers 910, 911. FIG. 10 is an illustration of lower container
104 with adjustable hole 105 where the contents of the container
can be released. FIG. 11 is an illustration of base container
showing the top 107, compartment sides 110, bottom 108 and a
capsule 109 held in one of the compartments.
[0029] In one embodiment the upper chamber is designed to contain
liquid compounds, whereas the lower detachable chamber is designed
to contain solid matters such as pills and capsules. In another
embodiment, the upper chamber is designed to contain liquid
compound, whereas the lower detachable chamber is designed to
contain powder material. In other embodiments both the upper and
lower chambers contain liquid compositions.
[0030] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the liquid
container may comprise the lower container and the cap may be
adapted to hold multiple compartments for solids. These solids may
comprise pills, capsules, geltabs, tablets, softgel tabs, etc. In
another embodiment, the cap may be adapted to comprise a recessed
area wherein a capsule may be stored. It will be appreciated that
the solid and liquid may comprise a single dose of the
nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or polyceutical compositions.
Although the disclosure is not limited to any size, in one
embodiment the liquid container holding a single dose may be
approximately 1 oz (29.5 ml).
[0031] Another component of this invention is the apparatus and
methods of packaging liquid and solids components in one easy to
carry packaging system. In one embodiment the packaging system is
comprised of an outer box with various opening showcasing the
product(s) inside. Said box will have an extension extruding from
the top of the lid with an opening/window housing the solids. In
another embodiment the packaging consists of a platform or card
where a liquid filled container as well as the solid nutraceutical,
pharmaceutical or polyceutical components such as pill(s),
capsule(s), and softgel(s) will be placed and attached to the
platform by various methods such as shrink wrap/heat wrap.
[0032] In another embodiment, the upper chamber holding the liquid
product may have a conventional twist off cap. The cap may contain
a separate component into which the product may be poured in a
correct dosage amount. The cap may have a flip top cap wherein the
top flap of the cap can be hingeably flipped open, revealing the
opening through which the liquid product can be pored. In another
embodiment, the upper chamber can have a non-recloseable pull tab
or "pop top" opening. In another embodiment, the liquid product can
be in a squeezable tube container. Having the liquid in a highly
viscous state reduces the water, alcohol or other medium which
dilutes the product. Accordingly a greater number of doses can be
held within the upper chamber.
[0033] In another embodiment, the lower chamber can consist of four
separate chambers. Each chamber can have a daily dosage of product.
There being four days of solid product (pills, capsules, gel tabs,)
and the upper chamber can contain four days worth of liquid
product. In an alternative embodiment, the solid content and
chambers could be divided between AM and PM products. It will be
appreciated the liquid dose may be taken with the solid dose, e.g.,
a capsule, to ease the swallowing of the solid dose.
[0034] In yet another embodiment the lower chamber could hold 8
compartments or any other number of compartments. In one
embodiment, each compartment could be accessed by a snap closing
hingeable flip cover. Each compartment would have its own flip
cover. In another embodiment, there may be a single snap flip cover
and the compartments rotate in relationship to the covered opening.
In another embodiment, the outer circumference of the base could
have a rotatable hole covered with a tearable foil cover which
would allow the user to open and turn the base to access the
various compartments. The chamber component or compartment opening
can be rotated from the bottom of the lower chamber. In another
embodiment the bottom of the lower chamber could comprise clear
plastic to facilitate the user knowing if additional pills,
capsules, etc. are in the bottom chamber.
[0035] In another embodiment the lower chamber, forming the
container base, can be attached with threads to the upper chamber
so that the lower chamber can be twisted off and on. In yet another
embodiment, the lower container can incorporate a protrusion
aligned with the center axis of the upper and lower container. This
protrusion can be fitted into an indention in the bottom of the
upper container. The combination of the protrusion (or stem) and
the indentation can form the attachment mechanism of upper and
lower containers. It will be appreciated that the containers can be
removably attached. It will be appreciated that the upper and lower
containers may rotate relative to the other.
[0036] Other combinations will become apparent to persons skilled
in the art after reading this disclosure.
[0037] This specification is to be construed as illustrative only
and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the
manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that
the forms of the invention herein shown and described are to be
taken as the presently preferred embodiments. As already stated,
various changes may be made in the shape, size and arrangement of
components or adjustments made in the steps of the method without
departing from the scope of this invention. For example, equivalent
elements may be substituted for those illustrated and described
herein and certain features of the invention may be utilized
independently of the use of other features, all as would be
apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this
description of the invention.
[0038] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications are possible without departing
from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is
only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.
* * * * *