U.S. patent application number 13/883901 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for blister packaging for liquid.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is Berthold Lange, Wolfgang Stoeters, Tanja Thiele, Markus Voigt. Invention is credited to Berthold Lange, Wolfgang Stoeters, Tanja Thiele, Markus Voigt.
Application Number | 20130341231 13/883901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43757877 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130341231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lange; Berthold ; et
al. |
December 26, 2013 |
BLISTER PACKAGING FOR LIQUID
Abstract
A packaging is proposed, particularly a blister packaging,
having at least one cavity for holding a liquid. The packaging
comprises a capillary stop for the liquid which surrounds the
cavity.
Inventors: |
Lange; Berthold; (Werne,
DE) ; Stoeters; Wolfgang; (Muelheim/Ruhr, DE)
; Thiele; Tanja; (Herne, DE) ; Voigt; Markus;
(Brackel, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lange; Berthold
Stoeters; Wolfgang
Thiele; Tanja
Voigt; Markus |
Werne
Muelheim/Ruhr
Herne
Brackel |
|
DE
DE
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS
GMBH
Dortmund
DE
|
Family ID: |
43757877 |
Appl. No.: |
13/883901 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
November 8, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP11/05592 |
371 Date: |
July 31, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/461 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2575/3218 20130101;
B65D 75/326 20130101; B65D 75/327 20130101; B65D 51/2821
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/461 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/28 20060101
B65D051/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 10, 2010 |
EP |
10014435.1 |
Claims
1. Packaging (1) having at least one cavity (2) for holding a
liquid (3), the packaging (1) comprising a support (4) and a cover
(5), between which the cavity (2) is formed and which are connected
or connectable with one another in a connecting region (6)
surrounding the cavity (2), characterised in that the packaging (1)
comprises a capillary stop (7) for the liquid (2), which is
arranged between the cavity (2) and the connecting region (6) or in
the connecting region (6).
2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the
capillary stop (7) surrounds the cavity (2) circumferentially,
annularly or concentrically or a combination thereof.
3. Packaging according to claim 2, characterised in that the
capillary stop (7) is formed by a depression (8) in the support (4)
or the cover (5).
4. Packaging according to claim 3, characterised in that the
depression (8) is embodied as a groove, channel or ring or a
combination thereof.
5. Packaging according to claim 3, characterised in that the
depression (8) has a depth of at least 0.3 mm, and a width of at
least 1 mm.
6. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that an annular
region (9) laterally adjoining the cavity (2) is arranged or formed
between the capillary stop (7) and the cavity (2).
7. Packaging according to claim 6, characterised in that the
connecting region (6) and the annular region (9) are located at
least substantially in one plane (10).
8. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the
connecting region (6) and the capillary stop (7) are located at
least substantially in one plane (10).
9. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the
connecting region (6) is of at least substantially planar
configuration.
10. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the
support (4) and the cover (5) are connected or connectable to one
another in the connecting region (6) in at least substantially
fluidtight, gastight, continuous, annular or circumferential manner
or a combination thereof.
11. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the
support (4) and the cover (5) are connected or connectable to one
another in the connecting region (6) by adhesion, heat-sealing or
welding.
12. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the
support (4) is deep-drawn or thermoformed in parts to form the
cavity (2) or the capillary stop (7).
13. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the
support (4) is made from plastics, film or a composite material or
a combination thereof.
14. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover
(5) is embodied to be at least substantially flat or smooth or a
combination thereof.
15. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover
(5) is made from plastics, film or a composite material or a
combination thereof.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging, particularly
blister packaging, having at least one cavity for holding a liquid,
according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] The present invention relates to the admission of a liquid
into a packaging, particularly a blister packaging. The liquid is
admitted into a cavity in the packaging. The cavity is formed in
particular by a blister. The following description is therefore
directed to a blister pack or to a blister for holding a liquid,
even if the present invention is not restricted to this but may
also preferably be used in other liquid packaging.
[0003] The filling of one or more cavities with substances, solid
objects or liquids is known, for example, from the field of
so-called visual packaging or blister packs. Blister packs are used
in various sectors and industrial fields and are provided with at
least one cavity into which the contents to be packed therein are
introduced. As a rule the contents of the cavity are visible from
outside. However, the blister packs may also cover or encase the
contents or the liquid contained therein in airtight or concealed
manner.
[0004] A typical blister pack usually comprises two films which in
turn may be made up of several layers of different or identical
materials. The films are generally made of plastics and/or metal,
e.g., aluminium, while other materials such as paper or the like
may theoretically also be used, or used in addition. The two films
are, in particular, a base layer or base film (support) and a cover
layer or cover film (cover).
[0005] In the base film or support there may be one or more wells
or depressions for holding the liquid, into which the liquid,
particularly a pharmaceutical formulation, is introduced. The cover
film or the cover is then placed on the base film or support and
fixed or attached thereto, and this is done, for example, at the
edges or in a connecting region, particularly in flatly abutting
surface regions, preferably by adhesion, heat-sealing, welding or
the like.
[0006] DE 103 43 668 A1 discloses a particularly leaktight blister
pack for medicaments; the filling of the blister pack is not
described in detail.
[0007] DE 20 2007 003 050 U1 discloses a blister pack for a liquid
active substance. Here, the active substance is supposed to be
released into the environment by diffusion. However, this is
precisely what the packaging according to the invention sets out to
prevent.
[0008] The present invention relates in particular to total filling
of a cavity of packaging, particularly blister packaging, with a
liquid. Particularly preferably the intention is to enable or
assist filling without any gas or air bubbles. Total filling of
this kind is necessary, for example, when a blister pack is fitted
to a medical cartridge or arrangement (for example, a so-called
biosensor) and the liquid introduced into the cavity of the blister
pack, particularly provided with a reagent or a number of reagents,
is supposed to initiate or permit a certain analytical reaction in
the cartridge. The cartridge will then usually comprise a
microfluidic system. To ensure that an analytical reaction to be
performed by the liquid is not falsified or influenced, it may also
be necessary for the liquid to be transferred to the cartridge with
no gas or air bubbles after the cavity has been opened. This
presupposes, among other things, that the cavity of the blister
pack is itself completely filled with the liquid, i.e., with no gas
or air bubbles. However, total filling of the cavity or of a
blister with the liquid may also be desirable or necessary for
other reasons, for example, with a view to ease of storage,
resistance to changes in air pressure or the like.
[0009] The present invention is based on the problem of providing a
packaging, particularly blister packaging, having a cavity for
holding a liquid, in which total filling of the cavity,
particularly a blister, with the liquid and/or leaktight sealing of
the cavity is assisted or enabled.
[0010] The above problem is solved by a packaging according to
claim 1. Advantageous further features are the subject of the
sub-claims.
[0011] It is proposed that the packaging should comprise a
capillary stop for the liquid. The capillary stop is arranged
between the cavity and a connecting region or in the connecting
region in which the base film or support on the one hand and the
cover film or cover on the other hand are connected, or
connectable, with one another. The capillary stop serves to prevent
or at least limit or reduce the outflow or diffusion of the liquid
from the cavity between the support and cover or the formation of a
film of liquid - particularly in flatly abutting surface regions of
the support and cover.
[0012] After the support or a depression in the support forming the
cavity has been filled with the liquid, the depression is normally
initially (loosely) covered with the cover or the cover film and
then the cover is connected to the support, particularly in the
flatly abutting surface regions, or in the connecting region. Tests
have shown that the liquid can flow or diffuse into the gap between
the cover and support, in the abutting surface regions,
particularly by capillary forces, and indeed can flow into the
intended connecting region or beyond it. As a result the cover and
support may not be (sufficiently) well or totally connected in the
connecting region in conventional packaging. The capillary stop
ensures that the liquid is prevented from flowing (onwards) into
the connecting region.
[0013] Accordingly, the proposed solution or the capillary stop
assists with a secure and leaktight connection of the cover and
support in the connecting region or in the connecting region on the
outside adjacent to the capillary stop. Consequently, the proposed
solution or the capillary stop assists with total filling of the
packaging or cavity with liquid. The capillary stop in fact also
ensures that after filling, liquid cannot flow out of the cavity in
an undesirable manner, particularly as a result of the capillary
effect of the abutting surface regions of the cover and support,
before the packaging or the cavity or blister is finally
sealed.
[0014] By the term "capillary stop" is generally meant, in
particular, according to the present invention, a means that
prevents onward flow of the liquid by capillary forces. Preferably,
the capillary stop is formed by an, in particular, abrupt
enlargement of the cross-section, through which the liquid is to
flow. Particularly preferably, the capillary stop is formed for
this purpose by a depression in the support and/or in the cover.
The depression is more particularly in the form of a groove,
channel and/or ring. This ensures ease of production, particularly
using the tools, machines and/or processes that are conventionally
utilised precisely for blister packaging.
[0015] The capillary stop preferably surrounds the cavity
circumferentially and/or concentrically. This allows a simple
and/or compact design and/or prevents unwanted penetration of
liquid from the cavity into an outwardly adjacent region.
[0016] Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the
present invention will be apparent from the claims and the
following description of a preferred embodiment by reference to the
drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic section through packaging
according to the prior art; and
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic section through proposed
packaging.
[0019] In the Figures the same reference numerals have been used
for identical or similar parts where corresponding or comparable
properties and advantages are achieved, even if the description is
not repeated.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows in diagrammatic section a packaging 1
fundamentally known from the prior art, having at least one cavity
2 for holding a liquid 3.
[0021] The packaging 1 seals in the liquid 3 preferably at least
substantially in fluidtight and/or gastight manner.
[0022] The packaging 1 is embodied in particular as a blister pack.
The cavity 2 is formed in particular by a blister of the packaging
1 or blister pack.
[0023] The liquid 3 is, in particular, an investigation liquid, a
washing liquid, a reaction liquid, a solvent or the like,
particularly preferably for use in a microfluidic system for
determining an analyte or value and/or for investigating, in
particular, a preferably biological sample or the like.
[0024] The packaging 1 comprises a support 4 and an associated
cover 5.
[0025] The support 4 is, in particular, an at least substantially
flat or planar element and/or flat material and/or a base layer or
base film or the like.
[0026] The support 4 may be relatively rigid or else flexible
and/or deformable at least in some areas. Preferably, the support 4
has relatively great rigidity or strength in its main direction or
plane of extent.
[0027] In the embodiment shown, the support 4 is preferably more
rigid or stiff in construction than the cover 5 and/or sufficiently
rigid to at least substantially or primarily determine the
deformation of the packaging 1.
[0028] The cover 5 is preferably an at least substantially flat or
planar and/or smooth element or flat material and/or a cover layer
or cover film, particularly preferably for flatly covering the
associated support 4.
[0029] Preferably, the support 4 and/or the cover 5 is or are
embodied as a film and/or made of film, plastics, metal and/or a
composite material containing plastics and/or metal, in
particular.
[0030] The support 4 and the cover 5 may theoretically be made from
the same material. In the embodiment shown, the support 4 and the
cover 5 are, however, preferably made from different materials.
[0031] The cover 5 is preferably of flexible and/or deformable
construction and is in particular capable of being opened, for
example by tearing open, pressing in, piercing or the like,
particularly preferably in order to take out or dispense the liquid
3. Alternatively or additionally, the support 4 may also be
openable in corresponding manner.
[0032] At least one cavity 2 for holding the liquid 3 is formed
between the support 4 and the cover 5. Particularly preferably, a
number of cavities 2 are formed.
[0033] In particular the packaging 1 or the support 4 and/or cover
5 may particularly preferably comprise a strip of continuous
material or the like. The continuous material can then be divided
or separated into individual packages 1 each having at least one
cavity 2 for holding the liquid 3, before or preferably after the
introduction of the liquid 3, as required. The following
description will detail only the preferred construction of a cavity
2, even though the continuous material or the packaging 1 may
comprise several such cavities 2, optionally also of different
sizes and/or containing different liquids 3.
[0034] In order to form the cavity 2, a depression or concavity is
preferably formed in the support 4 and/or cover 5, preferably only
in the support 4, in the embodiment shown, as illustrated in FIG.
1. The depression or concavity is particularly in the form of a
well. The depression or cavity 2 is produced in particular by
thermoforming and/or deep-drawing, in this case of the support
4.
[0035] After the introduction of the liquid 3 into the depression
or concavity or cavity 2--in the support 4 according to the
embodiment shown--the packaging 1 or cavity 2 is closed or sealed.
To do this the cover 5 is placed on top and at least partly
attached to the support 4 in a connecting region 6. The connecting
region 6 is formed in particular in the region of flatly abutting
surface regions of the support 4 and cover 5. The connecting region
6 adjoins the cavity 2, particularly laterally and/or
circumferentially. For example, the connecting region may surround
the cavity 2 in an annular configuration.
[0036] The connecting region 6 or, in the case of a plurality of
cavities, the plurality of connecting regions 6, is or are
preferably located in a plane and/or in the main plane of extent 10
and/or on a flat side of the packaging, the support and/or cover 5.
In particular, the connecting region 6 surrounds the cavity 2 in
question in a circumferential and/or annular manner.
[0037] The connecting of the support 4 and cover 5 is preferably
carried out by heat-sealing, welding, adhesion and/or any other
suitable method.
[0038] The support 4 and the cover 5 are connected or connectable
with one another in the connecting region 6 at least substantially
in fluidtight manner, in particular in at least substantially
gastight, continuous, annular and/or circumferential manner.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows, in a highly diagrammatic, unrealistic
representation, the packaging 1 after the introduction of the
liquid 3 and with the cover 5 already loosely placed on the support
4. FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows that the liquid 3 can penetrate
into the connecting region 6, particularly from the cavity 2,
and/or may remain in the connecting region 6, for example, when the
cavity 2 is being filled with liquid. This film of liquid which
extends into the connecting region 6 and/or at least partly covers
the latter, may impede or even prevent the secure and/or leaktight
connection of the support 4 and cover 5 in the connecting region 6
or hermetic sealing of the cavity 2. In particular, an unwanted
cushion of liquid may form in the connecting region 6 or between
the support 4 and cover 5. Tests have shown that in a packaging 1
of this kind, a substantial loss of liquid often occurs
particularly in the first few days after filling and sealing of the
packaging 1 or after placing it in storage. This may be explained
by the fact that liquid 3 is enclosed in the connecting plane or in
the connecting region 6 and as a result of reduced adhesion it may
diffuse out or escape over time.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows, in a diagrammatic section corresponding to
FIG. 1, the packaging 1 provided with a stop structure as proposed.
The packaging 1 differs from the packaging shown and described in
FIG. 1 particularly only by the formation of a structure for
catching or stopping or impeding the liquid 3 in the connecting
plane or connecting region 6. This structure is particularly
preferably formed by a capillary stop 7 in the embodiment shown.
However, other structures may theoretically also be used.
[0041] The term "capillary stop" is preferably to be understood in
the sense stated hereinbefore in connection with the general
description of the invention. However, the term "capillary stop"
should preferably also be understood as another structure for
stopping or at least holding back liquid 3. It is, in particular, a
structure obtained by deformation and/or geometric shaping.
[0042] The capillary stop 7 prevents the liquid 3 or liquid film
from being able to flow or run (further) into the connecting region
6.
[0043] The capillary stop 7 particularly prevents liquid 3 from
moving beyond the capillary stop 7 into the outer region or
connecting region 6 during the closure phase or closing of the
packaging 1 or cavity 2--i.e., of the blister formed by the cavity
2 in the embodiment shown--and adversely affecting the adhesion
and/or the uniform or leaktight connection of the support 4 and
cover 5 there. Moreover, the contamination of the environment is
prevented or at least minimised by stopping liquid 3 from escaping.
Moreover, the inclusion of air or gas in the cavity 2 is reduced or
ideally prevented altogether.
[0044] The capillary stop 7 is formed in particular by a recess 8
in the support 4 and/or cover 5--in the support 4 in the embodiment
shown. Particularly preferably, the depression 8, like the cavity
2, is produced by deep-drawing and/or thermoforming.
[0045] The capillary stop 7 or the depression 8 surrounds the
cavity 2 preferably circumferentially, annularly and/or
concentrically.
[0046] The capillary stop 7 or the depression 8 is preferably
embodied as a groove, channel and/or ring.
[0047] The capillary stop 7 or the depression 8 preferably has a
depth of at least 0.3 mm, particularly substantially 0.5 mm or
more, and/or a width of at least 1 mm, particularly substantially 2
mm or more.
[0048] The capillary stop 7 is preferably arranged between the
connecting region 6 and the cavity 2. Alternatively, however, the
capillary stop 7 may also be arranged in the connecting region
6.
[0049] The capillary stop 7 is preferably arranged in the
connecting plane 10 of the packaging 2 or in or on the flat side of
the support 4.
[0050] The capillary stop 7 is preferably arranged in the region of
flatly abutting surface regions of the support 4 and cover 5.
Between the capillary stop 7 and the cavity is preferably arranged
or formed an annular region 9 that laterally adjoins the cavity 2.
The capillary stop 7 is preferably spaced from the cavity 2 on all
sides, uniformly and/or radially.
[0051] Preferably, the connecting region 6, the capillary stop 7
and/or the annular region 9 are located at least substantially in a
plane or in the main plane of extent 10 of the packaging 1.
[0052] The spacing of the capillary stop 7 from the cavity 2 or the
width of the annular region 6 is preferably at least 1 mm,
particularly substantially 2 mm more.
[0053] If required, a plurality of capillary stops 7 may also be
arranged one behind the other and/or concentrically.
[0054] In the closed state the cover 5 may either cover the
capillary stop 7 or its depression 8 smoothly or in planar fashion
and/or it may be deformed into the capillary stop 7 or its
depression 8.
[0055] In the embodiment shown the capillary stop 7 is arranged
(radially) within the connecting region 6.
[0056] In the embodiment shown the connecting region 6 preferably
directly adjoins the capillary stop 7 radially or externally.
However, the connecting region 6 may also be arranged at a spacing
from the capillary stop 7 or vice versa.
[0057] Alternatively, the capillary stop 7 may also be arranged in
the connecting region 6. The capillary stop 7 then ensures that at
least in the region of the connecting region 6, which is on the
side of the capillary stop 7 remote from the cavity, a good
connection is made possible, particularly as the occurrence of a
liquid film or liquid cushion or liquid 3 is prevented or at least
minimised there.
List of Reference Numerals
[0058] 1 packaging
[0059] 2 cavity
[0060] 3 liquid
[0061] 4 support
[0062] 5 cover
[0063] 6 connecting region
[0064] 7 capillary stop
[0065] 8 depression
[0066] 9 annular region
[0067] 10 plane
* * * * *